Comparison between carotid ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography in the diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis in patients with cerebral infarction / Comparación entre la ecografía carotídea y la angiografía por sustracción digital en el diagnostic de estenosis de la arteria carótida en pacientes con infarto cerebral

SUMMARY: This study aimed to compare the clinical value of carotid ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for carotid artery stenosis in patients with cerebral infarction. Sixty patients with cerebral infarction underwent carotid ultrasound and DSA. Carotid artery stenosis, degree of stenosis (mild, moderate, severe, and occlusion), and carotid artery plaques were recorded and compared. Carotid stenosis rate was 96.67 % (58/60) and 91.67 % (55/60) on DSA and carotid ultrasound, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant. Mild, moderate, and severe carotid artery stenosis and occlusion were diagnosed in 35, 28, 20, and 17 arteries, respectively, with DSA, and in 39, 25, 10, and 9 arteries, respectively, with carotid ultrasound. There was a statistically significant difference in the degree of carotid stenosis between the two methods (p<0.05). The kappa value of carotid plaques detected by carotid ultrasound and DSA was 0.776, indicating good consistency. Both carotid ultrasound and DSA are effective for screening carotid artery stenosis and carotid atherosclerotic plaques. While carotid ultrasound is faster and more convenient, DSA can more accurately detect the degree of stenosis and presence of occlusion. Thus, our recommendation is a combination of carotid ultrasound and DSA in clinical settings to improve the convenience and accuracy of diagnosis.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar el valor clínico de la ecografía carotídea y la angiografía por sustracción digital (DSA) para la estenosis de la arteria carótida en pacientes con infarto cerebral. Sesenta pacientes con infarto cerebral fueron sometidos a ecografía carotídea y DSA. Se registraron y compararon la estenosis de la arteria carótida, el grado de estenosis (leve, moderada, grave y oclusión) y las placas de la arteria carótida. La tasa de estenosis carotídea fue del 96,67 % (58/60) y del 91,67 % (55/60) en DSA y ecografía carotídea, respectivamente, y la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa. Se diagnosticaron estenosis y oclusión de la arteria carótida leve, moderada y grave en 35, 28, 20 y 17 arterias, respectivamente, con DSA, y en 39, 25, 10 y 9 arterias, respectivamente, con ecografía carotídea. Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el grado de estenosis carotídea entre los dos métodos (p<0,05). El valor kappa de las placas carotídeas detectadas por ecografía carotídea y DSA fue de 0,776, lo que indica una buena consistencia. Tanto la ecografía carotídea como la DSA son eficaces para detectar la estenosis de la arteria carótida y las placas ateroscleróticas carotídeas. Si bien la ecografía carotídea es más rápida y conveniente, la DSA puede detectar con mayor precisión el grado de estenosis y la presencia de oclusión. Por lo tanto, nuestra recomendación es una combinación de ecografía carotídea y DSA en entornos clínicos para mejorar la conveniencia y precisión del diagnóstico.

Using the Casper Stent in Carotid Angioplasty: A Single Center Experience

Objectives To establish the success rate in endovascular internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis recanalization using the double-layer stent Casper-RX (Microvention, Inc 35 Enterprise, Aliso Viejo, California, United States of America) and to identify the main comorbidities in individuals with ICA stenosis, morphological characteristics of the stenosis, diagnostic methods, intraoperative complications, as well as morbidity and mortality within 30 days of the surgical procedure. Materials and Methods Retrospective analysis of 116 patients undergoing ICA angioplasty with a degree of stenosis > 70% using Casper-RX stenting who underwent this procedure from April 2015 to December 2019. Results Technical success was achieved in 99.1% of the patients. Three of them had postprocedural complications: one transient ischemic attack (TIA) and two puncture site hematomas. A cerebral protection filter was not used in only two procedures, as these consisted of dissection of the carotid. There was satisfactory recanalization and adequate accommodation of the stents in the previously stenosed arteries, with no restenosis in 99.4% of the cases. Conclusion The endovascular treatment of extracranial carotid stenoses using the Casper-RX stent showed good applicability and efficacy. Although only two cases of thromboembolic complications occurred during the procedure, fu

Panoramic radiography for detection of bilateral carotid calcified atheroma: an unusual case report / Radiografía panorámica para la detección de ateroma calcificado carotídeo bilateral: reporte de un caso inusual

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is a progressive inflammatory disease that can trigger serious medical consequences like acute myocardial infarction or stroke. Case Report: The purpose of this study is to report an unusual case of finding calcified atheromatous plaques in the carotid arteries bilaterally using a panoramic radiography (PR). A 75-year-old female with a morbid history, attends the Teaching Dental Clinic of the Pontifical Catholic University with complementary exams. PR showed well-defined radiopaque structures adjacent to C4. Using a Doppler ultrasound, the presence of calcified atheromas in the right and left carotid arteries were confirmed. The patient was informed of these findings and is currently under medical follow-up. Conclusion: PR is a useful complementary resource in the detection of atherosclerotic plaques of the upper carotid region.

Introducción: La aterosclerosis es una enfermedad inflamatoria progresiva que puede desencadenar graves consecuencias médicas como infarto agudo de miocardio o accidente cerebrovascular. Case Report: El propósito de este estudio es reportar un caso inusual de hallazgo de placas ateromatosas calcificadas en las arterias carótidas de forma bilateral mediante una radiografía panorámica. Mujer de 75 años con antecedentes mórbidos, acude a la Clínica Odontológica Docente de la Pontificia Universidad Católica con exámenes complementarios. La radiografía panorámica mostró estructuras radiopacas bien definidas adyacentes a C4. Mediante ecografía Doppler se confirmó la presencia de ateromas calcificados en las arterias carótidas derecha e izquierda. El paciente fue informado de estos hallazgos y actualmente se encuentra en seguimiento médico. Conclusión: La radiografía panorámica es un recurso complementario útil en la detección de placas ateroscleróticas de la región carotídea superior.

Ocular blood flow and choroidal thickness changes after carotid artery stenting / Alterações no fluxo sanguíneo ocular e na espessura da coroide após stent de artéria carótida

ABSTRACT Purposes: To evaluate changes in ocular blood flow and subfoveal choroidal thickness in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis after carotid artery stenting. Methods: We included 15 men (mean age, 63.6 ± 9.1 years) with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis and 18 healthy volunteers (all men; mean age, 63.7 ± 5.3 years). All participants underwent detailed ophthalmologic examinations including choroidal thickness measurement using enhanced depth-imaging optic coherence tomography. The patients also underwent posterior ciliary artery blood flow measurements using color Doppler ultrasonography before and after carotid artery stenting. Results: Patients lacked ocular ischemic symptoms. Their peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities increased to 10.1 ± 13.1 (p=0.005) and 3.9 ± 6.3 (p=0.064) cm/s, respectively, after the procedure. Subfoveal choroidal thicknesses were significantly thinner in patients with carotid artery stenosis than those in the healthy controls (p=0.01). But during the first week post-procedure, the subfoveal choroidal thicknesses increased significantly (p=0.04). The peak systolic velocities of the posterior ciliary arteries increased significantly after carotid artery stenting (p=0.005). We found a significant negative correlation between the mean increase in peak systolic velocity values after treatment and the mean preprocedural subfoveal choroidal thickness in the study group (p=0.025, r=-0.617). Conclusions: In patients with carotid artery stenosis, the subfoveal choroid is thinner than that in healthy controls. The subfoveal choroidal thickness increases after carotid artery stenting. Carotid artery stenting treatment increases the blood flow to the posterior ciliary artery, and the preprocedural subfoveal choroidal thickness may be a good predictor of the postprocedural peak systolic velocity of the posterior ciliary artery.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar alterações no fluxo sanguíneo ocular e na espessura da coroide subfoveal em pacientes com estenose sintomática da artéria carótida, após implante de stent nessa artéria. Métodos: Foram incluídos 15 homens (idade média de 63,6 ± 9,1 anos) com estenose sintomática da artéria carótida e 18 voluntários saudáveis (todos homens; idade média de 63,7 ± 5,3 anos). Todos os participantes foram submetidos a exames oftalmológicos detalhados, incluindo d medição da espessura da coroide, usando tomografia de coerência óptica com imagem de profundidade aprimorada. Os pacientes também foram submetidos a medidas do fluxo sanguíneo das artérias ciliares posteriores, usando ultrassonografia com Doppler colorido, antes e após o implante do stent na artéria carótida. Resultados: Os pacientes não apresentaram sintomas isquêmicos oculares. O pico de velocidade sistólica e diastólica final aumentou para 10,1 ± 13,1 (p=0,005) e 3,9 ± 6,3 (p=0,064) cm/s, respectivamente, após o procedimento. As espessuras da coroide subfoveais foram significativamente mais finas nos pacientes com estenose da artéria carótida do que nos controles saudáveis (p=0,01). Porém, durante a primeira semana pós-procedimento, as espessuras das coroides subfoveais aumentaram significativamente (p=0,04). O pico de velocidade sistólica das artérias ciliares posteriores aumentou significativamente após o stent na artéria carótida (p=0,005). Encontramos uma correlação negativa significativa entre o aumento médio dos valores máximos de velocidade sistólica após o tratamento e a espessura da coroide subfoveal pré-procedimento média no grupo de estudo (p=0,025, r=-0,617). Conclusões: Em pacientes com estenose da artéria carótida, a coroide subfoveal é mais fina que a dos controles saudáveis. A espessura da coroide subfoveal aumenta após o stent na artéria carótida. O tratamento com stent na artéria carótida aumenta o fluxo sanguíneo para a artéria ciliar posterior, e a espessura coroidal subfoveal pré-procedimento pode ser um bom preditor da velocidade sistólica de pico pós-procedimento da artéria ciliar posterior.

Investigation of the relationship between cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy measurements and cerebrovascular event in coronary artery bypass grafting operation in patients without carotid stenosis and patients with carotid stenosis below surgical margins

Abstract Objectives: Stroke is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in surgery. In the present study, we examined the cerebral oximetry values of patients with carotid artery stenosis who did not present surgical indications and those who did not present carotid artery stenosis in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery by comparing their cerebral oximetry values with cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Methods: Between January and May 2014, 40 patients who underwent isolated CABG were included in the study. Cerebral oximetry probes were placed prior to induction of anesthesia. Cerebral oximetry values were recorded before induction, in the pump (cardiopulmonary bypass) inlet period, in the post-clamp period, in the pump outlet period, and in the intensive care unit and neurological complications. Results: There was no difference between the groups in terms of demographic data and routine follow-up parameters. Intraoperative surgical data and early postoperative results were similar in both groups. When comparing the groups, there were no statistically significant results in cerebral oximetry values and CVD development. Only one patient in group 2 had postoperative CVD and this patient was discharged from the hospital with right hemiplegia. Mean arterial pressure (MAP)levels were significantly higher in Group 2 (P<0.05). Conclusion: The follow-up of cerebral perfusion with a method like near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) will ensure that MAP is adjusted with interventions that will be made according to changes in NIRS. Thus, it will be possible to avoid unnecessary medication and flow-rate increase with cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) follow-up.

The use of high-resolution MRI to detect thrombosis and lipid-rich carotid artery plaques in a patient with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

SUMMARY Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is a rarely agentic disorder of the lipoprotein metabolism intimately related to premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease that can lead to high disability and mortality. Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia typically affects not only the aortic root, compromising the coronary ostia, but also affects other territories such as the carotid, descending aorta, and renal arteries. Multi-contrast high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a validated and useful method to characterize carotid artery atherosclerotic plaques quantitatively. However, very few studies have been done on assessing plaque composition in patients with Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia using high-resolution MRI. This report is to evaluate the value of MRI in accessing carotid artery disease in patients with Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. We describe a 28-year-old patient from Beijing, China, who presented to the Neurology Clinic with intermittent blurred vision of the right eye, headache, nausea, and vomiting for eight years without obvious causes. Familial hypercholesterolemia was suspected based on medical history and laboratory examination. Carotid Doppler ultrasound showed bilateral common carotid artery, internal carotid artery, and external carotid artery wall thickening with hyperechoic signals. Subsequently, high-resolution multi-contrast MRI of the carotid showed calcification with hypo-intense areas located at the middle layer of the plaque, with moderate stenosis. The plaque located at the right bifurcation of the common carotid artery extended to the internal carotid artery, causing lumen stenosis close to occlusion. The patient was treated with right carotid artery endarterectomy. At a 6-month follow-up, there had been no recurrence of the patient's symptoms.

RESUMO A hipercolesterolemia familiar homozigótica, uma doença patogênica rara do metabolismo da lipoproteína intimamente relacionada com a doença cardiovascular aterosclerótica prematura, pode conduzir a uma elevada deficiência e mortalidade. A hipercolesterolemia familiar homozigótica afeta tipicamente não só a raiz aórtica, comprometendo os óstios coronários, mas também outros territórios, como a carótida, a aorta descendente e as artérias renais. Imagens de ressonância magnética multicontraste de alta resolução (RM) fornecem um método validado e útil para caracterizar quantitativamente as placas de aterosclerose da artéria carótida. No entanto, muito poucos estudos foram feitos sobre a avaliação da composição da placa em doentes com hipercolesterolemia familiar homozigótica utilizando ressonância magnética de alta resolução. Este trabalho deve avaliar o valor da ressonância magnética no acesso à doença da artéria carótida em doentes com hipercolesterolemia familiar homozigótica. Descrevemos um paciente de 28 anos de Pequim, China, que se apresentou à clínica neurológica com visão turva intermitente do olho direito, dor de cabeça, náuseas e vômitos por oito anos sem causas aparentes. Suspeitava-se de hipercolesterolemia familiar com base no histórico médico e no exame laboratorial. O ultrassom Doppler carotídeo mostrou uma artéria carótida bilateral comum, artéria carótida interna e parede da carótida externa espessando-se com sinais hiperecoicos. Posteriormente, a ressonância multicontraste de alta resolução da carótida mostrou calcificação com áreas hipointensas localizadas na camada média da placa, com estenose moderada. A placa localizada na bifurcação direita da artéria carótida comum estendia-se até a artéria carótida interna, causando estenose do lúmen próxima à oclusão. O paciente foi tratado com endarterectomia da artéria carótida direita. Em seis meses de acompanhamento, não houve recorrência dos sintomas do paciente.

Preoperative carotid duplex scanning in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) using carotid duplex ultrasound in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between January 2017 and January 2018 and included 166 consecutive patients [130 males (78.31%), 36 females (21.69%); mean age: 64.25±9.78 years] who underwent elective and isolated CABG. Patients who had significant CAS (≥50% stenosis) were compared with patients who had non-significant CAS (<50% stenosis). Logistic regression analysis was applied across the selected parameters to identify risk factors for significant CAS. Results: Of all patients, 36 (21.68%) had CAS ≥50% and 8 (4.81%) had unilateral carotid stenosis ≥70%. Carotid endarterectomy/CABG was performed simultaneously in five (3.01%) patients. None of these patients had cardiac and neurological problems during the postoperative period. The overall incidence of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) after CABG was 1.20% (n=2). Age (P=0.011) and history of CVA (P=0.035) were significantly higher in the CAS ≥50 group than in the CAS <50 group. Significant CAS was identified as a risk factor for postoperative CVA (P=0.013). Conclusion: Age and history of CVA were identified as risk factors for significant CAS. Furthermore, significant CAS was identified as a risk factor for postoperative CVA. For this reason, carotid screening is recommended for patients undergoing CABG even in the absence of associated risk factors.

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.

Utilidad de la ecografía Doppler color en el seguimiento de la angioplastia carotídea / Doppler in Carotid Stent Follow-up

Los ataques cerebrovasculares (ACV), representan un problema mayor en salud y son una causa importante de discapacidad en todo el mundo. La estenosis u oclusión carotídea aterosclerótica causa alrededor del 20% de las isquemias cerebrovasculares.¹ Los ACV en los enfermos con estenosis carotídea se producen, en la mayoría de los casos, por la aparición de embolismos distales de trombo formado en la placa, oclusión trombótica aguda debido a rotura de la placa, o bien secundarios a las alteraciones hemodinámicas atribuibles a la estenosis, la cual produce disminución de la perfusión cerebral por el hipoflujo, en casos de estenosis críticas o suboclusivas. El tratamiento de la patología carotídea ha evolucionado de forma considerable a lo largo de los últimos años. Existen dos tratamientos invasivos para la estenosis carotídea significativa, que consisten en el abordaje quirúrgico con endarterectomía o tratamiento por vía percutánea con angioplastia y colocación de stent. En nuestra institución se realizaron, en el periodo comprendido entre marzo de 2013 y junio de 2017, aproximadamente 100 angioplastias carotídeas con colocación de stent. Todas fueron valoradas con ecografía Doppler color (EDC) al mes, a los seis meses y al año (en casos no complicados). En esta revisión bibliográfica es nuestra intención desarrollar las indicaciones, aplicaciones, hallazgos normales y patológicos en el examen de EDC en la evaluación de un paciente con stent carotídeo.

Acute stroke represents a major problem in health and is a major cause of disability worldwide. Atherosclerotic carotid stenosis or occlusion causes around 20% of cerebrovascular ischemias.¹ Stroke in patients with carotid stenosis occurs, in most cases, due to embolisms of thrombus formed in the plaque, acute thrombotic occlusion due to rupture of the plaque, or secondary to hemodynamic alterations, attributable to stenosis, which produces decreased cerebral perfusion by low flow, in cases of critical or sub occlusive stenosis. The treatment of carotid disease has evolved considerably over recent years. There are two invasive treatments for significant carotid stenosis, which consist of the surgical approach with endarterectomy or percutaneous treatment with angioplasty and stenting. In our institution, in the period between March 2013 and June 2017, ~100 carotid angioplasties with stent placement were performed. All were assessed with color Doppler ultrasound (DUS) at month, six months and one year (in non complicated cases). In this literature review it is our intention to develop the indications, applications, normal and pathological findings in the DUS examination in the evaluation of a patient with carotid stent.

Abordagem do paciente com dm e doença ateromatosa em outros territórios: carótidas / Approach to the patient with dm and atheromatous disease in other territories: carotid arteries

A doença ateromatosa carotídea é responsável por até 15% de todos os acidentes vasculares cerebrais (AVC). O diabetes é um dos fatores de risco cardiovasculares mais importantes para o início e progressão da aterosclerose carotídea. O controle precoce do diabetes e dos demais fatores de risco cardiovasculares concomitantes constituem-se na intervenção mais custo-efetiva para prevenir o AVC nesses casos. O tratamento clínico, atualmente, é considerado como primeira escolha para os pacientes com estenoses carotídeas assintomáticas. Entretanto, nos pacientes com estenoses sintomáticas superiores a 70%, a endarterectomia apresenta alto impacto no desfecho cardiovascular. O procedimento endovascular com stent com filtro para neuroproteção é uma opção quando a cirurgia convencional não é possível.

Carotid atheromatous disease is responsible for up to 15% of all strokes. Diabetes is one of the most important cardiovascular risk factors for the onset and progression of carotid atherosclerosis. Early control of diabetes and other concomitant cardiovascular risk factors is the most cost-effective intervention to prevent stroke in these cases. Clinical treatment is currently considered the first choice for patients with asymptomatic carotid stenoses. However, in patients with symptomatic stenosis with more than 70% of obstruction, endarterectomy has a high impact on the cardiovascular outcome. The endovascular procedure with stent with filter for neuroprotection is a good option when conventional surgery is not possible.

Carotid plaque composition and volume evaluated by multi-detector computed tomography angiography / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the differences of plaquecomposition and volume between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis by multi-detector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA).@*METHODS@#The consecutive patients with internal carotid artery stenosis≥70% diagnosed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were retrospectively analyzed from July 2011 to December 2015 in Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine. The symptomatic patients were defined as those who experienced nondisabling ischemic stroke or transient cerebralis chemic symptoms, including hemispheric events oramaurosis fugaxin the last 6 months. Otherwise, the patients were considered as a symptomatic. A total of 78 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these patients, there were 35 asymptomatic patients (44.9%) and 43 symptomatic patients (55.1%). All the patients received MDCTA before DSA. According to the plaque analysis of post processing work station, carotid plaques were divided into lipid-rich necrotic coreplaques (HU≤60), fibrous plaques (60 to 130 HU) and calcified plaques (HU≥130) through the different value sthreshold of HU. The plaque volume and proportion were all calculated. The differences between the two groups were compared by statistical methods.@*RESULTS@#The proportion of calcified plaques in asymptomatic patients was significantly higher than in symptomatic patients (t=2.760, P=0.007).And the proportion of LRNC plaqueswas lower than that in symptomatic patients (Z=2.009, P=0.044). There was statistical significance between the asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Multivariate analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between the proportion of calcified plaques and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (OR=0.949; 95%CI: 0.915 to 0.985; P=0.005). The proportion of LRNC plaques showed a negative correlation with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (OR=1.068; 95%CI: 1.021 to 1.117; P=0.004). For the symptomatic patients, when the LRNC plaque proportion was greater than 30.3%, the specificity was 94.3%, and the sensitivity was 37.2%. There was no significant difference in plaque volume and fibrous plaque proportion in both groups.@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with symptomatic carotid plaques, the proportion of asymptomatic calcified plaques increased but the proportion of LRNC plaques decreased. Plaque LRNC 30.3% of the total volume may represent a clinically useful cutoff. For the patients with carotid artery stenosis, MDCTA may help noninvasively risk-stratify patients.

Cerebral vasomotor reactivity assessment using Transcranial Doppler and MRI with apnea test

Differently from previous studies that used Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and functional MRI (fMRI) for cerebral vasomotor reactivity (CVR) assessment in patients with carotid stenosis (CS), we assessed CVR using an identical stimulus, the Breath-Holding Test (BHT). We included 15 patients with CS and 7 age-matched controls to verify whether fMRI responded differently to BHT between groups and to calculate the agreement rate between tests. For TCD, impaired CVR was defined when the mean percentage increase on middle cerebral artery velocities was ≤31% on 3 consecutive 30-s apnea intercalated by 4-min normal breathing intervals. For fMRI, the percent variation on blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal intensity in the lentiform nucleus (LN) ipsilateral to the CS (or both LNs for controls) from baseline breathing to apnea was measured. The Euclidian differences between the series of each subject and the series of controls and patients classified it into normal or impaired CVR. We found different percent variations on BOLD-signal intensities between groups (P=0.032). The agreement was good in Controls (85.7%; κ=0.69) and overall (77.3%; κ=0.54). We conclude that BHT was feasible for CVR assessment on fMRI and elicited different BOLD responses in patients and controls, with a good overall agreement between the tests.

Association of Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A1 Ratio and Coronary Artery Stenosis and Plaques Detected by Multi-Detector Computed Tomography in Healthy Population

Despite the noninvasiveness and accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), its use as a routine screening tool for occult coronary atherosclerosis is unclear. We investigated whether the ratio of apolipoprotein B (apoB) to apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), an indicator of the balance between atherogenic and atheroprotective cholesterol transport could predict occult coronary atherosclerosis detected by MDCT. We collected the data of 1,401 subjects (877 men and 524 women) who participated in a routine health screening examination of Asan Medical Center. Significant coronary artery stenosis defined as > 50% stenosis was detected in 114 subjects (8.1%). An increase in apoB/A1 quartiles was associated with increased percentages of subjects with significant coronary stenosis and noncalcified plaques (NCAP). After adjustment for confounding variables, each 0.1 increase in serum apoB/A1 was significantly associated with increased odds ratios (ORs) for coronary stenosis and NCAP of 1.23 and 1.18, respectively. The optimal apoB/A1 ratio cut off value for MDCT detection of significant coronary stenosis was 0.58, which had a sensitivity of 70.2% and a specificity of 48.2% (area under the curve, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.58-0.63, P < 0.001). Our results indicate that apoB/A1 ratio is a good indicator of occult coronary atherosclerosis detected by coronary MDCT.

CT-angiography and doppler ultrasonography in atherosclerotic carotid artery disease: a comparative study

Different diagnostic modalities to investigate atherosclerotic carotid artery disease [ACAD] are nowadays available. The aim of this study was to test the concordance of the findings of the two most widely used diagnostic modalities namely computed tomography angiography [CTA] and doppler ultrasonography [DUS]. 29 patients with acute ischemic stroke were subjected to CTA and DUS and included in this analysis; 17 patients were males [59%]. The mean age was 70.5 +/- 8 years [Mean +/- SD]. The correlation and the degree of concordance between the findings of CTA and DUS were tested. The associations between the occurrence of ACAD and the degree of severity of stenosis with the age, the gender and the side of stenosis were also tested. The statistical significance was set to < 0.05. This study showed almost perfect agreement between CTA and DUS in detection of stenosis with kappa value of 0.92 [95% CI 0.82-1.02]. Intraclass correlation coefficient for the agreement between CTA and DUS in the estimation of the degree of stenosis was almost perfect and estimated to 0.96 [95% CI 0.93-0.97]. The differences of the measurements of the degree of carotid artery stenosis by the two methods was not statistically significant [p=0.04] with random error of 9.9%. Spearman's correlation and linear regression showed strong correlation between the measurements of stenosis by CTA and DUS with P< 0.001, correlation coefficient of 0.933, and R2 linear of 0.92, respectively. The stenosis was more severe in males. CTA and DUS are non-invasive diagnostic modalities with good correlation with regard to the detection of ACAD and the estimation of the degree of stenosis and can be used separately or as complementary to each other in the work-up of ACAD

Two Cases of Branch Retinal Arterial Occlusion After Carotid Artery Stenting in the Carotid Stenosis

We describe two cases of branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) after carotid artery (CA) stenting. Case 1: A 57-year-old man diagnosed with left neovascular glaucoma was admitted to our department for trabeculectomy (He had complained of decreased visual acuity (VA) in the left eye for a month). A preoperative neck angio CT scan showed bilateral CA stenosis. After CA stenting, he contracted visual defects on the right superior area of his right eye. Upon examination, VA with correction was found to be 1.0 (OD), but right fundoscopy revealed ischemic retina whitening along the inferior temporal arcade. Case 2: A 64-year-old man received left CA stenting for severe stenosis in the Department of Neurology. The next day, he was referred to us for acute onset of a left naso-inferior visual field defect. Upon initial examination, his VA with correction was 0.8/0.16 (OD/OS) and fundoscopy revealed ischemic retina whitening at the superior posterior pole in the left eye. It was not necessary to treat the BRAO in these cases because the foveal capillary network was not invaded at 2 month follow ups, VA was preserved in both cases. In conclusion, ophthalmic evaluation is important after CA stenting because of a possible embolic occlusion of the retinal artery.

Carotid artery stenting: results and long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The role of carotid artery stenting (CAS) as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy in the treatment of for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis is investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients underwent CAS over 10-year period. Forty-nine vessels were treated. Stenosis quantification was done using North American symptomatic carotid endarterectomy trial method. The mean follow-up period by clinical and Duplex examination ranged is 5.6 years. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%. There were four deaths (8.1%) and two (4.1%) minor strokes within thirty days of procedure. There was no major strokes. All patients with minor stroke achieved complete recovery at 1-month follow up. Two deaths occurred probably due to hyperperfusion syndrome (HS) and two due to cardiac arrest. CONCLUSION: CAS is an effective treatment modality of symptomatic carotid artery disease but should be carefully done in high-risk groups having severe medical ailments and those having severe bilateral stenosis of the carotid arteries.

[Agreement of panoramic radiography and doppler sonography in detection of carotid artery calcification]

According to some studies, diagnosis of carotid artery calcification in panoramic radiography could be a good marker and an aid for the prediction and prevention of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular accidents. Doppler sonography is an important diagnostic method for the recognition of calcified atheroma and carotid artery stenosis, With respect to the importance of the recognition of calcified atheroma and vast usage of panoramic radiography in dental treatments, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of agreement between panoramic radiography and Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of calcified carotid artery. In this descriptive-analytic study, panoramic radiographs were taken from 35 nephrologic and neurologic patients with carotid Doppler sonography, in order to evaluate calcified carotid atheroma. Panoramic radiographs were designed in a form that, the most of cervical vertebrae height to the level of the 4[th] and 5[th] intervertebral spaces, could be seen. The data related to the presence or absence of calcified atheroma in Doppler sonography and panoramic radiography were collected by SPSS software. The degree of agreement between the two methods was evaluated by Kappa analysis. Panoramic radiograph and Doppler sonography in both male and female patients in right side showed an average to good agreement rate. Overall, this agreement in patients with cerebrovascular complications without paying any attention to the affected side was from good to average degree. The presence of linear and nodular opacities in the level of 3[rd]-4[th] or 4[th]-5[th] intervertebral spaces in panoramic radiography especially at the right side could be considered serious. If positive risk factors are also present, the patients could be referred, with great confidence and economical justification, for precise medical examinations, [Doppler Sonography]

Association between plasma homocysteine concentrations and extracranial carotid stenosis

Increasing epidemiologic data support a relationship between elevated plasma total homocysteine levels and an increased risk for vascular disease. Higher plasma total homocysteine [tHcy] levels have been associated with extra cranial carotid atherosclerosis and cerebral infarction in whites. However, data regarding such associations are limited for Asians. This study examined the association between tHcy level and carotid stenosis in Iranian subjects. In this retrospective study, the subjects were 158 patients with ischemic stroke, including 105 with a normal tHcy level and 53 with a high tHcy level. We investigated the extracranial carotid arteries by ultrasonography and measured serum tHcy by the ELISA method in these two groups. We found no meaningful association between a high tHcy level and carotid stenosis. The lack of any meaningful difference in carotid stenosis between patients with normal and elevated tHcy levels is probably due to the low frequency of extracranial disease in the Asian population and to the nature of homocysteine atherosclerosis