1
|
Ristow AVB, Massière B, Meirelles GV, Casella IB, Morales MM, Moreira RCR, Procópio RJ, Oliveira TF, de Araujo WJB, Joviliano EE, de Oliveira JCP. Brazilian Angiology and Vascular Surgery Society Guidelines for the treatment of extracranial cerebrovascular disease. J Vasc Bras 2024; 23:e20230094. [PMID: 39099701 PMCID: PMC11296686 DOI: 10.1590/1677-5449.202300942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracranial cerebrovascular disease has been the subject of intense research throughout the world, and is of paramount importance for vascular surgeons. This guideline, written by the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SBACV), supersedes the 2015 guideline. Non-atherosclerotic carotid artery diseases were not included in this document. The purpose of this guideline is to bring together the most robust evidence in this area in order to help specialists in the treatment decision-making process. The AGREE II methodology and the European Society of Cardiology system were used for recommendations and levels of evidence. The recommendations were graded from I to III, and levels of evidence were classified as A, B, or C. This guideline is divided into 11 chapters dealing with the various aspects of extracranial cerebrovascular disease: diagnosis, treatments and complications, based on up-to-date knowledge and the recommendations proposed by SBACV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arno von Buettner Ristow
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro – PUC-RIO, Disciplina de Cirurgia Vascular e Endovascular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
- Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular – SBACV-RJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
| | - Bernardo Massière
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro – PUC-RIO, Disciplina de Cirurgia Vascular e Endovascular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
- Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular – SBACV-RJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
| | - Guilherme Vieira Meirelles
- Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular – SBACV-SP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas – UNICAMP, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Cirurgia do Trauma, Campinas, SP, Brasil.
| | - Ivan Benaduce Casella
- Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular – SBACV-SP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
- Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Faculdade de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
| | - Marcia Maria Morales
- Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular – SBACV-SP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
- Associação Portuguesa de Beneficência de São José do Rio Preto, Serviço de Cirurgia Vascular, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brasil.
| | - Ricardo Cesar Rocha Moreira
- Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular – SBACV-PR, Curitiba, PR, Brasil.
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná – PUC-PR, Hospital Cajurú, Serviço de Cirurgia Vascular, Curitiba, PR, Brasil.
| | - Ricardo Jayme Procópio
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – UFMG, Hospital das Clínicas, Setor de Cirurgia Endovascular, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – UFMG, Faculdade de Medicina, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
- Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular – SBACV-MG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
| | - Tércio Ferreira Oliveira
- Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular – SBACV-SE, Aracajú, SE, Brasil.
- Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto – FMRP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.
| | - Walter Jr. Boim de Araujo
- Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular – SBACV-PR, Curitiba, PR, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal do Paraná – UFPR, Hospital das Clínicas – HC, Curitiba, PR, Brasil.
| | - Edwaldo Edner Joviliano
- Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular – SBACV-SP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
- Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto – FMRP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.
| | - Júlio Cesar Peclat de Oliveira
- Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular – SBACV-SP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro – UNIRIO, Departamento de Cirurgia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wu NQ, Li ZF, Lu MY, Li JJ. Monoclonal antibodies for dyslipidemia in adults: a focus on vulnerable patients groups. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38375817 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2321374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dyslipidemia significantly contributes to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Patients with lipid-rich vulnerable plaques are particularly susceptible to cardiovascular complications. Despite available lipid-lowering therapies (LLTs), challenges in effective lipid management remain. AREAS COVERED This article reviews monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy in dyslipidemia, particularly focusing on vulnerable plaques and patients. We have reviewed the definitions of vulnerable plaques and patients, outlined the efficacy of traditional LLTs, and discussed in-depth the mAbs targeting PCSK9. We extensively discuss the potential mechanisms, intracoronary imaging, and clinical evidence of PCSK9mAbs in vulnerable plaques and patients. A brief overview of promising mAbs targeting other targets such as ANGPTL3 is also provided. EXPERT OPINION Research consistently supports the potential of mAb therapies in treating adult dyslipidemia, particularly in vulnerable patients. PCSK9mAbs are effective in regulating lipid parameters, such as LDL-C and Lp(a), and exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic properties. These antibodies also maintain endothelial and smooth muscle health, contributing to the stabilization of vulnerable plaques and reduction in adverse cardiovascular events. Future research aims to further understand PCSK9 and other targets like ANGPTL3, focusing on vulnerable groups. Overall, mAbs are emerging as a promising and superior approach in dyslipidemia management and cardiovascular disease prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na-Qiong Wu
- Cardiometabolic Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Fan Li
- Cardiometabolic Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Meng-Ying Lu
- Cardiometabolic Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- Cardiometabolic Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Said S, Dardik A, Ochoa Chaar CI. What are the benefits and drawbacks of statins in carotid artery disease? A perspective review. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2023; 21:763-777. [PMID: 37994875 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2023.2286011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of carotid artery stenosis in the general population is approximately 3%, but approximately 20% among people with acute ischemic stroke. Statins are recommended by multiple international guidelines as the drug of choice for lipid control in people with asymptomatic or symptomatic carotid artery stenosis due to their lipid-lowering and other pleiotropic effects. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the guidelines for statin usage as a cornerstone in the prevention and management of atherosclerotic carotid artery disease and the impact of statins on stroke incidence and mortality. Statin side effects, alternative therapy, and genetic polymorphisms are reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Statin therapy is associated with a decreased incidence of stroke and mortality as well as improved outcomes for patients treated with carotid revascularization. Statins are a safe and effective class of medications, but the initiation of therapy warrants close monitoring to avoid rare and potentially serious side effects. Lack of clinical efficacy or the presence of side effects suggests a need for treatment with an alternative therapy such as PCSK9 inhibitors. Understanding the interplay between the mechanisms of statins and PCSK9 inhibition therapies will allow optimal benefits while minimizing risks. Future research into genetic polymorphisms may improve patient selection for personalized therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shreef Said
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alan Dardik
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Surgery, VA Connecticut Healthcare Systems, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Cassius Iyad Ochoa Chaar
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Naylor R, Rantner B, Ancetti S, de Borst GJ, De Carlo M, Halliday A, Kakkos SK, Markus HS, McCabe DJH, Sillesen H, van den Berg JC, Vega de Ceniga M, Venermo MA, Vermassen FEG, Esvs Guidelines Committee, Antoniou GA, Bastos Goncalves F, Bjorck M, Chakfe N, Coscas R, Dias NV, Dick F, Hinchliffe RJ, Kolh P, Koncar IB, Lindholt JS, Mees BME, Resch TA, Trimarchi S, Tulamo R, Twine CP, Wanhainen A, Document Reviewers, Bellmunt-Montoya S, Bulbulia R, Darling RC, Eckstein HH, Giannoukas A, Koelemay MJW, Lindström D, Schermerhorn M, Stone DH. Editor's Choice - European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Atherosclerotic Carotid and Vertebral Artery Disease. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2023; 65:7-111. [PMID: 35598721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 233.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
|
5
|
Benefits and drawbacks of statins and non-statin lipid lowering agents in carotid artery disease. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2022; 73:41-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
6
|
Xin R, Yang D, Xu H, Han H, Li J, Miao Y, Du Z, Ding Q, Deng S, Ning Z, Shen R, Li R, Li C, Yuan C, Zhao X. Comparing Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis in Patients With Bilateral Carotid Vulnerable Plaques Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Angiology 2021; 73:104-111. [PMID: 34018407 DOI: 10.1177/00033197211012531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We compared plaque characteristics between symptomatic and asymptomatic sides in patients with bilateral carotid vulnerable plaques using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Participants (n = 67; mean age: 65.8 ± 7.7 years, 61 males) with bilateral carotid vulnerable plaques were included. Vulnerable plaques were characterized by intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), large lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), or fibrous cap rupture (FCR) on MRI. Symptomatic vulnerable plaques showed greater plaque burden, LRNC volume (median: 221.4 vs 134.8 mm3, P = .003), IPH volume (median: 32.2 vs 22.5 mm3, P = .030), maximum percentage (Max%) LRNC (median: 51.3% vs 41.8%, P = .002), Max%IPH (median: 13.4% vs 9.5%, P = .022), cumulative slices of LRNC (median: 10 vs 8, P = .005), and more juxtaluminal IPH and/or thrombus (29.9% vs 6.0%, P = .001) and FCR (37.3% vs 16.4%, P = .007) than asymptomatic ones. After adjusting for plaque burden, differences in juxtaluminal IPH and/or thrombus (odds ratio [OR]: 5.49, 95% CI: 1.61-18.75, P = .007) and FCR (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.16-7.24, P = .022) between bilateral sides remained statistically significant. For patients with bilateral carotid vulnerable plaques, symptomatic plaques had greater burden, more juxtaluminal IPH and/or thrombus, and FCR compared with asymptomatic ones. The differences in juxtaluminal IPH and/or thrombus and FCR between bilateral sides were independent of plaque burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruijing Xin
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Center for Brain Disorders Research, Capital Medical University and Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 118223Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Xu
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hualu Han
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 118223Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingyu Miao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziwei Du
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Ding
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shasha Deng
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zihan Ning
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 118223Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Shen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 118223Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Li
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 118223Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, 7284University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 118223Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lepor NE, Sun J, Canton G, Contreras L, Hippe DS, Isquith DA, Balu N, Kedan I, Simonini AA, Yuan C, Hatsukami TS, Zhao XQ. Regression in carotid plaque lipid content and neovasculature with PCSK9 inhibition: A time course study. Atherosclerosis 2021; 327:31-38. [PMID: 34038761 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors reduce cardiovascular events, but their effects on atherosclerotic plaque remain elusive. Using serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we studied changes in carotid plaque lipid content and neovasculature under PCSK9 inhibition with alirocumab. METHODS Among patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥70 mg/dl but ineligible for high-dose statin therapy, those with lipid core on carotid MRI were identified to receive alirocumab 150 mg every 2 weeks. Follow-up MRI was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Pre- and post-contrast MRI were acquired to measure percent lipid core volume (% lipid core). Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI was acquired to measure the extravasation rate of gadolinium contrast (Ktrans), a marker of plaque neovasculature. RESULTS Of 31 patients enrolled, 27 completed the study (mean age: 69 ± 9; male: 67%). From 9.8% at baseline, % lipid core was progressively reduced to 8.4% at 3 months, 7.5% at 6 months, and 7.2% at 12 months (p = 0.014 for trend), which was accompanied by a progressive increase in % fibrous tissue (p = 0.009) but not % calcification (p = 0.35). Ktrans was not reduced until 12 months (from 0.069 ± 0.019 min-1 to 0.058 ± 0.020 min-1; p = 0.029). Lumen and wall areas did not change significantly during the study period. CONCLUSIONS Regression in plaque composition and neovasculature were observed under PCSK9 inhibition on carotid MRI, which provides unique insight into the biological process of plaque stabilization with disease-modifying therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norman E Lepor
- Westside Medical Associates of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, USA; Smidt Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jie Sun
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | | | - Laurn Contreras
- Westside Medical Associates of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ilan Kedan
- Smidt Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Chun Yuan
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Iannuzzi A, Rubba P, Gentile M, Mallardo V, Calcaterra I, Bresciani A, Covetti G, Cuomo G, Merone P, Di Lorenzo A, Alfieri R, Aliberti E, Giallauria F, Di Minno MND, Iannuzzo G. Carotid Atherosclerosis, Ultrasound and Lipoproteins. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050521. [PMID: 34066616 PMCID: PMC8148516 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotid artery plaques are considered a measure of atherosclerosis and are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, particularly ischemic strokes. Monitoring of patients with an elevated risk of stroke is critical in developing better prevention strategies. Non-invasive imaging allows us to directly see atherosclerosis in vessels and many features that are related to plaque vulnerability. A large body of evidence has demonstrated a strong correlation between some lipid parameters and carotid atherosclerosis. In this article, we review the relationship between lipids and atherosclerosis with a focus on carotid ultrasound, the most common method to estimate atherosclerotic load.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arcangelo Iannuzzi
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, A. Cardarelli Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.B.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Paolo Rubba
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (P.R.); (M.G.); (V.M.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (G.I.)
| | - Marco Gentile
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (P.R.); (M.G.); (V.M.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (G.I.)
| | - Vania Mallardo
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (P.R.); (M.G.); (V.M.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (G.I.)
| | - Ilenia Calcaterra
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (P.R.); (M.G.); (V.M.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (G.I.)
| | - Alessandro Bresciani
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, A. Cardarelli Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Covetti
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, A. Cardarelli Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Gianluigi Cuomo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (P.M.); (A.D.L.); (R.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Pasquale Merone
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (P.M.); (A.D.L.); (R.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Anna Di Lorenzo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (P.M.); (A.D.L.); (R.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Roberta Alfieri
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (P.M.); (A.D.L.); (R.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Emilio Aliberti
- North Tees University Hospital, Stockton-on Tees TS19 8PE, UK;
| | - Francesco Giallauria
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (P.M.); (A.D.L.); (R.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Matteo Nicola Dario Di Minno
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (P.R.); (M.G.); (V.M.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (G.I.)
| | - Gabriella Iannuzzo
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (P.R.); (M.G.); (V.M.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (G.I.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Aranzulla TC, Piazza S, Ricotti A, Musumeci G, Gaggiano A. CARotid plaqUe StabilizatiOn and regression with evolocumab: Rationale and design of the CARUSO study. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2021; 98:E115-E121. [PMID: 33893754 DOI: 10.1002/ccd.29743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the experience with PCSK9i in patients with coronary artery disease has been wide, and coronary plaque regression has been documented, little is known regarding the role of these drugs on carotid plaque regression. The CARotid plaqUe StabilizatiOn and regression with evolocumab (CARUSO) study is a randomized, single-center, investigator-initiated trial aiming at evaluating carotid plaque morphological stabilization and regression following, respectively, 6 and 12 months of therapy with evolocumab. METHODS Asymptomatic patients with uni- or bilateral de novo carotid artery stenosis ≥50% and LDL-C values ≥100 mg/dl despite maximum tolerated lipid lowering therapy (LLT) will be randomized to evolocumab 140 mg s.c. every 2 weeks on top of ongoing LLT, or no additional treatment. 100 patients (50 in each arm) will be enrolled. Serial carotid duplex ultra-sonography will be performed to monitor the carotid plaque morphology and stenosis over time. RESULTS The primary end point of the study is, (a) carotid plaque morphological stabilization at 6 months, defined as defined as the disappearance of ulcerations and fluffy components and the achievement of a regular plaque morphology with prevalence of fibrous atheroma and/or (b) carotid plaque regression at 12 months, defined as reduction of the entity of the stenosis and/or peak systolic velocity by at least 5%, as compared with baseline. CONCLUSION The CARUSO trial will test the superiority of evolocumab on top of ongoing LLT versus ongoing LLT alone regarding carotid plaque morphological stabilization and regression. The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Salvatore Piazza
- Vascular Surgery Department, A. O. Ordine Mauriziano di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Ricotti
- Health Department, A. O. Ordine Mauriziano di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Musumeci
- Cardiology Department, A. O. Ordine Mauriziano di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Gaggiano
- Vascular Surgery Department, A. O. Ordine Mauriziano di Torino, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sun J, Lepor NE, Cantón G, Contreras L, Hippe DS, Isquith DA, Balu N, Kedan I, Simonini AA, Yuan C, Zhao XQ, Hatsukami TS. Serial magnetic resonance imaging detects a rapid reduction in plaque lipid content under PCSK9 inhibition with alirocumab. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 37:1415-1422. [DOI: 10.1007/s10554-020-02115-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
11
|
Aranzulla TC, Musumeci G. Morphological stabilization and regression of carotid plaque following therapy with evolocumab in a high-risk patient. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2020; 97:E835-E841. [PMID: 32845075 DOI: 10.1002/ccd.29231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-lowering therapy is a mainstay for the management of coronary and carotid disease. Actually, progression of atherosclerosis and adverse events are reduced in proportion to the achieved levels of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). A 67-year-old patient underwent two hospitalizations 6 months apart due to acute coronary syndromes. In the first, PCI with drug-eluting stents (DES) was performed to treat ulcerated stenoses in the left anterior descending artery. In the second, lipid-rich critical disease was found on the right coronary artery and treated with PCI + DES. Later, carotid duplex ultra-sonography (DU) was done due to some episodes of dizziness. It showed an 80% critical stenosis (peak systolic velocity, PSV 239 cm/s) of the left internal carotid artery (LICA) with high-risk features (hypoechogenic and irregular plaque with "fluffy" components). In consideration of the plaque morphology and the unmet LDL-C targets, evolocumab was added to the ongoing statin therapy. In the following months, we observed a parallel trend between carotid plaque regression and LDL-C lowering. Initial plaque remodeling was seen after 5 months: the atheroma appeared fibrotic, with no more fluffy components. At 10 months, in conjunction with the achievement of LDL-C goal (23 mg/dl), a fibrocalcific atheroma was observed; PSV, after an initial rise, fell to 229 cm/s. No further cardiovascular event occurred at 46 months. Last DUS showed a 60% fibrocalcific mid LICA stenosis with PSV of 180 cm/s. Our experience highlights the important role of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in promoting remodeling and hopefully regression of atherosclerotic plaques.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Current risk stratification for stroke is still based upon percentage of carotid stenosis, despite this measure providing minimal patient-specific information on the actual risk of stroke for both symptomatic individuals without significant carotid artery stenosis as well as asymptomatic carotid stenosis patients. A continuously growing body of literature suggests that the identification and quantification of certain carotid plaque characteristics, including lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), thin/ruptured fibrous cap (FC), and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), provide a superior means of predicting future stroke. These characteristics are identifiable via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with most features detectable using commercially available coils and sequences utilized in routine clinical practice in as little as 4 minutes. The presence of LRNC, a thin/ruptured FC, and IPH is associated with increased risk of future stroke or TIA. Plaques with greater than 40% LRNC with a thin overlying FC are prone to rupture. LRNC is T2 hypointense and lacks enhancement on contrast enhanced T1 weighted images. Increasing LRNC size is associated with the development of new ulceration, FC rupture, increasing plaque burden, as well as fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and symptom-driven revascularization, allowing for MR biomarkers of carotid plaque vulnerability to be utilized for systemic athero-thrombotic risk and not just stroke/TIA. LRNC typically shrinks with appropriate statin therapy, with PCSK9 inhibitors possibly playing a role in patients with inadequate response. Carotid plaques with IPH represent a more advanced stage of atherosclerotic disease. IPH is detectable with field strengths of both 3.0 T and 1.5 T and will demonstrate high signal on all T1 weighted imaging sequences. The presence of IPH increases the risk of future stroke in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, with multivariate analysis identifying IPH as a predictor of stroke, independent of percent stenosis, with no statistical difference in men vs. women, demonstrating that simple carotid stenosis measurements and traditional risk factor analysis may be inadequate in identifying patients at the highest risk for adverse cerebrovascular events. In the evaluation for recurrent stroke in recently symptomatic patients with >50% carotid stenosis, the estimated annual stroke risk is 23.2% in IPH+ patients and only 0.6% in IPH- patients, calling into question the current risk-benefit assessment for CEA. Additionally, a recent meta-analysis suggests that IPH+ plaque in patients with symptomatic <50% stenosis may be the etiology of embolic strokes previously labeled as "embolic stroke of undetermined source" (ESUS). There are no prospective drug trials testing the ability of any lipid-lowering therapies to decrease IPH and/or total plaque volume (TPV). Given the continuously increasing evidence of IPH as a significant predictor of carotid plaque progression and future adverse vascular events, trials aimed at targeted therapy for IPH represents a significant need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Porambo
- Department of Radiology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - J Kevin DeMarco
- Department of Radiology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Radiology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|