Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass and Risk of Stroke and Death in Patients With Symptomatic Artery Occlusion: The CMOSS Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Prior trials of extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery showed no benefit for stroke prevention in patients with atherosclerotic occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA), but there have been subsequent improvements in surgical techniques and patient selection. Objective: To evaluate EC-IC bypass surgery in symptomatic patients with atherosclerotic occlusion of the ICA or MCA, using refined patient and operator selection. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a randomized, open-label, outcome assessor-blinded trial conducted at 13 centers in China. A total of 324 patients with ICA or MCA occlusion with transient ischemic attack or nondisabling ischemic stroke attributed to hemodynamic insufficiency based on computed tomography perfusion imaging were recruited between June 2013 and March 2018 (final follow-up: March 18, 2020). Interventions: EC-IC bypass surgery plus medical therapy (surgical group; n = 161) or medical therapy alone (medical group; n = 163). Medical therapy included antiplatelet therapy and stroke risk factor control. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was a composite of stroke or death within 30 days or ipsilateral ischemic stroke beyond 30 days through 2 years after randomization. There were 9 secondary outcomes, including any stroke or death within 2 years and fatal stroke within 2 years. Results: Among 330 patients who were enrolled, 324 patients were confirmed eligible (median age, 52.7 years; 257 men [79.3%]) and 309 (95.4%) completed the trial. For the surgical group vs medical group, no significant difference was found for the composite primary outcome (8.6% [13/151] vs 12.3% [19/155]; incidence difference, -3.6% [95% CI, -10.1% to 2.9%]; hazard ratio [HR], 0.71 [95% CI, 0.33-1.54]; P = .39). The 30-day risk of stroke or death was 6.2% (10/161) in the surgical group and 1.8% (3/163) in the medical group, and the risk of ipsilateral ischemic stroke beyond 30 days through 2 years was 2.0% (3/151) and 10.3% (16/155), respectively. Of the 9 prespecified secondary end points, none showed a significant difference including any stroke or death within 2 years (9.9% [15/152] vs 15.3% [24/157]; incidence difference, -5.4% [95% CI, -12.5% to 1.7%]; HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.34-1.39]; P = .30) and fatal stroke within 2 years (2.0% [3/150] vs 0% [0/153]; incidence difference, 1.9% [95% CI, -0.2% to 4.0%]; P = .08). Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with symptomatic ICA or MCA occlusion and hemodynamic insufficiency, the addition of bypass surgery to medical therapy did not significantly change the risk of the composite outcome of stroke or death within 30 days or ipsilateral ischemic stroke beyond 30 days through 2 years. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01758614.

Mönckeberg Medial Arteriosclerosis in a Geriatric Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease and Poorly Controlled Diabetes Reporting for a Dental Recall Visit.

Mönckeberg medial arteriosclerosis is a condition characterized by the calcification of the tunica media layer of the blood vessels that are visible on plain radiography or sectional tomography. In dentistry, a properly acquired panoramic radiograph may show the condition incidentally. It is also known as medial arterial calcinosis and can be associated with diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease. This condition is different from the more common atherosclerosis where the tunica intima remains unaffected, and the diameter of the vessel lumen is preserved. Dental treatment can be performed when the patient is stable with medically controlled diabetes.

Intracranial Carotid Arteriosclerosis Mediates the Association Between Blood Pressure and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial arteriosclerosis could explain the association between blood pressure (BP) and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Therefore, we tested whether intracranial carotid artery calcification (ICAC) mediates the association between BP and CSVD and determined pathophysiological mechanisms based on ICAC subtypes. METHODS: One thousand four hundred fifty-eight stroke-free participants from the Rotterdam Study (mean age, 68 years; 52% women) underwent nonenhanced computed tomography scans to quantify ICAC volume (mm3) between 2003 and 2015. ICAC was categorized into intimal and internal elastic lamina calcifications. CSVD included white matter hyperintensities volume, the presence of lacunes, and cerebral microbleeds visualized on magnetic resonance imaging. Office BP included systolic BP, diastolic BP, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure. Mediation analysis included a 2-way decomposition to determine the direct association between BP and CSVD and the indirect or mediated effect (negative or positive mediations expressed in %) of log-ICAC volume on such association. RESULTS: BP and log-ICAC were correlated and were also associated with CSVD. In all participants, total log-ICAC volume mediated the association of diastolic BP (-14.5%) and pulse pressure (16.5%) with log-white matter hyperintensities. Internal elastic lamina log-ICAC volume mediated -19.5% of the association between diastolic BP and log-white matter hyperintensities; intimal log-ICAC volume did not mediate associations. For lacunes, total and internal elastic lamina log-ICAC volume mediated the association of diastolic BP (-40% and -45.8%) and pulse pressure (26.9% and 18.2%). We did not observe mediations for cerebral microbleeds. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial arteriosclerosis mediates the association between BP and CSVD. Internal elastic lamina calcification, considered a proxy of arterial stiffness, is the leading mechanism explaining the link between BP and CSVD.

Calcified facial and maxillary arteries: Incidental radiographic findings indicative of Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW: Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by dystrophic calcifications within the tunica media of small- and medium-sized arteries, leading to reduced arterial compliance. The authors report a case discovered incidentally on dental radiographs. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 78-year-old man with a complex medical history was seen for routine oral health care. Panoramic and bite-wing radiographs revealed a tortuous, linear calcification in the area of the left mandibular first molar anterior to the angle of the mandible and suggestive of a calcified facial artery. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Medical radiologists have used the presence of arterial calcifications to determine the severity and prognosis of such diseases as primary hyperparathyroidism, secondary hyperparathyroidism, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. The presence of Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis on dental radiographs can help oral health care professionals identify patients with undiagnosed systemic disease.

Autologous adipose mesenchymal stem cell administration in arteriosclerosis and potential for anti-aging application: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Arteriosclerosis is an age-related disease and a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. In animal experiments, mesenchymal stem cells and its culture-conditioned medium have been shown to be promising tools for prevention or treatment of arteriosclerosis. On the basis of these evidences, we aimed to assess whether administration of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSC) is safe and effective for treatment of arteriosclerosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of patients with arteriosclerosis who had received autologous Ad-MSC administration at our clinic. Patients' characteristics were recorded and data on lipid profile, intimal-media thickness (IMT), cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), and ankle-brachial index (ABI) before and after Ad-MSC administration were collected and compared. RESULTS: Treatment with Ad-MSC significantly improved HDL, LDL, and remnant-like particle (RLP) cholesterol levels. No adverse effect or toxicity was observed in relation to the treatment. Of the patients with abnormal HDL values before treatment, the vast majority showed improvement in the values. Overall, the measurements after treatment were significantly increased compared with those before treatment (p < 0.01). In addition, decreases in LDL cholesterol and RLP levels were observed after treatment in patients who had abnormal LDL cholesterol or RLP levels before treatment. The majority of patients with pre-treatment abnormal CAVI values had improved values after treatment. In patients with available IMT values, a significant decrease in the IMT values was found after therapy (p < 0.01). All patients with borderline arteriosclerosis disease had improved laboratory findings after treatment. In general, post-treatment values were significantly decreased as compared with pre-treatment values. Of the patients with normal ABI values before treatment at the same time as CAVI, the vast majority remained normal after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that Ad-MSC administration is safe and effective in patients developing arteriosclerosis, thereby providing an attractive tool for anti-aging application.

Expanding Phenotype of Schimke Immuno-Osseous Dysplasia: Congenital Anomalies of the Kidneys and of the Urinary Tract and Alteration of NK Cells.

Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD) is a rare multisystemic disorder with a variable clinical expressivity caused by biallelic variants in SMARCAL1. A phenotype-genotype correlation has been attempted and variable expressivity of biallelic SMARCAL1 variants may be associated with environmental and genetic disturbances of gene expression. We describe two siblings born from consanguineous parents with a diagnosis of SIOD revealed by whole exome sequencing (WES). Results: A homozygous missense variant in the SMARCAL1 gene (c.1682G>A; p.Arg561His) was identified in both patients. Despite carrying the same variant, the two patients showed substantial renal and immunological phenotypic differences. We describe features not previously associated with SIOD-both patients had congenital anomalies of the kidneys and of the urinary tract and one of them succumbed to a classical type congenital mesoblastic nephroma. We performed an extensive characterization of the immunophenotype showing combined immunodeficiency characterized by a profound lymphopenia, lack of thymic output, defective IL-7Rα expression, and disturbed B plasma cells differentiation and immunoglobulin production in addition to an altered NK-cell phenotype and function. Conclusions: Overall, our results contribute to extending the phenotypic spectrum of features associated with SMARCAL1 mutations and to better characterizing the underlying immunologic disorder with critical implications for therapeutic and management strategies.

Association between ossification of the longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine and arteriosclerosis in the carotid artery.

Although several risk factors have been reported for cervical ossification of the longitudinal ligament (OPLL), most evaluations made in the past were based on plain X-ray, not on computed tomography (CT) scan. In this study, we aimed to clarify novel risk factors for cervical OPLL in asymptomatic subjects undergoing CT scan as their routine medical checkups. A total of 1789 Japanese asymptomatic subjects who underwent CT scan for the whole body as their routine medical checkups were retrospectively reviewed. The medical checkup also included laboratory examinations, bone mineral status, and ultrasound of the carotid artery. As a result, cervical OPLL was seen in 120 subjects (6.7%). As we compared the demographic and clinical data between subjects with and without OPLL, OPLL group showed older age, higher proportion of male sex, higher BMI, higher incidence of hypertension, higher levels of blood HbA1c and triglyceride, and higher incidence of plaques in the carotid artery. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (Odds ratio (OR):1.03), male sex (OR: 1.91), and the presence of plaque in the carotid artery (OR: 1.71) were risk factors for OPLL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to reveal an association between OPLL and arteriosclerotic lesions.

Surgical versus endovascular revascularization of subclavian artery arteriosclerotic disease.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment offers an alternative, less invasive approach to open repair for subclavian artery atherosclerotic disease (SAAD). However, only few studies compared the outcomes of both strategies in the long run. This study reports on the performance of endovascular and surgical revascularization for SAAD. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on patients treated for SAAD at two institutions between January 1998 and December 2015. Primary outcome of this study was the composite endpoint of reintervention-free survival (RFS) defined as time to reintervention and/or death from any cause. Secondary endpoints included primary patency (PPR) and secondary patency (SPR) rates as well as overall survival and time to reintervention. RESULTS: Surgical treatment was the preferred treatment option in 27 (25%) patients, while 83 (75%) patients underwent primary stent therapy. The median follow-up was 87 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 38 to 151) in the surgical group and 27 (IQR: 12 to 59) in the endovascular (P=0.0001). Severe arterial wall calcification was more commonly observed in the surgical arm (P<0.0001), while mild and moderate calcification in the endovascular (P=0.0004 and P=0.014). Vessel occlusion was more frequent among patients treated surgically (100% vs. 34%, P<0.0001). At 98 months RFS was significantly higher after surgical treatment (95% vs. 54%, HR: 8.4, 95% CI: 3.9 to 18.1, P=0.0002). Although overall survival did not differ significantly between the two groups (HR: 4.28, 95% CI: 0.86 to 21.22, P=0.093), open repair was associated with reduced reintervention rate (HR: 12.04, 95% CI: 4.98 to 29.12, P=0.001). The PPR at 98 months following surgical and endovascular therapy amounted to 96% and 65% (HR: 12.87, 95% CI: 5.44 to 30.44, P=0.0008) respectively. No significant difference was observed regarding the SPR between the two groups (100% vs. 95%, P=0.090). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment was associated in this cohort with increased patency and a significant reduction of reinterventions compared to the endovascular approach.

Janus Ag/Ag2S beads as efficient photothermal agents for the eradication of inflammation and artery stenosis.

Janus heterostructural materials as photothermal agents with enhanced optical conversion capability are promising for artery inflammation treatment by the hyperthermia of macrophages, a primordial part in the artery inflammation response that can deteriorate into atherosclerosis and even break the vessels. Herein, a synthesis route of Janus Ag/Ag2S beads with hydrophilic ligands has been developed with a precise control over concentration, time and surface functionalization. These Ag/Ag2S heterodimers show desirable sizes of around 90 nm in diameter, in which Ag nanocrystals have a diameter of around 25 nm, and they exhibit a photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 50.0% as well as relatively low biotoxicity and good biocompatibility. Importantly, the as-prepared Janus Ag/Ag2S beads with a high biological safety can be effectively swallowed by macrophages and have a remarkable benefit of eliminating these cells from the original state of artery inflammation through the excellent photothermal effect of this material, without causing any further damage to the arteries and major organs in vivo. This study further promotes the development of treatment for vascular inflammation by the photothermal melting of macrophage cells in intima environments.

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: A Novel Mechanism for Neurological Complications in Schimke Immuno-osseous Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia is a rare autosomal recessive disease resulting from biallelic SMARCAL1 mutations. It presents in early childhood and is characterized by short stature, nephropathy, and immunodeficiency. Approximately 50% of those affected have neurological complications including migraines, transient ischemic attacks, and strokes. METHODS: We present a six-year-old boy with Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia without evidence of atherosclerosis with recurrent episodes of severe headache, fluctuating hemiparesis, and aphasia. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography were normal during the initial episode; multiple areas of reversible restricted diffusion with decreased perfusion and arterial stenosis were seen with subsequent attacks. CONCLUSIONS: This constellation of symptoms and imaging findings is suggestive of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, which we propose as a mechanism for the transient ischemic attacks and infarcts seen in some patients with Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia, as opposed to accelerated atherosclerosis alone. This new insight may provide a basis for novel preventative therapy in this rare disorder.

Intima-Media Thickness in the Carotid and Femoral Arteries for Detection of Arteriosclerosis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Individuals / Espessamento Mediointimal nas Carótidas e Femorais para Detectar Aterosclerose em Pessoas que Vivem com o Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana

Abstract Background: The prevalence of atherosclerosis is higher in HIV-positive people, who also experience it earlier than the general population. Objectives: To assess and compare the prevalence of atherosclerosis evaluated by the intima-media thickness of carotid and femoral arteries, and by the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) in HIV patients treated or not treated with protease inhibitors (PIs) and controls. Methods: Eighty HIV+ subjects (40 using PIs and 40 not using PIs) and 65 controls were included in the study. Atherosclerosis was diagnosed by (carotid and femoral) ITM measurement and ABPI. Classical risk factors for atherosclerosis and HIV were compared between the groups by statistical tests. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: An IMT > P75 or the presence of plaque was higher in the HIV+ than in the control group (37.5% vs 19%, p = 0.04). Comparative analysis showed a significant difference (p=0.014) in carotid IMT between HIV+ with PIs (0.71 ± 0.28 mm), without PIs 0.63 ± 0.11 mm and, and controls (0.59 ± 0.11 mm). There was no significant difference in femoral IMT between the groups or in ABPI between HIV+ subjects and controls. However, a significant difference (p=0.015) was found between HIV+ patients not treated with PIs (1.17 [1.08 - 1.23]), and controls 1.08 [1.07 - 1.17]). Conclusion: In HIV patients, atherosclerosis is more prevalent and seems to occur earlier with particular characteristics compared with HIV-negative subjects.

Resumo Fundamento: Pessoas que vivem com o HIV (HIV +) têm maior prevalência de aterosclerose e a desenvolvem mais precocemente do que a população geral. Objetivos: Foi avaliar e comparar as prevalências de aterosclerose avaliada pela medida da espessura mediointimal (EMI) das carótidas comuns e femorais, e do índice tornozelo-braquial (ITB) nos grupos controle e HIV com e sem inibidores de protease (IPs). Métodos: Foram incluídas 80 pessoas com HIV + [40 usavam IPs e 40 não] e 65 controles. O diagnóstico de aterosclerose foi determinado pela medição da EMI (carótidas e femorais) e do ITB. Fatores de risco clássicos para aterosclerose e específicos para o HIV foram comparados entre os grupos, usando testes estatístcos. O valor de p ≤ 0,05 foi cosiderado significativo. Resultados: A EMI > P75 ou presença de placa foi mais elevada no grupo de HIV sem IP que no controle (37,5% vs 19%, p = 0,04). A análise comparativa mostrou diferença significativa (p=0,014) na EMI nas artérias carótidas entre HIV + com IPs (0,71 ± 0,28 mm), sem IPs (0,63 ± 0,11 mm) e controles (0,59 ± 0,11 mm), A EMI na femoral não teve diferença significante entre os grupos. Não houve diferença significante entre os grupos controle e de HIV + quanto ao ITB. No entanto, observou-se uma diferença significativa (p=0,015) no ITB entre os grupos HIV + sem IPs (1,17 [1,08 - 1,23]), e controles [1,08 (1,07 - 1,17)]. Conclusão: Em pacientes com HIV, a aterosclerose é mais prevalente e parece ocorrer mais precocemente, com características distintas, em comparação a indivíduos HIV-negativos.

Renal artery bilateral arteriosclerosis cause of resistant hypertension in hemodialysed patients.

We present the case of a 57-year-old hemodialysed male patient known with severe hypertension resistant to six classes of hypotensive medication, in maximal doses, correlated with increased ultrafiltration during the hemodialysis session. In this case, bilateral nephrectomy was performed as final treatment option for malignant hypertension, and histopathological examination of both kidneys emphasized arteriosclerosis lesions. The results consisted in better hypertension management, with a reduction in both the number and doses of antihypertensive drugs.

Association of Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Change in Arterial Stiffness With Gene Expression in the Twins UK Cohort.

We investigated whether expression of genes previously implicated in arterial stiffening associates with cross-sectional and longitudinal measures of arterial stiffness. Women from the Twins UK cohort (n=470, aged 39-81 years) had gene expression in lymphoblastoid cell lines measured using an Illumina microarray. Arterial stiffness was measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and carotid distensibility. A subsample (n=121) of women had repeat vascular measures after a mean±SD follow-up of 4.3±1.4 years. Associations of arterial phenotypes with gene expression levels were examined for 52 genes identified from previous association studies. The gene transcript most closely associated with pulse wave velocity in cross-sectional analysis was ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (P=0.012). Pleiotropic genetic effects accounted for 14% of the phenotypic correlation between ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase expression and pulse wave velocity. Progression of pulse wave velocity during the follow-up period best related to expression of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (ß=0.19, P=0.008) and collagen type IV α 1 (ß=0.32, P<0.0001). Gene transcripts most closely related to change in carotid distensibility during the follow-up period were endothelial nitric oxide synthase (ß=-0.20, P=0.005), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ß=-0.15, P=0.035), and B-cell CLL/lymphoma11B (ß=0.18, P=0.010). Expression levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme also related to progression in carotid diameter (ß=0.21, P=0.012). Expression levels of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase, involved in arterial calcification, and collagen type IV α 1, involved in collagen formation, correlate with aortic stiffening. These genes may be functional mediators of arterial stiffening.

Ultrasound molecular imaging: Moving toward clinical translation.

Ultrasound is a widely available, cost-effective, real-time, non-invasive and safe imaging modality widely used in the clinic for anatomical and functional imaging. With the introduction of novel molecularly-targeted ultrasound contrast agents, another dimension of ultrasound has become a reality: diagnosing and monitoring pathological processes at the molecular level. Most commonly used ultrasound molecular imaging contrast agents are micron sized, gas-containing microbubbles functionalized to recognize and attach to molecules expressed on inflamed or angiogenic vascular endothelial cells. There are several potential clinical applications currently being explored including earlier detection, molecular profiling, and monitoring of cancer, as well as visualization of ischemic memory in transient myocardial ischemia, monitoring of disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease, and assessment of arteriosclerosis. Recently, a first clinical grade ultrasound contrast agent (BR55), targeted at a molecule expressed in neoangiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2; VEGFR2) has been introduced and safety and feasibility of VEGFR2-targeted ultrasound imaging is being explored in first inhuman clinical trials in various cancer types. This review describes the design of ultrasound molecular imaging contrast agents, imaging techniques, and potential future clinical applications of ultrasound molecular imaging.

Extra- and intra-cranial arterial calcifications in adults depicted as incidental findings on cone beam CT images.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate, retrospectively, the gender- and age-related prevalence of incidentally found calcifications, depicted within the course of the extra- and intra-cranial portion of internal carotid artery (ICA), in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations in adults, and to assess their clinical significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of a pull of 700 CBCT examinations a total of 484 CBCT scans of adult patients were finally selected according to a set of pre-defined criteria. These were evaluated for arterial calcifications presence within the ICAs course according to gender and age criteria. RESULTS: In total, 492 calcifications were detected: 211 (42.88%) extra-cranial and 281 (57.11%) intra-cranial. Those were recorded in 150 scans (30.99%) and 161 scans (33.26%), respectively. Calcifications, with either extra- or intra-cranial allocation, were found more frequent in males than in females (all p-values < 0.05); also patients who presented with positive findings were older than those without findings (all p-values < 0.05). Furthermore, calcification presence with either extra- or intra-cranial allocation increases with age (all p-values < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant calcification frequencies were found within the ICA's course, in CBCT scans. Moreover, an increased incidence of either extra- or intra-cranial presence of these depictions and its relation to age and gender was documented.

Uremic toxicity and sclerostin in chronic kidney disease patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Sclerostin is a circulating inhibitor of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway and may have a role in chronic kidney disease (CKD)-mineral and bone disorder. Blood sclerostin levels are known to be elevated in patients undergoing maintenance dialysis. The aims of the present study were to evaluate sclerostin levels in patients at different CKD stages and study potential associations between sclerostin levels and (i) biochemical parameters that are disturbed in CKD, (ii) markers of vascular disease and (iii) mortality. METHODS: One hundred and forty patients at CKD stages 2-5D were included in the present study. Routine clinical biochemistry tests and assays for sclerostin, protein-bound uremic toxins (indoxylsulphate [IS] and p-cresyl sulphate [PCS]) and the toxin ß2 microglobulin (ß2M) were performed. Aortic and coronary calcification and arterial stiffness were assessed by multislice spiral computed tomography and pulse wave velocity measurements. The enrolled patients were prospectively monitored for mortality. RESULTS: Sclerostin levels were found to be elevated in CKD patients (especially those on hemodialysis). Furthermore, sclerostin levels were positively correlated with inflammation markers, phosphate, fibroblast growth factor 23, IS, PCS, ß2M and arterial stiffness. A multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that sclerostin levels were independently associated with IS, PCS and ß2M levels. Elevated serum sclerostin appeared to be associated with mortality (independently of age and inflammation). However, this association disappeared after adjustment for a propensity score including age, phosphate, interleukin-6, CKD stage and PCS. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that sclerostin levels are elevated in CKD patients and are associated with inflammation, vascular lesions, uremia and (potentially) mortality.

[Characterisation of factors associated with carotid stenosis in a population at high risk]. / Caracterizacion de factores asociados con estenosis carotidea en una poblacion de alto riesgo.

INTRODUCTION: Moderate to severe stenosis is the less prevalent among the forms of carotid atherosclerotic disease), but it carries a high risk of ischaemic stroke. AIM: To characterise factors associated with moderate to severe carotid stenosis in a high-risk population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed an analysis on traditional risk factors associated with carotid stenosis ≥50% in 533 patients who received Doppler ultrasound due to a history of stroke (34%) or who had = 2 of the risk factors: age ≥55 years (86%), hypertension (65%), dyslipidemia (52%), obesity (42%), diabetes (40%) or smoking (40%). RESULTS: The prevalence of carotid stenosis ≥50% was 7.1%, symptomatic (associated with stroke in congruent territory) in 5.6%, bilateral in 2.1% and bilateral symptomatic in 1.5%. A 36.8% of patients had moderate to severe load (≥4) of atherosclerotic plaques (25.9% moderate: 4-6 plaques, and 10.9% severe: ≥7 plaques). By multivariate analysis we identified the age ≥75 years, dyslipidemia, and smoking as factors independently associated with carotid stenosis ≥50%, and hypertension and smoking with symptomatic stenosis. The number of risk factors was strongly associated with the prevalence of carotid stenosis. Notably, neither diabetes nor obesity explained the degree of moderate to severe carotid stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: As forms of carotid atherosclerotic disease, moderate to severe stenosis is less frequent than a high burden of atherosclerotic plaques. Advanced age, smoking, dyslipidemia and hypertension are the main traditional risk factors associated with the degree of carotid stenosis.

TITLE: Caracterizacion de factores asociados con estenosis carotidea en una poblacion de alto riesgo.Introduccion. La estenosis moderada a grave es la forma de enfermedad carotidea aterosclerosa menos prevalente, pero que implica un alto riesgo de ictus isquemico. Objetivo. Caracterizar los factores asociados con la estenosis carotidea moderada a grave en una poblacion de alto riesgo. Pacientes y metodos. Realizamos un analisis de los factores de riesgo tradicionales asociados a estenosis carotidea >= 50% en 533 pacientes que recibieron evaluacion mediante ultrasonograma Doppler por historia de ictus (34%), o que contaban con al menos dos de los factores de riesgo: edad >= 55 años (86%), hipertension (65%), dislipidemia (52%), obesidad (42%), diabetes (40%) o tabaquismo (40%). Resultados. La prevalencia de estenosis carotidea >= 50% fue del 7,1%, sintomatica (asociada a ictus en territorio congruente) en el 5,6%, bilateral en el 2,1% y sintomatica bilateral en el 1,5%. Un 36,8% de los pacientes presento carga moderada a grave (>= 4) de placas de ateroma (25,9%, moderada: 4-6 placas; y 10,9%, grave: >= 7 placas). Mediante analisis multivariable se identifico la edad >= 75 años, la dislipidemia y el tabaquismo como factores asociados con estenosis >= 50%, y la hipertension arterial y el tabaquismo con estenosis sintomatica. El numero de factores de riesgo se asocio fuertemente con la prevalencia de estenosis carotidea. Notablemente, ni la diabetes ni la obesidad explicaron el grado de estenosis moderada a grave. Conclusiones. Como formas de enfermedad carotidea aterosclerosa, la frecuencia de estenosis moderada a grave es menor que una carga alta de placas de ateroma. La edad avanzada, el tabaquismo, la dislipidemia y la hipertension son los principales factores tradicionales que se asocian con el grado de estenosis carotidea.

Mitral and aortic annular calcifications and cerebrovascular ischemic episodes in patients with coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION:  Atherosclerosis is a systemic pathological process involving the whole arterial bed. Valvular calcifications are associated with cardiovascular risk factors. Significant carotid stenosis accounts for approximately 20% of cerebrovascular ischemic episodes.  OBJECTIVES:  The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between mitral and aortic annular calcifications, increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and incidence of cerebrovascular ischemic episodes. PATIENTS AND METHODS:  A total of 127 patients with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease (68 men and 59 women; aged 74 (33-87) years) were divided into 4 groups: with aortic valve calcifications (AVCs), mitral annular calcifications (MACs), both aortic valve and mitral annular calcifications (AMVCs), and no valvular calcifications (no-VCs), based on the echocardiographic assessment of the mitral and aortic valves. CIMT and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques were evaluated by carotid ultrasonography. A history of cerebrovascular ischemic episodes was obtained.  RESULTS:  The combined prevalence of mitral or aortic valve calcifications in the study population was 59% (AVCs, 55%; MACs, 24%; and AMVCs, 21%). CIMT was significantly increased in the MAC and AMVC groups (P <0.05 for MACs; P <0.01 for AMVCs). Ischemic stroke was more common in the AVC group (P <0.05), while the MAC group had a higher incidence of carotid plaques (P <0.05), transient ischemic attacks (TIA; P <0.05), and strokes (P <0.05) as compared with the no-VC group. In multivariate analysis, only MACs remained independently associated with increased CIMT. CONCLUSIONS:  In patients with coronary artery disease, MACs are independently associated with increased CIMT but not with TIA or stroke. There is no relationship between the concomitant presence of mitral and aortic calcifications and carotid atherosclerosis.