Significance of non-intraocular pressure (IOP)-related factors particularly in normal tension glaucoma: Looking beyond IOP

Purpose: To study the relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) and mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP) in patients with POAG and NTG. The secondary objective was to identify other contributory ischemic factors. Methods: This was an observational cross?sectional study from a tertiary eye hospital in patients who underwent full?day diurnal variation of tension (DVT). Blood pressure (BP) and IOP measurements were done every 3 h over 24 h. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and MOPP were calculated. The nocturnal dip in BP was assessed; patients were classified as non?dippers, dippers, and over?dippers. The circadian MOPP fluctuation (CMF) was calculated using the Kruskal–Wallis test, and its relationship with type and severity of visual field was assessed. Results: In total, 149 patients were evaluated; 109 were classified as NTG, and 40 were classified as POAG. A nocturnal dip in BP was noted in 20% of NTG and 17.5% of POAG. The MAP was found to be lower in patients with NTG than POAG. In the NTG subgroup, we found that 20% of patients were over?dippers, 32% were dippers, and 48% were non?dippers. The CMF showed a greater fluctuation for over?dippers (P = 0.004 for the RE and 0.003 for the LE) than dippers and non?dippers. A weak positive correlation of CMF with the severity of fields was found. Conclusion: A 24?h monitoring of IOP, BP, MOPP, and assessment of systemic risk factors for primary glaucoma acts as an invaluable tool for the comprehensive management of NTG despite the limitations posed by DVT and BP recording

Avaliação da resposta hemodinâmica cerebral através da monitorização com a espectroscopia próxima ao infravermelho (NIRS) em pacientes com doença aterosclerótica da artéria carótida submetidos a endarterectomia / Evaluation of the brain hemodynamic response by means of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring in patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease undergoing endarterectomy

Resumo Contexto A espectroscopia próxima ao infravermelho (NIRS) é uma técnica não invasiva que detecta as alterações hemodinâmicas teciduais. A NIRS pode monitorar de forma contínua as informações fisiológicas vasculares intracranianas. Por ser portátil, ela pode ser utilizada à beira do leito e no centro cirúrgico. Objetivos Avaliar as possíveis alterações hemodinâmicas cerebrais durante a endarterectomia em pacientes com estenoses maiores que 70% utilizando NIRS. Métodos Foram avaliados 10 voluntários portadores de doença carotídea aterosclerótica com indicação de endarterectomia. Após a seleção dos pacientes, que responderam um questionário com dados epidemiológicos e informações referentes à presença de comorbidades, a doença foi confirmada por métodos diagnósticos. No procedimento cirúrgico, utilizou-se a NIRS para monitorização. Foram avaliadas as variáveis saturação de oxigênio (SatO2), hemoglobina total (HbT), hemoglobina reduzida (HbR) e hemoglobina oxigenada (HbO) nos três tempos cirúrgicos pré-, trans e pós-clampeamento carotídeo. Utilizou-se p < 0,05 como nível de significância. Resultados A avaliação dos resultados obtidos por meio das medidas registradas pela NIRS permite afirmar que HbR e SatO2 variam ao longo das etapas da cirurgia. Durante o clampeamento, a variável HbR mostra valores mais elevados que nas outras duas etapas da cirurgia. Por outro lado, a variável SatO2 mostra redução durante o clampeamento. Conclusões A NIRS é um método viável e aplicável de monitorização intracerebral, não invasivo e em tempo real, durante a endarterectomia carotídea, capaz de medir de forma precisa as mudanças das condições hemodinâmicas capilares intracerebrais.

Abstract Backgrounds Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is non-invasive technique that detects hemodynamic alterations in tissues. It enables continuous monitoring of intracerebral vascular physiologic information. Due to its portable nature, NIRS may be used bedside or in the operating room. Objectives To evaluate use of NIRS for intraoperative monitoring of the brain hemodynamic response, during carotid endarterectomy. Methods 10 patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease scheduled for endarterectomy were evaluated. After patients had been selected, they answered a questionnaire on epidemiological data and information about comorbidities and then carotid disease was confirmed with diagnostic methods. NRIS monitoring was used during the surgical procedure. The variables analyzed before, during and after carotid clamping were oxygen saturation (SatO2), total hemoglobin (THb), reduced hemoglobin (RHb), and oxyhemoglobin (OHb). A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The results obtained from NIRS show that RHb and SatO2 vary during the different stages of surgery. RHb levels are higher during clamping, when compared with the other two surgical stages. On the other hand, SatO2 is lower during clamping. Conclusions During carotid endarterectomy, NIRS is a feasible, real-time, and non-invasive intracranial monitoring method that accurately and reliably measures the changes in intracerebral capillary hemodynamic conditions.

Enfermedad carotídea aterosclerosa y enfermedad de sustancia blanca en sujetos sin historia de infarto cerebral o isquemia cerebral transitoria / Atherosclerotic Carotid Disease and White Matter Disease in Subjects Without a History of Cerebral Infarction or Transient Cerebral Ischemia

Resumen Introducción: La enfermedad carotídea aterosclerosa (ECA) es un factor de riesgo importante para enfermedad vascular cerebral. Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre factores de riesgo vascular mayores con ECA y leucopatía cerebral en pacientes sin historia de ictus isquémico. Método: Se evaluaron factores de riesgo en sujetos con exploración de carótidas mediante ultrasonografía Doppler dúplex. No se incluyeron casos con historia de infarto cerebral o ataque isquémico transitorio. Los sujetos contaron con resonancia magnética cerebral y se excluyeron aquellos con lesiones isquémicas de grandes vasos. Se construyeron modelos multivariable para la predicción de ECA, estenosis carotídea significativa, carga de ateromas y leucopatía cerebral. Resultados: Se estudiaron 145 sujetos (60.7 % mujeres, edad de 73 años). Se documentó ECA en 54.5 %, estenosis carotídea ≥ 50 % en 9 %, carga de placas de ateroma > 6 en 7.6 % y leucopatía periventricular o subcortical en 28.3 % (20.6 % tenían concurrentemente ECA y leucopatía). Los factores asociados independientemente con ECA fueron edad e hipertensión; con estenosis ≥ 50 %, hipertensión; con cargas de ateromas > 6 placas, edad; con leucopatía, edad, diabetes e hipertensión. La obesidad no se asoció con las variables independientes analizadas. Conclusiones: En los sujetos asintomáticos sin historia de ictus isquémico, la edad y la hipertensión fueron los factores de riesgo más importantes para enfermedad macrovascular. La diabetes mellitus se asoció con enfermedad microvascular. La obesidad por sí sola no fue un determinante mayor de ECA o leucopatía cerebral.

Abstract Introduction: Atherosclerotic carotid artery disease (CAD) is a major risk factor for cerebrovascular disease. Objective: To analyze the association of major vascular risk factors with atherosclerotic CAD and white matter disease (WMD) in patients without a history of ischemic stroke. Method: Risk factors were assessed with carotid examination using Doppler duplex ultrasound. Cases with a history cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack were not included. Subjects had brain magnetic resonance imaging scans available and those with large-artery ischemic lesions were excluded. Multivariate models were constructed for the prediction of atherosclerotic CAD, significant carotid stenosis, atheroma burden and WMD. Results: One-hundred and forty-five subjects were assessed (60.7% were females, mean age was 73 years). Atherosclerotic CAD was documented in 54.5%, carotid stenosis ≥ 50% in 9.0%, > 6 atheroma plaques in 7.6%, and periventricular or subcortical WMD in 28.3% (20.6% had atherosclerotic CAD and WMD concurrently). Risk factors independently associated with atherosclerotic CAD were age and hypertension; hypertension was associated with ≥ 50% carotid stenosis; age was associated with > 6 atheroma plaques; and age, diabetes and hypertension were associated with WMD. Obesity was not associated with any of the analyzed independent variables. Conclusions: In asymptomatic subjects without a history of ischemic stroke, age and hypertension were the most important risk factors for macrovascular disease. Diabetes mellitus was associated with microvascular disease. Obesity alone was not a major determinant of CAD or WMD.

Combined central retinal artery occlusion and central retinal venous occlusion with bilateral carotid artery disease in apatient with protein C deficiency

@#Central retinal artery occlusion and central retinal venous occlusion are rare entities of retinal vascular disorders that can cause sudden visual loss and combined occurrence results in devastating outcomes. The role of protein C deficiency is well established in venous thrombosis however the occurrence of concurrent arterial thrombosis is rare and the combination in association with carotid artery occlusion is an exceptionally rare occurrence. Here we report a case of protein C deficiency presenting as combined central retinal artery occlusion and central retinal venous occlusion with bilateral carotid artery disease

Association between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Carotid Artery Disease in a Community-Based Chinese Population: A Cross-Sectional Study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>Background</b>Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases with a high prevalence in the general population. The association between NAFLD and cardiovascular disease has been well addressed in previous studies. However, whether NAFLD is associated with carotid artery disease in a community-based Chinese population remained unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between NAFLD and carotid artery disease.</p><p><b>Methods</b>A total of 2612 participants (1091 men and 1521 women) aged 40 years and older from Jidong of Tangshan city (China) were selected for this study. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. The presence of carotid stenosis or plaque was evaluated by carotid artery ultrasonography. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between NAFLD and carotid artery disease.</p><p><b>Results</b>Participants with NAFLD have a higher prevalence of carotid stenosis (12.9% vs. 4.6%) and carotid plaque (21.9% vs. 15.0%) than those without NAFLD. After adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, income, physical activity, diabetes, hypertension, triglyceride, waist-hip ratio, and high-density lipoprotein, NAFLD is significantly associated with carotid stenosis (odds ratio [OR]: 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45-2.91), but the association between NAFLD and carotid plaque is not statistically significant (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.8-1.40).</p><p><b>Conclusion</b>A significant association between NAFLD and carotid stenosis is found in a Chinese population.</p>

Selective Shunting Based on Dual Monitoring with Electroencephalography and Stump Pressure for Carotid Endarterectomy

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to analyze postoperative outcomes for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in addition to the preoperative clinical characteristics related to selective shunting based on dual monitoring with stump pressure (SP) and electroencephalography (EEG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 70 patients who underwent CEA from March 2010 to December 2017. CEA was performed under general anesthesia and selective shunting was done if the SP was lower than 35 mmHg regardless of EEG or if intraoperative EEG showed any changes different from preoperative one regardless of SP. RESULTS: There was no postoperative 30-day adjusted mortality or adverse cardiac events. Three patients (4.3%) had postoperative minor stroke finally reaching pre-operative neurologic status at the time of discharge. Twenty-six patients (37.1%) used shunting and severe contralateral internal carotid stenosis or occlusion was related to shunting (P < 0.010). There were larger number of symptomatic patients in shunt group in spite of no statistical significance (P=0.116). CONCLUSION: Perioperative stroke rate was 4.3% for CEA under general anesthesia based on dual intraoperative monitoring with SP and EEG. There was no 30-day adjusted mortality and adverse cardiac event. Severe stenosis or occlusion of contralateral internal carotid artery is related to shunting (P < 0.010).

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.

Risk factors of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after phacoemulsification / 眼科新进展

Objective To select the risk factors and focus on the pathogenesis of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) after cataract surgery.Methods A retrospective review of all patients with phacoemulsification surgery referred to the Ophthalmology Divisions,the First Affiliated Hospital,Zhengzhou University,from September 1,2010 to September 1,2016 was performed.Eligible patients were 11 206 cases(13 320 eyes),30 cases (30 eyes) were complicated with AION after cataract surgery (AION group),and 90 cases (90 eyes) were selected as control group according to the ratio of 1 ∶ 3 by random sequence.Factors of small cup disc ratios,previous surgery history,cardiac disease,diabetes,hypertension,hyperlipemia,smoking,carotid disease and intraocular pressure (IOP) were collected,x2 test,Logistic regression and t test were performed to analyze risk factors for AION.Results Small cup-disc ratios,diabetes,hypertension,hyperlipemia,carotid disease were influencing factors of AION after cataract surgery.Hyperlipemia and carotid disease were risk factors of AION after cataract surgery.There was no significant difference in preoperative intraocular pressure between two groups(all P ＞ 0.05).The intraocular pressure at postoperative 1 day and 7 days in AION group were higher than those in control group (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Hyperlipemia and carotid artery disease are risk factors for AION after cataract surgery,and high intraocular pressure may be the inductive factor of AION.

Effects of Atorvastatin combined with valsartan on the degree of coronary artery lesion and the level of serum lipoprotein and C reactive protein in patients with coronary heart disea / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of Atorvastatin Combined with valsartan on the degree of coronary artery lesion and the level of serum lipoprotein and C reactive protein in patients with coronary heart disea.Methods 95 cases of patients with coronary heart disease from September 2015 to September 2016 in our hospital were randomly divided into observation group and control group,the control group were treated with atorvastatin,observation group of patients in the control group patients on the basis of the combination of valsartan treatment,severity of coronary artery disease,serum lipid and protein levels in patients with C reaction protein levels before and after treatment were compared between two groups.Results After treatment,the patients in the observation group were fibrous plaque,calcified plaque,lipid plaque,mixed plaque were significantly decreased,and lower than that of control group,and control group before and after treatment of fibrous plaque,calcified plaque had no obvious change after treatment,the observation group were HDL,LDL,TG,TC were(2.12±1.01),3.27±0.94),(1.53±0.98),(3.35±1.78)was significantly higher than the control group,the difference was significant,2 months after treatment,3 months to observe the levels in patients with C reactive protein were(10.27±1.78)and(7.26±2.63)was significantly lower than the control group with significant difference,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusion Atorvastatin Combined with valsartan can help to reduce the coronary plaque,regulate lipid metabolism,reduce the level of C reactive protein.

Study on the correlation between carotid artery lesion and fundus arteriosclerosis in patients with cerebral infarction / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To investigate the correlation between carotid artery disease and fundus arteriosclerosis in patients with cerebral infarction.METHODS:Totally 120 patients with acute cerebral infarction were randomly divided into two groups.The patients were diagnosed with bilateral carotid artery and non-mydriatic fundus camera.Fouty-two patients transient ischaemic attack (TIA) underwent cerebral angiography.The data were recorded for analysis.RESULTS:The degree of fundus arteriosclerosis in patients with cerebral infarction was positively correlated with blood pressure (r=0.361,P=0.015).There was a significant correlation between retinal arteriosclerosis grade and carotid atherosclerosis (r=0.392,P =0.011).The degree of fundus arteriosclerosis was correlated with cerebral arteriolar lesion,higher than it with carotid artery disease (r=0.465,0.392,P=0.037).CONCLUSION:Carotid arteriosclerosis,fundus arteriosclerosis and cerebral arteriolar lesions in patients with cerebral infarction have a significant correlation with hypertension,and fundus arterial examination has important clinical value in judging cerebral arteriosclerosis.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach of Carotid and Cerebrovascular Plaque on the Basis of Vessel Imaging

Atherosclerosis, characterized by chronic systemic inflammation with plaque formation, is one of the major causes of cerebrovascular disease. Recent advances in imaging technologies can help further understand the overall process and biology of plaque formation and rupture. Thus, these imaging techniques could aid clinicians to make better decision for risk stratification, therapeutic planning, and prediction of future cerebrovascular event. Ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography are the rapidly-evolving imaging modalities dealing with assessment of atherosclerotic plaque. By advances in imaging technology for evaluating plaque, we can characterize the vulnerability of plaque in-vivo, understand the composition and activity of plaque, assess therapeutic response to treatment, and ultimately predict the overall risk of future cerebrovascular episodes. In this review, we will introduce current understanding of various advanced imaging modalities and clinical application of these imaging technologies.

Dual Monitoring with Stump Pressure and Electroencephalography During Carotid Endarterectomy

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative monitoring during carotid endarterectomy is crucial for cerebral protection. We investigated the results of carotid endarterectomy under dual monitoring with stump pressure and electroencephalography. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 50 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy between March 2010 and February 2016. We inserted a temporary shunt if the stump pressure was lower than 35 mm Hg or if any intraoperative change was observed on electroencephalography. RESULTS: Seventeen (34%) patients used a temporary shunt, and the mean stump pressure was 26.8 mm Hg in the shunt group and 46.5 mm Hg in the non-shunt group. No postoperative mortality or bleeding occurred. Postoperatively, there were 3 cases (6%) of minor stroke, all of which took place in the shunt group. A comparison of the preoperative and the intraoperative characteristics of the shunt group with those of the non-shunt group revealed no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (p <0.01). CONCLUSION: Dual monitoring with stump pressure and electroencephalography was found to be a safe and reliable monitoring method with results comparable to those obtained using single monitoring. Further study should be performed to investigate the precise role of each monitoring method.

Endarterectomy of the Totally & Subtotally Occluded Carotid Artery Facilitates the Surgery of the Stenosed Contralateral Side.

Purpose: Patients with one side total/subtotal occlusion and contralateral side critical stenosis are high risk candidates for carotid interventions for the stenosed carotid side. We present our experiences with carotid endarterectomy of the stenosed side after revascularization of the occluded side. Methods: Between March 2010 and September 2013, 85 carotid endarterectomies were performed in seventy-four patients. Among the patients, 6 had one side total/subtotal occlusion and contralateral side ³ 70% carotid stenosis. Patients received revascularization for the occluded side first followed by of the endarterectomy of the contralateral stenosed part. Results: Four patients had cerebrovascular symptoms ipsilateral to the occluded side. Operations were performed with local anesthesia. Endarterectomy priority was given to the occluded side which was followed by the endarterectomy of the contralateral side after 17.2±4.6 days. No neurologic deficit occured during the surgeries and shunt was not required. Mortality did not occur and patients are followed a mean of 18.4±6.3 months event free. Conclusion: Endarterectomy of the stenosed carotid artery contralateral to the totally/subtotally occluded side is challenging and carries high risk. The treatment of the occluded side first facilitates the endarterectomy of the contralateral carotid stenosis.

Association between the Gensini Score and Carotid Artery Stenosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the extent of coronary artery disease assessed by the Gensini score and/or the SYNTAX score and the significant carotid stenosis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 225 patients who had carotid doppler ultrasonography prior to CABG were included retrospectively. Significant coronary artery disease was assumed as a lumen diameter stenosis of ≥50% in any of the major epicardial coronary arteries. The severity of carotid stenosis was determined by B-mode and duplex ultrasonography. Clinically significant carotid stenosis was defined as peak systolic velocity greater than 125 cm/s. RESULTS: The mean value of SYNTAX score and Gensini score was highest in patients allocated to significant carotid stenosis (22.98±7.32, p<0.001 and 77.40±32.35, p<0.001, respectively). The other risk factors for significant carotid stenosis were found to be male gender (p=0.029), carotid bruit (p<0.001), diabetes (p=0.021), left main disease (p=0.002), 3-vessel disease (p=0.008), chronic total coronary occlusion (p=0.001), and coronary artery calcification (p=0.001) in univariate analysis. However, only the Gensini score (odds ratio[OR]=1.030, p=0.004), carotid bruit (OR=0.068, p<0.001), and male gender (OR=0.190, p=0.003) were the independent predictors. The Gensini score cut off value predicting significant carotid stenosis was 50.5 with 77% sensitivity (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The Gensini score may be used to identify patients at high risk for significant carotid stenosis prior to CABG.

The relationship study betweent S100B protein and stability of carotid artery arteriosclerosis / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the correlation between S100B protein and the stability of carotid artery arteriosclero‐sis .Methods A total of 200 patients with carotid artery arteriosclerosis(CAS) were assigned as study group ,and then subdivided into stable plaques (SP)group and instable plaques (IP)group ,and 198 whoes age and gender well matched unrelated healthy sub‐jects were enrolled as control group .The levels of S100B and hs‐CRP of the 3 groups were measured by ELESA .All the diagnosis were confirmed by color Doppler and B‐ultrasound .Results The level of serum S100B was significantly higher in IP group than that of SP group and control group(P<0 .01) .There was no statistical significance between IP and SP group in the level of serum S100B(P=0 .07) .The level of hs‐CRP was significantly higher in IP group than that of SP group and control group(P<0 .01) . There was no statistical significance between IP and SP group in the level of serum hs‐CRP(P=0 .59) .Conclusion The increase of serum level of S100B in the IP CAS patients shows that S100B may take part in the pathogenic mechanism of CAS ,and regulating of S100B may become the potential therapeutic targets for CAS .

Stenting for Symptomatic Vertebral Artery Stenosis Associated with Bilateral Carotid Rete Mirabile: The Long-Term Clinical and Angiographic Outcome

Symptomatic vertebral artery (VA) stenosis associated with bilateral carotid rete mirabile (CRM) has not been reported. We report the long-term clinical and angiographic outcome after stenting for symptomatic VA stenosis in the patient with bilateral CRM. This report is the first case that symptomatic VA stenosis associated with bilateral CRM was treated with stenting.

Ophthalmic masquerades of the atherosclerotic carotids.

Patients with carotid atherosclerosis can present with ophthalmic symptoms. These symptoms and signs can be due to retinal emboli, hypoperfusion of the retina and choroid, opening up of collateral channels, or chronic hypoperfusion of the globe (ocular ischemic syndrome). These pathological mechanisms can produce many interesting signs and a careful history can bring out important past symptoms pointing toward the carotid as the source of the patient’s presenting symptom. Such patients are at high risk for an ischemic stroke, especially in the subsequent few days following their first acute symptom. It is important for clinicians to be familiar with these ophthalmic symptoms and signs caused by carotid atherosclerosis for making an early diagnosis and to take appropriate measures to prevent a stroke. This review elaborates the clinical features, importance, and implications of various ophthalmic symptoms and signs resulting from atherosclerotic carotid artery disease.

Relationship between carotid atherosclerosis lesion and ECG abnormality and correlation between carot-id atherosclerosis and blood pressure in patients with coronary heart disease / 心血管康复医学杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between carotid atherosclerosis (CAS)detected by ultrasonography and ECG abnormality and correlation between CAS and blood pressure in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods:A total of 389 CHD patients were divided into CAS group (n=213)and no CAS group (n=176).ECG abnormalities were compared between two groups,and ECG and blood pressure were compared among patients with different degrees of CAS in CAS group.Results:Compared with no CAS group,there were significant rise in constituent ratios of atrial fibrillation,Ⅱ~Ⅲ°atrioventricular block,total lead number of ST segment de-pression,and of abnormal T wave,ST segment deviation complicated abnormal T wave and angina pectoris compli-cated ST segment depression in CAS group (P <0.05~<0.01).Along with CAS grade increased (grade I~ grade IV),there were gradual rise in percentages of atrial fibrillation (8.33% vs.21.33% vs.31.03% vs.45.00%),to-tal lead number of ST segment depression (17.64% vs.27.22% vs.37.07% vs.52.08%),total lead number of ab-normal T wave (5.00% vs.6.56% vs.10.34% vs.22.08%)and ST segment deviation complicated abnormal T wave (26.67% vs.37.33% vs.50.00% vs.60.00%),P <0.05 or <0.01. There were no significant difference in diastolic blood pressure (DBP)between no CAS group and CAS group,but systolic blood pressure (SBP)and pulse pressure (PP)of CAS patients were significantly higher than those of no CAS patients,and they gradually elevated along with CAS severity increased (P <0.05~<0.01).Pearson correlation analysis indicated that CAS was signifi-cant positively correlated with SBP and PP (r =2.064,1.348,P <0.01 both).Conclusion:The incidence rate of abnormal ECG in CHD patients complicated CAS is higher than that of CHD patients without CAS;and CAS is pos-itively correlated with blood pressure.Therefore,carotid ultrasonography can better reflect CHD patients′condition.

Preoperative ultrasound assessment of carotid endarterectomy for the treatment of patients with subtotal or complete occlusion of carotid artery / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To evaluate the correlations of vascular structures,hemodynamic changes and recanalization before receiving carotid endarterectomy ( CEA) in patients with subtotal or complete occlusion of carotid artery using color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography. Methods A total of 107 patients were diagnosed as subtotal ( stenosis rate 95% to 99%) or complete occlusion of carotid artery with DSA and treated with CEA at Beijing Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2005 to January 2014 were enrolled retrospectively. The mean age of patients was 61 ± 9 years. According to the findings of DSA,they were divided into either a carotid artery subtotal occlusion group (n=63) or a complete occlusion group (n=44). The vascular diameter,the locations of the lesions ( internal carotid artery or common carotid artery) ,the lumen echo characteristics,and whether internal-external artery collateral circulation patent or not at different stages in patients of both groups were documented. Results The lumen diameter of distal segment was significant wider in patients of the complete occlusion group compared with the subtotal occlusion group (4. 1 ± 1. 1 mm vs. 3. 2 ± 0. 8 mm). There was significant difference between the 2 groups (P <0. 01). There was no significant difference between the location of occlusion and the recanalization rate (P=0. 460). The recanalization rate of the lumen homogeneous echo ( hypoecho and echodense) filling patients (94. 1% vs. 86. 7%) was significantly higher than that of the patients of heterogeneity echo. In patients with complete occlusion of internal carotid artery,the recanalization of CEA would increase when the internal-external collateral arteries were patent. For general comparison,the recanalization rate of the subtotal occlusion group was significantly higher than that of the complete occlusion group (P<0. 01). Conclusion The carotid artery diameter normal or broadening ,the homogeneous echo in the occlusive lumen and the internal-external collateral arteries patency are closely associated with the recanalization rate. The preoperative ultrasonography has great value for the assessment of recanalization of carotid artery occlusive disease after CEA.