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Wentzel JJ, Bos D, White SJ, van der Heiden K, Kavousi M, Evans PC. Sex-related differences in coronary and carotid vessel geometry, plaque composition and shear stress obtained from imaging. Atherosclerosis 2024; 395:117616. [PMID: 38944895 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis manifests itself differently in men and women with respect to plaque initiation, progression and plaque composition. The observed delay in plaque progression in women is thought to be related to the hormonal status of women. Also features associated with the vulnerability of plaques to rupture seem to be less frequently present in women compared to men. Current invasive and non-invasive imaging modalities allow for visualization of plaque size, composition and high risk vulnerable plaque features. Moreover, image based modeling gives access to local shear stress and shear stress-related plaque growth. In this review, current knowledge on sex-related differences in plaque size, composition, high risk plaque features and shear stress related plaque growth in carotid and coronary arteries obtained from imaging are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Wentzel
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Engineering, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands.
| | - D Bos
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S J White
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, UK
| | - K van der Heiden
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Engineering, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands
| | - M Kavousi
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - P C Evans
- Centre for Biochemical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
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Frigerio B, Coggi D, Bonomi A, Amato M, Capra N, Colombo GI, Sansaro D, Ravani A, Savonen K, Giral P, Gallo A, Pirro M, Gigante B, Eriksson P, Strawbridge RJ, Mulder DJ, Tremoli E, Veglia F, Baldassarre D. Determinants of Carotid Wall Echolucency in a Cohort of European High Cardiovascular Risk Subjects: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of IMPROVE Baseline Data. Biomedicines 2024; 12:737. [PMID: 38672093 PMCID: PMC11154292 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Echolucency, a measure of plaque instability associated with increased cardiovascular risk, can be assessed in both the carotid plaque and the plaque-free common carotid intima-media (IM) complex as a gray-scale median (plaque-GSM and IM-GSM, respectively). The impact of specific vascular risk factors on these two phenotypes remains uncertain, including the nature and extent of their influence. This study aims to seek the determinants of plaque-GSM and IM-GSM. Plaque-GSM and IM-GSM were measured in subjects from the IMPROVE study cohort (aged 54-79, 46% men) recruited in five European countries. Plaque-GSM was measured in subjects who had at least one IMTmax ≥ 1.5 mm (n = 2138), whereas IM-GSM was measured in all subjects included in the study (n = 3188). Multiple regression with internal cross-validation was used to find independent predictors of plaque-GSM and IM-GSM. Plaque-GSM determinants were plaque-size (IMTmax), and diastolic blood pressure. IM-GSM determinants were the thickness of plaque-free common carotid intima-media complex (PF CC-IMTmean), height, systolic blood pressure, waist/hip ratio, treatment with fibrates, mean corpuscular volume, treatment with alpha-2 inhibitors (sartans), educational level, and creatinine. Latitude, and pack-yearscode were determinants of both plaque-GSM and IM-GSM. The overall models explain 12.0% of plaque-GSM variability and 19.7% of IM-GSM variability. A significant correlation (r = 0.51) was found between plaque-GSM and IM-GSM. Our results indicate that IM-GSM is a weighty risk marker alternative to plaque-GSM, offering the advantage of being readily measurable in all subjects, including those in the early phases of atherosclerosis where plaque occurrence is relatively infrequent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Frigerio
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Daniela Coggi
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Alice Bonomi
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Mauro Amato
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Nicolò Capra
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Gualtiero I. Colombo
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Daniela Sansaro
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Alessio Ravani
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Kai Savonen
- Foundation for Research in Health Exercise and Nutrition, Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, 70100 Kuopio, Finland;
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Philippe Giral
- INSERM, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Cardiovasculaires, le Métabolisme et la Nutrition, ICAN, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France; (P.G.); (A.G.)
- Lipidology and Cardiovascular Prevention Unit, Department of Nutrition, APHP, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Antonio Gallo
- INSERM, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Cardiovasculaires, le Métabolisme et la Nutrition, ICAN, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France; (P.G.); (A.G.)
- Lipidology and Cardiovascular Prevention Unit, Department of Nutrition, APHP, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Matteo Pirro
- Internal Medicine, Angiology and Arteriosclerosis Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Bruna Gigante
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Karolinska University Hospital, 17177 Solna, Sweden; (B.G.); (P.E.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Per Eriksson
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Karolinska University Hospital, 17177 Solna, Sweden; (B.G.); (P.E.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Rona J. Strawbridge
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Karolinska University Hospital, 17177 Solna, Sweden; (B.G.); (P.E.); (R.J.S.)
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TB, UK
- Health Data Research UK, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Douwe J. Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Elena Tremoli
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy; (E.T.); (F.V.)
| | - Fabrizio Veglia
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy; (E.T.); (F.V.)
| | - Damiano Baldassarre
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129 Milan, Italy
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Yeung K, Eiberg JP, Collet-Billon A, Sandholt BV, Jessen ML, Sillesen HH, Eldrup N. 3-D Contrast-Enhanced Fusion Ultrasound for Accurate Volume Assessment of Vessel Lumen and Plaque in Carotid Artery Disease as Compared With Computed Tomography Angiography. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2024; 50:399-406. [PMID: 38171954 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced fusion ultrasound (CEFUS) of atherosclerotic carotid arteries provides spatial visualization of the vessel lumen, creating a lumenography. As in 3-D computed tomography angiography (CTA), 3-D CEFUS outlines the contrast-filled lumen. Plaque and vessel contours are distinguished in 3-D CEFUS, allowing plaque volume quantification as a valid estimate of carotid plaque burden. Three-dimensional CEFUS is unproven in intermodality studies, vindicating the assessment of 3-D CEFUS applicability and comparing 3-D CEFUS and 3-D CTA lumenography as a proof-of-concept study. METHODS Using an ultrasound system with magnetic tracking, a linear array transducer and SonoVue contrast agent, 3-D CEFUS acquisitions were generated by spatial stitching of serial 2-D images. From 3-D CEFUS and 3-D CTA imaging, the atherosclerotic carotid arteries were reconstructed with lumenography in an offline software program for lumen and plaque volume quantification. Bland-Altman analysis was used for inter-image modality agreement. RESULTS The study included 39 carotid arteries. Mean lumen and plaque volume in 3-D CEFUS were 0.63 cm3 (standard deviation [SD]: 0.26) and 0.62 cm3 (SD: 0.26), respectively. Lumen volume differences between 3-D CEFUS and 3-D CTA were non-significant, with a mean difference of 0.01 cm3 (SD: 0.02, p = 0.26) and limits of agreement (LoA) range of ±0.11 cm3. Mean plaque volume difference was -0.12 cm3 (SD: 0.19, p = 0.006) with a LoA range of ±0.39 cm3. CONCLUSION There was strong agreement in lumenography between 3-D CEFUS and 3-D CTA. The interimage modality difference in plaque volumes was substantial because of challenging vessel wall definition in 3-D CTA. Three-dimensional CEFUS is viable in quantifying carotid plaque volume burden and can potentially monitor plaque development over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Yeung
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jonas Peter Eiberg
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Benjamin Vikjær Sandholt
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Majken Lyhne Jessen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hegaard Sillesen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nikolaj Eldrup
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Liu M, Wu D, Wang Y. Accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in diagnosing extracranial carotid occlusion: A meta-analysis. Vascular 2023; 31:884-891. [PMID: 35451893 DOI: 10.1177/17085381221091370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to assess the accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in detecting extracranial carotid artery occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in the Cochrane, PubMed, and EMBASE databases. Prospective or retrospective studies that reported sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for the diagnosis of carotid artery occlusion were selected. Eight studies (354 arteries) were included in the meta-analysis. A bivariate random-effect model was used to estimate overall sensitivity and specificity. The results were also summarized by developing a summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve. RESULTS The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative likelihood ratios were 0.99 (95% CI: 0.83-1.00), 0.97 (95% CI: 0.90-0.99), 30.0 (95% CI: 9.8-91.4), and 0.01 (95% CI: 0.00-0.21), respectively; the odds ratio for diagnosis was 4,796 (95% CI: 119-192,584). CONCLUSION The diagnostic test accuracy suggests that CEUS is a reliable tool for diagnosis of extracranial carotid artery occlusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihan Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Radiology, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanting Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Nashnoush M, Lad M, Masood I, Singh A, Sazzad S, Bharmal S, Negussie M, Marwan M, Eskander S. Multiparametric analysis of carotid body tumours: a pictorial essay. J Ultrasound 2023; 26:553-561. [PMID: 36114987 PMCID: PMC10247662 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-022-00711-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotid body tumours (CBT), also called carotid body paraganglioma, are highly vascular and histologically portray paraganglion cells. They are typically found at the carotid bifurcation and result in the splaying of the internal and external carotid arteries (ICA and ECA). Recent literature supports the role of chronic hypoxia in the etiology of CBT. This pictorial essay discusses how CBT is an uncommon etiology for common clinical problems such as transient ischemic attacks. It also discusses imaging techniques to precisely map out the tumour for surgical resection using advanced imaging modalities and techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Nashnoush
- School of Health Sciences, Dalhousie University, 1278 Tower Road, Halifax, NS, B3H 2Y7, Canada.
| | - Mrinal Lad
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Isha Masood
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Arjun Singh
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sadman Sazzad
- Alumni of Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Sidra Bharmal
- Faculty of Science, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Negussie
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Menna Marwan
- Faculty of Medicine, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Sherry Eskander
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Application of Model-Building Based on Arterial Ultrasound Imaging Evaluation to Predict CHD Risk. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4615802. [PMID: 36238469 PMCID: PMC9553327 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4615802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective Atherosclerotic is a chronic systemic disease that may occur in multiple vascular beds, including the carotid arteries, renal arteries, lower limb arteries, and cerebral vessels. Coronary atherosclerosis shares similar risk factors, pathogenesis, and pathophysiological basis with the atherosclerotic lesions of arteries at these sites. Arterial ultrasound assessment data were used to explore the correlation of atherosclerotic disease with CHD lesions and their severity and the number of lesion branches, as well as to evaluate its value in predicting CHD risk, in combination with traditional risk factors. Methods A total of 363 inpatients with suspected CHD in the Department of Cardiology of the First Hospital of Harbin Medical University from November 2017 to June 2021 were selected. Patient clinical data, blood biochemical examination results, and ultrasound examination of neck vessels, abdominal arteries, and limb arteries were collected to obtain atherosclerosis assessment data. We then compared the differences between the CHD group and the control group, analyzed their correlation with CHD lesions and severity and the number of lesion branches, and evaluated the correlation with the coronary Gensini score. After adjustment for traditional risk factors, logistic regression was applied to analyze the relationship between arterial ultrasound assessment data and the risk of CHD. In addition, ROC plots were drawn to evaluate the risk of arterial ultrasound assessment data, combined with traditional risk factors, to predict CHD. Results With regard to abnormal blood biochemical index values, differences in lipids, HDL-C, FIB, CK-MB, hs-cTnI, BNP, and GGT were found between the CHD group and the control group. Carotid plaque count, abdominal aortic flow velocity, inferior mesenteric artery flow velocity, classification of the number of stenotic branches of abdominal aortic branch arteries, lower-extremity-artery plaque count, degree of lower-extremity-artery stenosis, and lower-extremity-artery AS were risk factors for arterial ultrasound assessment data of CHD. Carotid plaque count, carotid artery AS, inferior mesenteric artery flow velocity, abdominal aortic flow velocity, abdominal aortic plaque count, abdominal aortic branch artery stenosis branch classification, lower-extremity-artery plaque count, lower-extremity-artery stenosis branch classification, degree of lower-extremity-artery stenosis, and lower-extremity-artery AS, combined with traditional risk factors, were mostly more effective than traditional risk factor models in predicting CHD, its severity, and the number of branch lesions; moreover, the predictive value was higher. Specifically, carotid plaque count, carotid AS, lower-extremity-artery AS, the degree of stenosis of lower-extremity arteries, and abdominal aortic branch artery stenosis branch classification can be used as predictor variables for CHD risk. Among these variables, the carotid plaque count can be used as an independent predictor of CHD. Conclusion The incidence of arterial intima–media thickening (IMT), plaques, and stenosis can provide a reference for understanding the pattern of systemic atherogenesis and the distribution of atherosclerosis.
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Fresilli D, Di Leo N, Martinelli O, Di Marzo L, Pacini P, Dolcetti V, Del Gaudio G, Canni F, Ricci LI, De Vito C, Caiazzo C, Carletti R, Di Gioia C, Carbone I, Feinstein SB, Catalano C, Cantisani V. 3D-Arterial analysis software and CEUS in the assessment of severity and vulnerability of carotid atherosclerotic plaque: a comparison with CTA and histopathology. Radiol Med 2022; 127:1254-1269. [PMID: 36114929 PMCID: PMC9587943 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-022-01551-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Our purpose is to assess Multiparametric Ultrasound (MPUS) efficacy for evaluation of carotid plaque vulnerability and carotid stenosis degree in comparison with Computed Tomography angiography (CTA) and histology. Material and methods 3D-Arterial Analysis is a 3D ultrasound software that automatically provides the degree of carotid stenosis and a colorimetric map of carotid plaque vulnerability. We enrolled 106 patients who were candidates for carotid endarterectomy. Prior to undergoing surgery, all carotid artery plaques were evaluated with Color-Doppler-US (CDUS), Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS), and 3D Arterial analysis (3DAA) US along with Computerized Tomographic Angiography (CTA) to assess the carotid artery stenosis degree. Post-surgery, the carotid specimens were fixed with 10% neutral buffered formalin solution, embedded in paraffin and used for light microscopic examination to assess plaque vulnerability morphological features.
Results The results of the CTA examinations revealed 91 patients with severe carotid stenoses with a resultant diagnostic accuracy of 82.3% for CDUS, 94.5% for CEUS, 98.4% for 3DAA, respectively. The histopathological examination showed 71 vulnerable plaques with diagnostic accuracy values of 85.8% for CDUS, 93.4% for CEUS, 90.3% for 3DAA, 92% for CTA, respectively.
Conclusions The combination of CEUS and 3D Arterial Analysis may provide a powerful new clinical tool to identify and stratify “at-risk” patients with atherosclerotic carotid artery disease, identifying vulnerable plaques. These applications may also help in the postoperative assessment of treatment options to manage cardiovascular risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Fresilli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicola Di Leo
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Ombretta Martinelli
- Department of Surgery "Paride Stefanini'', Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Division, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Di Marzo
- Department of Surgery "Paride Stefanini'', Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Division, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pacini
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Dolcetti
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Del Gaudio
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Canni
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovica Isabella Ricci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado De Vito
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado Caiazzo
- Breast Service, Local Health Agency of Naples ASL NA1, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Carletti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Cira Di Gioia
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Iacopo Carbone
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Diagnostic Imaging Unit, ICOT Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Franco Faggiana1668, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Steven B Feinstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carlo Catalano
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Vito Cantisani
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Cassola N, Baptista-Silva JC, Nakano LC, Flumignan CD, Sesso R, Vasconcelos V, Carvas Junior N, Flumignan RL. Duplex ultrasound for diagnosing symptomatic carotid stenosis in the extracranial segments. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 7:CD013172. [PMID: 35815652 PMCID: PMC9272405 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013172.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carotid artery stenosis is an important cause of stroke and transient ischemic attack. Correctly and rapidly identifying patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis is essential for adequate treatment with early cerebral revascularization. Doubts about the diagnostic value regarding the accuracy of duplex ultrasound (DUS) and the possibility of using DUS as the single diagnostic test before carotid revascularization are still debated. OBJECTIVES To estimate the accuracy of DUS in individuals with symptomatic carotid stenosis verified by either digital subtraction angiography (DSA), computed tomography angiography (CTA), or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). SEARCH METHODS We searched CRDTAS, CENTRAL, MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), ISI Web of Science, HTA, DARE, and LILACS up to 15 February 2021. We handsearched the reference lists of all included studies and other relevant publications and contacted experts in the field to identify additional studies or unpublished data. SELECTION CRITERIA We included studies assessing DUS accuracy against an acceptable reference standard (DSA, MRA, or CTA) in symptomatic patients. We considered the classification of carotid stenosis with DUS defined with validated duplex velocity criteria, and the NASCET criteria for carotid stenosis measures on DSA, MRA, and CTA. We excluded studies that included < 70% of symptomatic patients; the time between the index test and the reference standard was longer than four weeks or not described, or that presented no objective criteria to estimate carotid stenosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The review authors independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias and applicability concerns using the QUADAS-2 domain list. We extracted data with an effort to complete a 2 × 2 table (true positives, true negatives, false positives, and false negatives) for each of the different categories of carotid stenosis and reference standards. We produced forest plots and summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plots to summarize the data. Where meta-analysis was possible, we used a bivariate meta-analysis model. MAIN RESULTS We identified 25,087 unique studies, of which 22 were deemed eligible for inclusion (4957 carotid arteries). The risk of bias varied considerably across the studies, and studies were generally of moderate to low quality. We narratively described the results without meta-analysis in seven studies in which the criteria used to determine stenosis were too different from the duplex velocity criteria proposed in our protocol or studies that provided insufficient data to complete a 2 × 2 table for at least in one category of stenosis. Nine studies (2770 carotid arteries) presented DUS versus DSA results for 70% to 99% carotid artery stenosis, and two (685 carotid arteries) presented results from DUS versus CTA in this category. Seven studies presented results for occlusion with DSA as the reference standard and three with CTA as the reference standard. Five studies compared DUS versus DSA for 50% to 99% carotid artery stenosis. Only one study presented results from 50% to 69% carotid artery stenosis. For DUS versus DSA, for < 50% carotid artery stenosis, the summary sensitivity was 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48 to 0.76) and the summary specificity was 0.99 (95% CI 0.96 to 0.99); for the 50% to 69% range, only one study was included and meta-analysis not performed; for the 50% to 99% range, the summary sensitivity was 0.97 (95% CI 0.95 to 0.98) and the summary specificity was 0.70 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.73); for the 70% to 99% range, the summary sensitivity was 0.85 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.91) and the summary specificity was 0.98 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.90); for occlusion, the summary sensitivity was 0.91 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.97) and the summary specificity was 0.95 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.99). For sensitivity analyses, excluding studies in which participants were selected based on the presence of occlusion on DUS had an impact on specificity: 0.98 (95% CI 0.97 to 0.99). For DUS versus CTA, we found two studies in the range of 70% to 99%; the sensitivity varied from 0.57 to 0.94 and the specificity varied from 0.87 to 0.98. For occlusion, the summary sensitivity was 0.95 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.99) and the summary specificity was 0.91 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.99). For DUS versus MRA, there was one study with results for 50% to 99% carotid artery stenosis, with a sensitivity of 0.88 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.98) and specificity of 0.60 (95% CI 0.15 to 0.95); in the 70% to 99% range, two studies were included, with sensitivity that varied from 0.54 to 0.99 and specificity that varied from 0.78 to 0.89. We could perform only a few of the proposed sensitivity analyses because of the small number of studies included. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review provides evidence that the diagnostic accuracy of DUS is high, especially at discriminating between the presence or absence of significant carotid artery stenosis (< 50% or 50% to 99%). This evidence, plus its less invasive nature, supports the early use of DUS for the detection of carotid artery stenosis. The accuracy for 70% to 99% carotid artery stenosis and occlusion is high. Clinicians should exercise caution when using DUS as the single preoperative diagnostic method, and the limitations should be considered. There was little evidence of the accuracy of DUS when compared with CTA or MRA. The results of this review should be interpreted with caution because they are based on studies of low methodological quality, mainly due to the patient selection method. Methodological problems in participant inclusion criteria from the studies discussed above apparently influenced an overestimated estimate of prevalence values. Most of the studies included failed to precisely describe inclusion criteria and previous testing. Future diagnostic accuracy studies should include direct comparisons of the various modalities of diagnostic tests (mainly DUS, CTA, and MRA) for carotid artery stenosis since DSA is no longer considered to be the best method for diagnosing carotid stenosis and less invasive tests are now used as reference standards in clinical practice. Also, for future studies, the participant inclusion criteria require careful attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolle Cassola
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Cc Baptista-Silva
- Evidence Based Medicine, Cochrane Brazil, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Cu Nakano
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina Dq Flumignan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Sesso
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nefrology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vladimir Vasconcelos
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nelson Carvas Junior
- Evidence-Based Health Post-Graduation Program, Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Cochrane Brazil; Department of Physiotherapy, Universidade Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ronald Lg Flumignan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Zhou Q, Li R, Feng S, Qu F, Tao C, Hu W, Zhu Y, Liu X. The Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Carotid Web. Front Neurol 2022; 13:860979. [PMID: 35572949 PMCID: PMC9093455 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.860979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is more advantageous than conventional ultrasound in the diagnosis of carotid web (CaW) and to compare the clinical characteristics of patients in different age groups. Methods Seventeen patients admitted to the hospital from October 2019 to December 2021 were included in our study. Patients were initially diagnosed with CaW using digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and conventional ultrasound and CEUS were completed. Baseline patient data were analyzed and compared between the <60 years old CaW group and the ≥60 years old CaW group to explore the differences between the two groups. Then, comparing the accuracy of conventional ultrasound and CEUS. Results A total of 17 CaW patients participated in this study, including 4 female patients (23.5%) and 13 male patients (76.5%), with an average age of 59.41 (±10.86) years. There were 9 patients (52.9%) with left CaW and 8 patients (47.1%) with right CaW. Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) occurred in 14 patients (82.4%). Thrombosis occurred in five of 17 patients (29.4%). There was a significant statistical difference about the thrombosis between the <60 years old CaW group and the ≥60 years old CaW group [<60 years group: 0 (0%), ≥60 years group: 5 (62.5%), P = 0.005]. Seven patients (41.2%) received medical management, nine patients (52.9%) had carotid artery stenting (CAS), and one patient (5.9%) had carotid endarterectomy (CEA). None of the patients had recurrent stroke during the follow-up period. The diagnostic rate of CaW and thrombus by CEUS was higher than that by conventional ultrasound, and there was a significant statistical difference in the diagnosis of thrombus between CEUS and conventional ultrasound (χ2 = 4.286, P = 0.038). Conclusions CEUS may have a higher diagnostic accuracy for CaW with thrombosis, and it has a higher clinical application prospect.
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10
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Zheng J, Wang Z, Li N, Zhang X, Huo X. Synthetic role of miR-200b-3p, ABCD 2 score, and carotid ultrasound in the prediction of cerebral infarction in patients with transient ischemic attack. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2518. [PMID: 35261213 PMCID: PMC9014995 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a major risk factor for the occurrence of cerebral infarction (CI). This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the synthetic role of miR-200b-3p, ABCD2 score, and carotid ultrasound for CI onset in patients with TIA. METHODS Expression of miR-200b-3p was detected by reverse transcription quantitative PCR and carotid stenosis degree was evaluated using carotid ultrasound examination. Association of miR-200b-3p with ABCD2 scores and carotid stenosis degree was assessed using t-test and chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to judge the ability of miR-200b-3p, ABCD2 score, and carotid ultrasound to predict the occurrence of CI. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of miR-200b-3p and the accuracy of miR-200b-3p, ABCD2 score, and carotid ultrasound in predicting CI development. RESULTS Expression of serum miR-200b-3p was significantly increased in TIA patients compared with healthy controls, and had diagnostic value in TIA patients. Serum miR-200b-3p was significantly associated with dyslipidemia, ABCD2 score, and carotid stenosis degree in TIA patients. ABCD2 score, carotid stenosis degree, and serum miR-200b-3p were independently associated with CI onset, and the synthetic role of these three indicators had the best accuracy in the prediction of CI onset in TIA patients. CONCLUSION Serum miR-200b-3p expression was increased in TIA patients with considerable diagnostic value to screen TIA cases from healthy controls. Moreover, we speculated that the combination of miR-200b-3p, ABCD2 score, and carotid stenosis degree by ultrasound may propose as an efficient predictive strategy for the prediction of CI in TIA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Zheng
- Ultrasound Department, Huantai People's Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Zhirong Wang
- Ultrasound Department, Huantai People's Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Na Li
- Ultrasound Department, Huantai People's Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- Neurology Department, Huantai People's Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoguang Huo
- Ultrasound Department, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
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11
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Yi HM, Lowerison MR, Song PF, Zhang W. A Review of Clinical Applications for Super-resolution Ultrasound Localization Microscopy. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:1-16. [PMID: 35167000 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-021-2459-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Microvascular structure and hemodynamics are important indicators for the diagnosis and assessment of many diseases and pathologies. The structural and functional imaging of tissue microvasculature in vivo is a clinically significant objective for the development of many imaging modalities. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a popular clinical tool for characterizing tissue microvasculature, due to the moderate cost, wide accessibility, and absence of ionizing radiation of ultrasound. However, in practice, it remains challenging to demonstrate microvasculature using CEUS, due to the resolution limit of conventional ultrasound imaging. In addition, the quantification of tissue perfusion by CEUS remains hindered by high operator-dependency and poor reproducibility. Inspired by super-resolution optical microscopy, super-resolution ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) was recently developed. ULM uses the same ultrasound contrast agent (i.e. microbubbles) in CEUS. However, different from CEUS, ULM uses the location of the microbubbles to construct images, instead of using the backscattering intensity of microbubbles. Hence, ULM overcomes the classic compromise between imaging resolution and penetration, allowing for the visualization of capillary-scale microvasculature deep within tissues. To date, many in vivo ULM results have been reported, including both animal (kidney, brain, spinal cord, xenografted tumor, and ear) and human studies (prostate, tibialis anterior muscle, and breast cancer tumors). Furthermore, a variety of useful biomarkers have been derived from using ULM for different preclinical and clinical applications. Due to the high spatial resolution and accurate blood flow speed estimation (approximately 1 mm/s to several cm/s), ULM presents as an enticing alternative to CEUS for characterizing tissue microvasculature in vivo. This review summarizes the principles and present applications of CEUS and ULM, and discusses areas where ULM can potentially provide a better alternative to CEUS in clinical practice and areas where ULM may not be a better alternative. The objective of the study is to provide clinicians with an up-to-date review of ULM technology, and a practical guide for implementing ULM in clinical research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ming Yi
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA
| | - Matthew R Lowerison
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA
| | - Peng-Fei Song
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA. .,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, USA.
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12
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Lin H, Chen Y, Xie S, Yu M, Deng D, Sun T, Hu Y, Chen M, Chen S, Chen X. A Dual-modal Imaging Method Combining Ultrasound and Electromagnetism for Simultaneous Measurement of Tissue Elasticity and Electrical Conductivity. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2022; 69:2499-2511. [PMID: 35119996 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2022.3148120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical and electrical properties of soft tissues are relative to soft tissues' pathological state. Modern medical imaging devices have shown a trend to multi-modal imaging, which will provide complementary functional information to improve the accuracy of disease diagnosis. However, no method or system can simultaneously measure the mechanical and electrical properties of the soft tissue. In this study, we proposed a novel dual-modal imaging method integrated by shear wave elasticity imaging (SWEI) and Magneto-acousto-electrical tomography (MAET) to measure soft tissue's elasticity and conductivity simultaneously. A dual-modal imaging system based on a linear array transducer is built, and the imaging performances of MAET and SWEI were respectively evaluated by phantoms experiment and \textit{in vitro} experiment. Conductivity phantom experiments show that the MAET in this dual-modal system can image conductivity gradient as low as 0.4 S/m. The phantom experiments show that the reconstructed 2-D elasticity maps of the phantoms with inclusions with a diameter larger than 5 mm are relatively accurate. \textit{In vitro} experiments show that the elasticity parameter can significantly distinguish the changes in tissue before and after heating. This study first proposes a method that can simultaneously obtain tissue elasticity and electrical conductivity to the best of our knowledge. Although this paper just carried out the proof of concept experiments of the new method, it demonstrates great potential for disease diagnosis in the future.
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13
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Neira JA, Connolly ES. Indications for Carotid Endarterectomy in Patients With Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis. Stroke 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-69424-7.00076-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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14
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Jia S, Liu L, Ma J, Chen X. Application progress of multiple imaging modalities in Takayasu arteritis. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 37:3591-3601. [PMID: 34287748 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-021-02348-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic, idiopathic, granulomatous large vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology. The clinical manifestations of TA are incredibly variable, mainly depending on the location of the lesions. In the light of its insidious progress and the diversity of clinical manifestations, a substantial proportion of patients might experience a considerable delay in diagnosis, which leads to irreversible malignant complications, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis. There has been accumulating evidence that early identification of disease is pivotal to initiate timely therapy and ameliorate the prognosis. Therefore, this review discusses and summarizes the latest evidence on the application progress of multiple imaging modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Jia
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Guo Xue Xiang No.37, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Guo Xue Xiang No.37, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Guo Xue Xiang No.37, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Guo Xue Xiang No.37, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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15
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Ultrasound Methods in the Evaluation of Atherosclerosis: From Pathophysiology to Clinic. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9040418. [PMID: 33924492 PMCID: PMC8070406 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a key pathological process that causes a plethora of pathologies, including coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and ischemic stroke. The silent progression of the atherosclerotic disease prompts for new surveillance tools that can visualize, characterize, and provide a risk evaluation of the atherosclerotic plaque. Conventional ultrasound methods—bright (B)-mode US plus Doppler mode—provide a rapid, cost-efficient way to visualize an established plaque and give a rapid risk stratification of the patient through the Gray–Weale standardization—echolucent plaques with ≥50% stenosis have a significantly greater risk of ipsilateral stroke. Although rather disputed, the measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) may prove useful in identifying subclinical atherosclerosis. In addition, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) allows for a better image resolution and the visualization and quantification of plaque neovascularization, which has been correlated with future cardiovascular events. Newly emerging elastography techniques such as strain elastography and shear-wave elastography add a new dimension to this evaluation—the biomechanics of the arterial wall, which is altered in atherosclerosis. The invasive counterpart, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), enables an individualized assessment of the anti-atherosclerotic therapies, as well as a direct risk assessment of these lesions through virtual histology IVUS.
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16
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Song Y, Dang Y, Wang J, Cai H, Feng J, Zhang H, Ruan L. Carotid Intraplaque Neovascularization Predicts Ischemic Stroke Recurrence in Patients with Carotid Atherosclerosis. Gerontology 2021; 67:144-151. [PMID: 33582668 DOI: 10.1159/000511360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to examine whether intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) of carotid plaques, as characterized by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), is associated with ischemic stroke recurrence in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS We conducted a prospective study of consecutive patients with a recent stroke and at least one atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid artery on the side consistent with symptoms. All patients underwent CEUS after their first admission. IPN was graded on the basis of the presence and location of microbubbles within each plaque. RESULTS We eventually included 155 patients, all of whom underwent IPN analysis. After a follow-up of 24 months, we recorded 25 (16.1%) stroke recurrences in the whole population. All the recurrences occurred in patients presenting IPN. There was significant difference in the IPN between the 2 groups (p = 0.002). In the final Cox proportional-hazards multivariable models, IPN of grade 2 was independently associated with the risk of stroke recurrence (HR = 4.535; 95% CI: 1.892-10.870; p = 0.001). This association remained after adjusting for the degree of carotid stenosis (HR = 3.491; 95% CI: 1.410-8.646; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS IPN was an independent predictor of stroke recurrence in patients with a recent ischemic stroke and carotid atherosclerosis. In predicting stroke recurrence, IPN may be an earlier indicator than carotid stenosis and may help stratify the risk of stroke recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Song
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ying Dang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jichang Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Cai
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun Feng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Litao Ruan
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China,
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17
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Huisman LA, Steinkamp PJ, Hillebrands JL, Zeebregts CJ, Linssen MD, Jorritsma-Smit A, Slart RHJA, van Dam GM, Boersma HH. Feasibility of ex vivo fluorescence imaging of angiogenesis in (non-) culprit human carotid atherosclerotic plaques using bevacizumab-800CW. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2899. [PMID: 33536498 PMCID: PMC7858611 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82568-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is assumed to play a crucial role in the development and rupture of vulnerable plaques in the atherosclerotic process. We used a VEGF-A targeted fluorescent antibody (bevacizumab-IRDye800CW [bevacizumab-800CW]) to image and visualize the distribution of VEGF-A in (non-)culprit carotid plaques ex vivo. Freshly endarterectomized human plaques (n = 15) were incubated in bevacizumab-800CW ex vivo. Subsequent NIRF imaging showed a more intense fluorescent signal in the culprit plaques (n = 11) than in the non-culprit plaques (n = 3). A plaque received from an asymptomatic patient showed pathologic features similar to the culprit plaques. Cross-correlation with VEGF-A immunohistochemistry showed co-localization of VEGF-A over-expression in 91% of the fluorescent culprit plaques, while no VEGF-A expression was found in the non-culprit plaques (p < 0.0001). VEGF-A expression was co-localized with CD34, a marker for angiogenesis (p < 0.001). Ex vivo near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging by incubation with bevacizumab-800CW shows promise for visualizing VEGF-A overexpression in culprit atherosclerotic plaques in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydian A. Huisman
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands ,grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter J. Steinkamp
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Luuk Hillebrands
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Division of Pathology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Clark J. Zeebregts
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs D. Linssen
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands ,grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies Jorritsma-Smit
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands ,grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Riemer H. J. A. Slart
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands ,grid.6214.10000 0004 0399 8953Department of Biomedical Photonic Imaging, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Gooitzen M. van Dam
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands ,grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Surgery, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and Intensive Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrikus H. Boersma
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands ,grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Advances in Multimodality Carotid Plaque Imaging: AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2021; 217:16-26. [PMID: 33438455 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.20.24869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Contemporary imaging methods provide detailed visualization of carotid athero-sclerotic plaque, enabling a major evolution of in vivo carotid plaque imaging evaluation. The degree of luminal stenosis in the carotid artery bifurcation, as assessed by ultrasound, has historically served as the primary imaging feature for determining ischemic stroke risk and the potential need for surgery. However, stroke risk may be more strongly driven by the presence of specific characteristics of vulnerable plaque, as visualized on CT and MRI, than by traditional ultrasound-based assessment of luminal narrowing. This review highlights six promising imaging-based plaque characteristics that harbor unique information regarding plaque vulnerability: maximum plaque thickness and volume, calcification, ulceration, intraplaque hemorrhage, lipid-rich necrotic core, and thin or ruptured fibrous cap. Increasing evidence supports the association of these plaque characteristics with risk of ischemic stroke, although these characteristics have varying suitability for clinical implementation. Key aspects of CT and MRI protocols for carotid plaque imaging are also considered. Practical next steps and hurdles are explored for implementing routine imaging assessment of these plaque characteristics in addition to, or even as replacement for, traditional assessment of the degree of vascular stenosis on ultrasound, in the identification of individuals at high risk of ischemic stroke.
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19
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Wang P, Wu M, Li A, Ye X, Li C, Xu D. Diagnostic Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Differential Diagnosis of Malignant and Benign Soft Tissue Masses: A Meta-Analysis. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2020; 46:3179-3187. [PMID: 32907771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This meta-analysis was aimed at investigating the value of using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant soft tissue masses (STMs). Relevant studies published before March 24, 2020 were identified through a comprehensive search of PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane and Web of Science. According to the inclusion criteria, five studies were selected comprising 746 patients. In the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant STMs, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of CEUS were 76% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 71%-81%; heterogeneity [I2] = 74.5%) and 67% (95% CI: 62%-71%; I2 = 36.5%), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio was 7.37 (95% CI: 3.78%-14.35; I2 = 66.6%). The overall area under the curve was 0.77 (standard error: 0.0392). Subgroup analysis revealed that different index tests of CEUS resulted in different diagnostic performance. Importantly, CEUS is an effective method for the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant STMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengjie Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ao Li
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinhua Ye
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cuiying Li
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Di Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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20
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Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) applications in neurosurgical and neurological settings – New scenarios for brain and spinal cord ultrasonography. A systematic review. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020; 198:106105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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21
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Baun J. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound: Identification of Neovascularization Permits Characterization of Vulnerable Carotid Plaques. JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/8756479320929017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Carotid atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) represents an ongoing health problem and is responsible for a significant proportion of all cerebral ischemic events (CIEs). Method: A review of the literature was performed on the application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to enhance the diagnosis of ASVD and further avoid CIEs. Results: Cerebral ischemic events are those resulting from reduction or cessation of perfusion to localized regions of the brain made manifest by neurological, typically stroke-like, symptoms. Traditional triplex ultrasound evaluation is a reliable and widely established method of identifying carotid ASVD lesions and grading the accompanying degree of focal stenoses and their hemodynamic impact. While this information plays an integral role in determining management of patients with significant carotid ASVD, it is less useful in classifying individual lesions as “vulnerable” or not. Vulnerable lesions are those that, based on their histological and morphological features, predispose a patient to an increased risk of a CIE due to plaque or thrombus embolization. Conclusions: The addition of CEUS to carotid artery diagnostic studies offers new potential in identifying vulnerable plaques and predicting which patients will progress to sequelae associated with a cerebral ischemic event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Baun
- University of Findlay, Toledo, OH, USA
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22
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Nezu T, Hosomi N. Usefulness of Carotid Ultrasonography for Risk Stratification of Cerebral and Cardiovascular Disease. J Atheroscler Thromb 2020; 27:1023-1035. [PMID: 32863299 PMCID: PMC7585913 DOI: 10.5551/jat.rv17044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotid ultrasonography is useful for the assessments of the risk stratification for stroke or coronary artery disease, because it is a simple, repeatable, and noninvasive procedure. The carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), which is assessed using carotid ultrasonography, is a widely used surrogate marker for the severity of atherosclerosis. Several large clinical studies showed that increased carotid IMT is associated with the future stroke or cardiovascular events. In addition, in many clinical trials, it has been adopted for surrogate markers of clinical endpoints of medical intervention. Moreover, carotid ultrasonography allows the measurement of the presence and characteristics of plaques and the severity of carotid artery stenosis. The unstable morphology of plaque, such as hypoechoic, ulcer, and mobility, is associated with future ischemic stroke events. The screening tool of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis is also important, although whether routine carotid ultrasonography assessment is recommended in the general population remains controversial. The screening of carotid artery stenosis using ultrasonography is essential for not only daily clinical settings but also management of patients with acute ischemic stroke. The patients with atherothrombotic stroke with severe internal carotid artery stenosis should be considered to surgical intervention, and duplex ultrasound approach is important to estimate for the severity of carotid stenosis. Physicians should keep in mind the usefulness of carotid ultrasonography for risk stratification of cerebral and cardiovascular disease based on various aspects. In addition, visual assessment or dynamic changes using carotid ultrasonography could provide the various and valuable insights in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohisa Nezu
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences
| | - Naohisa Hosomi
- Department of Neurology, Chikamori Hospital.,Department of Disease Model, Research Institute of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University
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Porcu M, Mannelli L, Melis M, Suri JS, Gerosa C, Cerrone G, Defazio G, Faa G, Saba L. Carotid plaque imaging profiling in subjects with risk factors (diabetes and hypertension). Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2020; 10:1005-1018. [PMID: 32968657 DOI: 10.21037/cdt.2020.01.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) due to the presence of atherosclerotic plaque (AP) is a frequent medical condition and a known risk factor for stroke, and it is also known from literature that several risk factors promote the AP development, in particular aging, smoke, male sex, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoke, diabetes type 1 and 2, and genetic factors. The study of carotid atherosclerosis is continuously evolving: even if the strategies of treatment still depends mainly on the degree of stenosis (DoS) determined by the plaque, in the last years the attention has moved to the study of the plaque components in order to identify the so called "vulnerable" plaque: features like the fibrous cap status and thickness, the volume of the lipid-rich necrotic core and the presence of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) are risk factors for plaque rupture, that can be studied with modern imaging techniques. The aim of this review is to give a general overview of the principle histological and imaging features of the subcomponent of carotid AP (CAP), focalizing in particular on the features of CAP of patients affected by hypertension and diabetes (in particular type 2 diabetes mellitus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Porcu
- Department of Radiology, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Marta Melis
- Department of Neurology, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jasjit S Suri
- Diagnostic and Monitoring Division, AtheroPoint, Roseville, California, USA
| | - Clara Gerosa
- Department of Pathology, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Cerrone
- Department of Pathology, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Defazio
- Department of Neurology, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Pathology, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Italy
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24
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Rafailidis V, Li X, Sidhu PS, Partovi S, Staub D. Contrast imaging ultrasound for the detection and characterization of carotid vulnerable plaque. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2020; 10:965-981. [PMID: 32968654 DOI: 10.21037/cdt.2020.01.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Not only the degree of luminal narrowing but also the plaque morphology and composition play an important role in risk stratification of carotid atherosclerotic lesions. During the last few years, carotid contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has emerged as a valuable imaging tool to assess such vulnerable carotid plaques. This review article discussed the use of CEUS for the detection of carotid plaque irregularities and ulcerations as well as the quantification of intraplaque neovascularization and its correlation with histology and inflammatory biomarkers. Apart from evaluating for markers of vulnerable carotid plaques, CEUS enhancement is directly associated with past cerebrovascular events. More importantly, preliminary evidence has shown that CEUS could be used to predict future cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events. Despite the progress in CEUS imaging for carotid atherosclerotic disease, past studies still suffer from the retrospective nature, small sample size, and a lack of matched, well controlled prospective studies. In the future, large multi-center prospective studies addressing the relationship between CEUS findings and patient clinical outcomes in carotid atherosclerotic disease are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Paul S Sidhu
- Department of Radiology, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Sasan Partovi
- Interventional Radiology Section, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel Staub
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Characteristics of the carotid plaque in hypertensive patients with hyperhomocysteinemia using multimode ultrasound. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 29:104925. [PMID: 32689606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.104925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ischemic stroke is related to the level of total homocysteine and the stability of carotid atherosclerotic plaque. In this study, the characteristics of carotid plaque in hypertensive patients with hyperhomocysteinemia were preliminarily studied by conventional ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound and virtual touch image quantification. METHODS Hypertensive patients (n=196) hospitalised in the Department of Neurology and Cardiology of our hospital from April 2016 to February 2019 were studied to compare and analyse differences in general clinical data, conventional ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound and virtual touch image quantification between hypertension with hyperhomocysteinemia and hypertension with normal tHcy. RESULTS 1. There was no statistical difference in other clinical data, except fasting blood sugar (P=0.021) and the history of cerebral infarction (P=0.0001). 2. There were significant differences in plaque thickness, stenosis degree, contrast-enhanced ultrasound level, The maximum shear wave velocity (SWVmax) , the minimum shear wave velocity (SWVmin) and the mean shear wave velocity (SWVmean) (P<0.05), except intima-media thickness between the two groups (t=0.160, P=0.873). 3. Blood tHcy level in hypertensive patients with hyperhomocysteinemia was positively correlated with carotid plaque thickness, stenosis degree and contrast-enhanced ultrasound level (r=0.349, 0.647, 0.421), but negatively correlated with SWVmax, SWVmin and SWVmean (r=-0.348, -0.409, -0.393). CONCLUSIONS Ultrasonography can reflect the vulnerability of hypertensive patients with hyperhomocysteinemia, providing reliable and comprehensive information for the prevention and treatment of stroke in hypertensive patients with hyperhomocysteinemia.
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Bridoux J, Neyt S, Debie P, Descamps B, Devoogdt N, Cleeren F, Bormans G, Broisat A, Caveliers V, Xavier C, Vanhove C, Hernot S. Improved Detection of Molecular Markers of Atherosclerotic Plaques Using Sub-Millimeter PET Imaging. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25081838. [PMID: 32316285 PMCID: PMC7221983 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25081838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since atherosclerotic plaques are small and sparse, their non-invasive detection via PET imaging requires both highly specific radiotracers as well as imaging systems with high sensitivity and resolution. This study aimed to assess the targeting and biodistribution of a novel fluorine-18 anti-VCAM-1 Nanobody (Nb), and to investigate whether sub-millimetre resolution PET imaging could improve detectability of plaques in mice. The anti-VCAM-1 Nb functionalised with the novel restrained complexing agent (RESCA) chelator was labelled with [18F]AlF with a high radiochemical yield (>75%) and radiochemical purity (>99%). Subsequently, [18F]AlF(RESCA)-cAbVCAM1-5 was injected in ApoE-/- mice, or co-injected with excess of unlabelled Nb (control group). Mice were imaged sequentially using a cross-over design on two different commercially available PET/CT systems and finally sacrificed for ex vivo analysis. Both the PET/CT images and ex vivo data showed specific uptake of [18F]AlF(RESCA)-cAbVCAM1-5 in atherosclerotic lesions. Non-specific bone uptake was also noticeable, most probably due to in vivo defluorination. Image analysis yielded higher target-to-heart and target-to-brain ratios with the β-CUBE (MOLECUBES) PET scanner, demonstrating that preclinical detection of atherosclerotic lesions could be improved using the latest PET technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Bridoux
- Laboratory of In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging (ICMI, BEFY-MIMA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (J.B.); (P.D.); (N.D.); (V.C.); (C.X.)
| | - Sara Neyt
- Preclinical imaging, MOLECUBES NV, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Pieterjan Debie
- Laboratory of In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging (ICMI, BEFY-MIMA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (J.B.); (P.D.); (N.D.); (V.C.); (C.X.)
| | | | - Nick Devoogdt
- Laboratory of In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging (ICMI, BEFY-MIMA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (J.B.); (P.D.); (N.D.); (V.C.); (C.X.)
| | - Frederik Cleeren
- Radiopharmaceutical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (F.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Guy Bormans
- Radiopharmaceutical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (F.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Alexis Broisat
- Radiopharmaceutiques Biocliniques, INSERM 1039, Université de Grenoble, 38400 Grenoble, France;
| | - Vicky Caveliers
- Laboratory of In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging (ICMI, BEFY-MIMA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (J.B.); (P.D.); (N.D.); (V.C.); (C.X.)
- Nuclear Medicine department, UZ Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catarina Xavier
- Laboratory of In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging (ICMI, BEFY-MIMA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (J.B.); (P.D.); (N.D.); (V.C.); (C.X.)
| | - Christian Vanhove
- IBiTech-MEDISIP, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (B.D.); (C.V.)
| | - Sophie Hernot
- Laboratory of In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging (ICMI, BEFY-MIMA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (J.B.); (P.D.); (N.D.); (V.C.); (C.X.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-2-477-49-91
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Camps-Renom P, Prats-Sánchez L, Casoni F, González-de-Echávarri JM, Marrero-González P, Castrillón I, Marín R, Jiménez-Xarrié E, Delgado-Mederos R, Martínez-Domeño A, Guisado-Alonso D, Martí-Fàbregas J. Plaque neovascularization detected with contrast-enhanced ultrasound predicts ischaemic stroke recurrence in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2020; 27:809-816. [PMID: 31997418 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Plaque neovascularization is a hallmark of carotid plaque vulnerability. With contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) it is possible to visualize plaque neovessels in vivo. Our aim was to determine if CEUS-detected neovessels were associated with stroke recurrences in patients with a recent stroke and carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS We conducted a prospective study of consecutive patients with a recent stroke and at least one atherosclerotic plaque in the internal carotid artery on the side consistent with symptoms. All of our patients underwent a carotid ultrasound examination including a CEUS study. Neovascularization was graded into three categories according to the extent of neovessels. During the follow-up, we recorded stroke recurrences. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of recurrence. RESULTS We included 78 patients whose mean age was 74.3 ± 10.4 years. There were 29 (37.2%) patients with a low-grade stenosis (<50%). The remainder presented moderate (50%-69%) or high-grade (≥70%) stenosis. CEUS was not interpretable in 35.9% of the patients, mainly due to calcium shadows. We detected neovascularization in 80% of the plaques. After a median follow-up of 14.1 (interquartile range, 9.5-19.6) months, there were 15 (19.2%) stroke recurrences. In the Cox regression analysis, CEUS-detected neovascularization was independently associated with the risk of stroke recurrence, even after adjusting for the degree of stenosis (hazard ratio, 6.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.66-26.01). CONCLUSION In patients with an anterior circulation ischaemic stroke and carotid atherosclerosis, plaque neovascularization detected with CEUS was an independent predictor of stroke recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Camps-Renom
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Prats-Sánchez
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Casoni
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Neurology - Sleep Disorders Center, Milan, Italy
| | - J M González-de-Echávarri
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Marrero-González
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - I Castrillón
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Marín
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Jiménez-Xarrié
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Delgado-Mederos
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Martínez-Domeño
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - D Guisado-Alonso
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Martí-Fàbregas
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Bogiatzi C, Azarpazhooh MR, Spence JD. Choosing the right therapy for a patient with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2020; 18:53-63. [PMID: 32043917 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2020.1729127] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Most patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) now have a lower risk with intensive medical therapy than with stenting (CAS) or endarterectomy (CEA); the annual risk of stroke or death with intensive medical therapy is ~ 0.5%, vs. a periprocedural risk with CAS of ~ 2.5-4.1% with CAS, and ~ 1.4-1.8% with CEA. The excess risk of CAS is greater in older patients.Areas covered: Discussed are the need for intensive medical therapy, the nature of intensive medical therapy, approaches to identifying the few patients with ACS who could benefit from CEA or CAS, and which patients would be better suited to CEA vs. CAS.Expert opinion: All patients with ACS are at high risk of cardiovascular events, soshould receive intensive medical therapy including lifestyle modification, intensive lipid-lowering, B vitamins to lower homocysteine (using methylcobalamin rather than cyanocobalamin), and appropriate antithrombotic therapy. High-risk patients who could benefit from intervention can be identified by clinical and imaging features including transcranial Doppler embolus detection, ulceration, intraplaque hemorrhage, reduced cerebrovascular reserve, plaque echolucency, silent infarction on brain imaging, and progression of stenosis. Most patients whose risk of stroke warrants intervention would be better treated with CEA than with CAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysi Bogiatzi
- Department of Neurology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Reza Azarpazhooh
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (Neurology), Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - J David Spence
- Departments of Clinical Neurological Sciences (Neurology) and Internal Medicine (Clinical Pharmacology), Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
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Rojoa DM, Lodhi AQD, Kontopodis N, Ioannou CV, Labropoulos N, Antoniou GA. Ultrasonography for the diagnosis of extra-cranial carotid occlusion - diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis. VASA 2020; 49:195-204. [PMID: 31983286 DOI: 10.1024/0301-1526/a000850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: The correct diagnosis of internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion is crucial as it limits unnecessary intervention, whereas correct identification of patients with severe ICA stenosis is paramount in decision making and selecting patients who would benefit from intervention. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis of ICA occlusion. Methods: We conducted a systematic review in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) of diagnostic test accuracy studies. We interrogated electronic bibliographic sources using a combination of free text and thesaurus terms to identify studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of US in ICA occlusion. We used a mixed-effects logistic regression bivariate model to estimate summary sensitivity and specificity. We developed hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curves. Results: We identified 23 studies reporting a total of 5,675 arteries of which 722 were proven to be occluded by the reference standard. The reference standard was digital subtraction or cerebral angiography in all but two studies, which used surgery to ascertain a carotid occlusion. The pooled estimates for sensitivity and specificity were 0.97 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94 to 0.99) and 0.99 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.00), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio was 3,846.15 (95% CI 1,375.74 to 10,752.65). The positive and negative likelihood ratio were 114.71 (95% CI 58.84 to 223.63) and 0.03 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.06), respectively. Conclusions: US is a reliable and accurate method in diagnosing ICA occlusion. US can be used as a screening tool with cross-sectional imaging being reserved for ambiguous cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djamila M Rojoa
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, The Royal Oldham Hospital, Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Ahmad Q D Lodhi
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Oldham Hospital, Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Nikos Kontopodis
- Vascular Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Christos V Ioannou
- Vascular Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Nicos Labropoulos
- Department of Surgery, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - George A Antoniou
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, The Royal Oldham Hospital, Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Manchester, UK.,Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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30
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Rafailidis V, Chryssogonidis I, Grisan E, Xerras C, Cheimariotis GA, Tegos T, Rafailidis D, Sidhu PS, Charitanti-Kouridou A. Does Quantification of Carotid Plaque Surface Irregularities Better Detect Symptomatic Plaques Compared to the Subjective Classification? JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2019; 38:3163-3171. [PMID: 31066924 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the interobserver agreement of color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for quantification of carotid plaque surface irregularities and to correlate objective and subjective measures with stroke occurrence. METHODS This work was an observational study involving 54 patients with 62 internal carotid artery or carotid bulb plaques (31 symptomatic) undergoing CDUS and CEUS between February 2016 and February 2018, with retrospective interpretation of prospectively acquired data. Plaques were included if causing moderate (50%-69%) or severe (70%-99%) stenosis based on velocity criteria, and their surface was classified as smooth, irregular, or ulcerated based on CEUS. The surface irregularities were quantified in the form of a surface irregularity index by 2 observers, based on CDUS and CEUS. The surface irregularity index was evaluated for interobserver agreement with CDUS and CEUS and correlated with the occurrence of stroke, as was the subjective characterization of the plaque surface. RESULTS Color Doppler ultrasound and CEUS showed good interobserver agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.979 and 0.952, respectively). Plaques were characterized as smooth in 30.6% of cases, irregular in 50%, and ulcerated in 19.4%. The subjective classification of the plaque surface did not correlate with stroke occurrence (P > .05, χ2 ). Surface irregularity index values were significantly higher for symptomatic plaques with both CDUS and CEUS (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Color Doppler ultrasound and CEUS can quantify carotid plaque surface irregularities with good interobserver agreement. The resulting quantitative measure was significantly higher in symptomatic plaques, whereas the subjective characterization of plaque surface failed to differ between symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Rafailidis
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Chryssogonidis
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Enrico Grisan
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- School of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, London, England
| | - Chrysostomos Xerras
- First Neurological Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Grigorios-Aris Cheimariotis
- Laboratory of Computing, Medical Informatics, and Biomedical Imaging Technologies, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Thomas Tegos
- First Neurological Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Rafailidis
- Department of Radiology, G. Gennimatas General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paul S Sidhu
- Department of Radiology, King's College Hospital, London, England
| | - Afroditi Charitanti-Kouridou
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Non-traumatic cervical artery dissection and ischemic stroke: A narrative review of recent research. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2019; 187:105561. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2019.105561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Wang M, Sui J, Wang S, Wang X. Correlations of carotid intima-media thickness with endothelial function and atherosclerosis degree in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2019; 72:431-439. [PMID: 31006671 DOI: 10.3233/ch-180486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Minxin Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Weihai Central Hospital, Weihai, Shandong, China
| | - Jingshu Sui
- Department of Ultrasound, Weihai Central Hospital, Weihai, Shandong, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Weihai Central Hospital, Weihai, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoting Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Weihai Central Hospital, Weihai, Shandong, China
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Rafailidis V, Huang DY, Yusuf GT, Sidhu PS. General principles and overview of vascular contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Ultrasonography 2019; 39:22-42. [PMID: 31671927 PMCID: PMC6920620 DOI: 10.14366/usg.19022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasonography (US) is the first-line modality for the evaluation of vascular pathology. Although well-established for many diseases, US has inherent limitations that can occasionally hinder an accurate diagnosis. The value of US was improved by the introduction of microbubbles as ultrasonographic contrast agents (UCAs) and the emergence of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), following the introduction of second-generation UCAs and the emergence of modern contrast-specific techniques. CEUS offers valuable information about vascular disease, both on a macrovascular and a microvascular level, with well-established applications for carotid disease, post-interventional follow-up of abdominal aortic aneurysms, and the assessment of portal vein thrombosis. The purpose of this review is to discuss the principles of CEUS and to present an overview of its vascular applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Rafailidis
- Department of Radiology, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Dean Y Huang
- Department of Radiology, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Gibran Timothy Yusuf
- Department of Radiology, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Paul S Sidhu
- Department of Radiology, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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Rafailidis V, Chryssogonidis I, Xerras C, Grisan E, Cheimariotis GA, Tegos T, Rafailidis D, Sidhu PS, Charitanti-Kouridou A. An Ultrasonographic Multiparametric Carotid Plaque Risk Index Associated with Cerebrovascular Symptomatology: A Study Comparing Color Doppler Imaging and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2019; 40:1022-1028. [PMID: 31072976 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Various ultrasonographic features of carortid plaques have been associated with the occurence of stroke, highlighting the need for multi-parametric assessment of plaque's vulnerability. Our aim was to compare ultrasonographic multiparametric indices using color Doppler imaging and contrast-enhanced sonography between symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional observational study recruiting 54 patients (72.2% male; median age, 61 years) undergoing sonography and contrast-enhanced sonography. Patients were included if a moderately or severely stenotic internal carotid artery plaque was detected, with the plaque being considered symptomatic if it was ipsilateral to a stroke occuring within the last 6 months. A vulnerability index, previously described by Kanber et al, combined the degree of stenosis, gray-scale median, and a quantitative measure of surface irregularities (surface irregularity index) derived from color Doppler imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, resulting in 2 vulnerability indices, depending on the surface irregularity index used. Mann-Whitney U and t tests were used to compare variables between groups, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS Sixty-two plaques were analyzed (50% symptomatic), with a mean degree of stenosis of 68.9%. Symptomatic plaques had a significantly higher degree of stenosis (mean, 74.7% versus 63.1%; P < .001), a lower gray-scale median (13 versus 38; P = .001), and a higher Kanber vulnerability index based both on color Doppler imaging (median, 61.4 versus 16.5; P < .001) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (median, 88.6 versus 25.2; P < .001). The area under the curve for the detection of symptomatic plaques was 0.772 for the degree of stenosis alone, 0.783 for the vulnerability index-color Doppler imaging, and 0.802 for the vulnerability index-contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, though no statistical significance was achieved. CONCLUSIONS Symptomatic plaques had a higher degree of stenosis, lower gray-scale median values, and higher values of the Kanber vulnerability index using both color Doppler imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for plaque surface delineation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Rafailidis
- From the Department of Radiology (V.R., I.C., A.C.-K.)
| | | | - C Xerras
- First Department of Neurology (C.X., T.T.), AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Grisan
- Department of Information Engineering (E.G.), University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,School of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering (E.G.), King's College London, London, UK
| | - G-A Cheimariotis
- Laboratory of Computing (G.-A.C.), Medical Informatics and Biomedical-Imaging Technologies, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - T Tegos
- First Department of Neurology (C.X., T.T.), AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - D Rafailidis
- Department of Radiology (D.R.), "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - P S Sidhu
- Department of Radiology (P.S.S.), King's College Hospital, London, UK
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Li Z, Zheng Z, Ding J, Li X, Zhao Y, Kang F, Li Y, Pang L, Du W, Wu Z, Zhu P. Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography for Monitoring Arterial Inflammation in Takayasu Arteritis. J Rheumatol 2019; 46:616-622. [PMID: 30824642 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.180701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) compared with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in assessing vessel inflammation of Takayasu arteritis (TA). METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of 71 patients with TA who had undergone carotid CEUS. Twenty-two of 71 patients underwent FDG-PET after CEUS. Clinical disease activity was assessed by Kerr criteria and the Indian Takayasu Clinical Activity Score 2010 (ITAS2010). We investigated the correlation between carotid vascularization on CEUS and clinical data. The consistency of carotid CEUS and PET data has been analyzed for TA disease activity. RESULTS There was a statistically significant correlation between the results of CEUS and ITAS2010 (p = 0.004) or Kerr criteria (p < 0.001). According to ITAS2010, thirty-four of 71 patients with TA were clinically inactive. Assessment of 34 TA patients with clinically inactive disease yielded 11 CEUS scans that showed active lesions (visual grade ≥ 2) in the left or right carotid artery. In 22 cases that underwent CEUS and FDG-PET, 12 were active and 10 were inactive on the basis of ITAS2010. Moreover, bilateral carotid CEUS vascularization score positively correlated with vascular FDG uptake in these patients with TA (p = 0.004). When vascular inflammation was defined as FDG uptake with visual grade ≥ 2, carotid CEUS showed sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 80%. CONCLUSION For TA patients with clinically inactive disease, CEUS could help clinicians to identify active lesions in the carotid vascular region. Carotid CEUS may be a rapid and cost-effective imaging tool in the followup of patients with TA.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZhiQin Li
- From the Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Z.Q. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.H. Zheng, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; J. Ding, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; X.F. Li, MS, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y.F. Zhao, MS, Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; F. Kang, MD, PhD, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; L.X. Pang, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; W.L. Du, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.B. Wu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; P. Zhu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. ZhiQin Li and ZhaoHui Zheng contributed equally to this work
| | - ZhaoHui Zheng
- From the Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Z.Q. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.H. Zheng, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; J. Ding, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; X.F. Li, MS, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y.F. Zhao, MS, Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; F. Kang, MD, PhD, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; L.X. Pang, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; W.L. Du, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.B. Wu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; P. Zhu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. ZhiQin Li and ZhaoHui Zheng contributed equally to this work
| | - Jin Ding
- From the Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Z.Q. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.H. Zheng, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; J. Ding, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; X.F. Li, MS, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y.F. Zhao, MS, Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; F. Kang, MD, PhD, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; L.X. Pang, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; W.L. Du, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.B. Wu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; P. Zhu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. ZhiQin Li and ZhaoHui Zheng contributed equally to this work
| | - XiaoFeng Li
- From the Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Z.Q. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.H. Zheng, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; J. Ding, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; X.F. Li, MS, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y.F. Zhao, MS, Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; F. Kang, MD, PhD, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; L.X. Pang, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; W.L. Du, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.B. Wu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; P. Zhu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. ZhiQin Li and ZhaoHui Zheng contributed equally to this work
| | - YongFeng Zhao
- From the Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Z.Q. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.H. Zheng, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; J. Ding, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; X.F. Li, MS, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y.F. Zhao, MS, Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; F. Kang, MD, PhD, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; L.X. Pang, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; W.L. Du, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.B. Wu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; P. Zhu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. ZhiQin Li and ZhaoHui Zheng contributed equally to this work
| | - Fei Kang
- From the Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Z.Q. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.H. Zheng, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; J. Ding, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; X.F. Li, MS, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y.F. Zhao, MS, Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; F. Kang, MD, PhD, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; L.X. Pang, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; W.L. Du, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.B. Wu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; P. Zhu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. ZhiQin Li and ZhaoHui Zheng contributed equally to this work
| | - Ying Li
- From the Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Z.Q. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.H. Zheng, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; J. Ding, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; X.F. Li, MS, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y.F. Zhao, MS, Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; F. Kang, MD, PhD, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; L.X. Pang, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; W.L. Du, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.B. Wu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; P. Zhu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. ZhiQin Li and ZhaoHui Zheng contributed equally to this work
| | - LinXuan Pang
- From the Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Z.Q. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.H. Zheng, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; J. Ding, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; X.F. Li, MS, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y.F. Zhao, MS, Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; F. Kang, MD, PhD, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; L.X. Pang, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; W.L. Du, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.B. Wu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; P. Zhu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. ZhiQin Li and ZhaoHui Zheng contributed equally to this work
| | - WangLei Du
- From the Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Z.Q. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.H. Zheng, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; J. Ding, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; X.F. Li, MS, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y.F. Zhao, MS, Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; F. Kang, MD, PhD, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; L.X. Pang, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; W.L. Du, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.B. Wu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; P. Zhu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. ZhiQin Li and ZhaoHui Zheng contributed equally to this work
| | - ZhenBiao Wu
- From the Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Z.Q. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.H. Zheng, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; J. Ding, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; X.F. Li, MS, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y.F. Zhao, MS, Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; F. Kang, MD, PhD, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; L.X. Pang, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; W.L. Du, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.B. Wu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; P. Zhu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. ZhiQin Li and ZhaoHui Zheng contributed equally to this work
| | - Ping Zhu
- From the Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China. .,Z.Q. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.H. Zheng, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; J. Ding, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; X.F. Li, MS, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y.F. Zhao, MS, Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; F. Kang, MD, PhD, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Y. Li, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; L.X. Pang, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; W.L. Du, MS, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; Z.B. Wu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University; P. Zhu, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Rheumatism and Immunity, PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. ZhiQin Li and ZhaoHui Zheng contributed equally to this work.
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Yumei LMD, Beibei LMDMS, Boyu LMDP, Yang HMD. Coronary Heart Disease Concomitant with Atherosclerotic Cerebrovascular Disease. ADVANCED ULTRASOUND IN DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.37015/audt.2019.190813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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37
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Di Leo N, Venturini L, de Soccio V, Forte V, Lucchetti P, Cerone G, Alagna G, Caratozzolo M, Messineo D, Di Gioia C, Di Marzo L, Fresilli D, De Vito C, Pugliese G, Cantisani V, D'Ambrosio F. Multiparametric ultrasound evaluation with CEUS and shear wave elastography for carotid plaque risk stratification. J Ultrasound 2018; 21:293-300. [PMID: 30378007 PMCID: PMC6237715 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-018-0320-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the diagnostic effectiveness of Multiparametric ultrasound (MPUS), which includes color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS), CEUS and Shear wave elastography (SWE), for evaluating carotid plaque as compared with CT-angiography (CTA) and histology. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-three consecutive patients scheduled to undergo carotid endarterectomy underwent MPUS. Then, after periods ranging from 2 days to 2 weeks, all underwent CTA. Each plaque was classified by means of dedicated scores for CEUS and SWE as compared with CTA features. At surgery, each plaque was removed in a single fragment to facilitate histological analysis, which evaluated 4 features: extension of the lipid core, thickness of the fibrous cap, inflammatory infiltrate (CD68 + and CD3 + markers) and the presence of intraplaque microvessels. For the CEUS, SWE and CTA, the following values for identifying plaque vulnerability were evaluated: sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV) and Area under the curve (AUC). Cohen's kappa was used to evaluate the concordance between measurements in the different imaging methods. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS At histology, 31 out of 43 plaques were identified as vulnerable because of the presence of at least one of the following criteria: fibrous cap < 200 μm, lipid core, intraplaque hemorrhage, inflammatory infiltrate or intraplaque neovascularization. CTA showed a sensitivity of 87.1%, a specificity of 100%, a PPV of 100%, an NPV of 75% and an AUC of 93.5%. SWE showed a sensitivity of 87.1%, a specificity of 66.7%, a PPV of 87.1%, an NPV of 66.7% and an AUC of 76.9%. CEUS showed a sensitivity of 87.1%, a specificity of 58.3%, a PPV of 84.4%, an NPV of 63.6% and an AUC of 72.7%. CONCLUSIONS Multiparametric ultrasound is an effective modality to obtain comprehensive information on carotid plaques. Further studies are needed to determine whether it can be considered a diagnostic standard.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Di Leo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Oncologiche e Anatomopatologiche, Policlinico Umberto I Roma, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy.
| | - L Venturini
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - V de Soccio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Oncologiche e Anatomopatologiche, Policlinico Umberto I Roma, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - V Forte
- Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Oncologiche e Anatomopatologiche, Policlinico Umberto I Roma, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - P Lucchetti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Cerone
- Biomedicine and Prevention Department, University Tor Vergata of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Alagna
- Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Oncologiche e Anatomopatologiche, Policlinico Umberto I Roma, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - M Caratozzolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Oncologiche e Anatomopatologiche, Policlinico Umberto I Roma, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - D Messineo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Oncologiche e Anatomopatologiche, Policlinico Umberto I Roma, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - C Di Gioia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Oncologiche e Anatomopatologiche, Policlinico Umberto I Roma, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - L Di Marzo
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - D Fresilli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Oncologiche e Anatomopatologiche, Policlinico Umberto I Roma, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - C De Vito
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Pugliese
- Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Oncologiche e Anatomopatologiche, Policlinico Umberto I Roma, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - V Cantisani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Oncologiche e Anatomopatologiche, Policlinico Umberto I Roma, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - F D'Ambrosio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Oncologiche e Anatomopatologiche, Policlinico Umberto I Roma, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
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Atherosclerotic plaque instability in carotid arteries: miR-200c as a promising biomarker. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:2423-2436. [PMID: 30389857 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Early recognition of vulnerable carotid plaques could help in identifying patients at high stroke risk, who may benefit from earlier revascularisation. Nowadays, different biomarkers of plaque instability have been unravelled, among these miRNAs are promising tools for the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis. Inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endothelial dysfunction play a key role in unstable plaques genesis. We showed that miR-200c induces endothelial dysfunction, ROS production and a positive mechanism among miR-200c and miR-33a/b, two miRNAs involved in atherosclerosis progression. The goal of the present study was to determine whether miR-200c could be an atherosclerosis biomarker. Carotid plaques of patients that underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) were assayed for miR-200c expression. miR-200c was up-regulated in carotid plaques (n=22) and its expression was higher in unstable (n=12) compared with stable (n=10) plaques. miR-200c positively correlated with instability biomarkers (i.e. monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, cicloxigenase-2 (COX2), interleukin 6 (IL6), metalloproteinase (MMP) 1 (MMP1), 9 (MMP9)) and miR-33a/b. Moreover, miR-200c negatively correlated with stability biomarkers (i.e. zinc finger E-box binding homoeobox 1 (ZEB1), endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS), forkhead boxO1 (FOXO1) and Sirtuin1 (SIRT1)) (stable plaques = 15, unstable plaques = 15). Circulating miR-200c was up-regulated before CEA in 24 patients, correlated with miR-33a/b and decreased 1 day after CEA. Interestingly, 1 month after CEA, circulating miR-200c is low in patients with stable plaques (n=11) and increased to control levels, in patients with unstable plaques (n=13). Further studies are needed to establish whether miR-200c represents a circulating biomarker of plaque instability. Our results show that miR-200c is an atherosclerotic plaque progression biomarker and suggest that it may be clinically useful to identify patients at high embolic risk.
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Rafailidis V, Chryssogonidis I, Xerras C, Nikolaou I, Tegos T, Kouskouras K, Rafailidis D, Charitanti-Kouridou A. A comparative study of color Doppler imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the detection of ulceration in patients with carotid atherosclerotic disease. Eur Radiol 2018; 29:2137-2145. [PMID: 30350162 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-018-5773-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of color Doppler imaging (CDI) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for diagnosing carotid ulceration, having multi-detector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) as the reference method. METHODS Patients with carotid disease referred for ultrasound (US), either due to the occurrence of neurovascular symptoms or for screening purposes, were included in this study if at least one plaque causing moderate (50-69%) or severe (70-99%) internal carotid artery stenosis was detected. Carotid US with CDI technique, CEUS, and MDCTA were performed in all patients, investigating the presence of ulceration. The agreement between modalities was evaluated using kappa statistics. RESULTS The study population included 54 patients (median age 62 years, inter-quartile range 16.2) and 66 carotid arteries. The mean degree of stenosis was 68.5% (SD 12.2%) while 47.1% of plaques were symptomatic. MDCTA characterized 28.8% of plaques as smooth, 45.5% irregular, and 24.3% ulcerated. Flow reversal was detected with CDI in 65.5% of ulcerations, while swirling of the microbubbles and neovessels adjacent to the ulcer were detected with CEUS in 17.64%. The agreement for ulceration diagnosis was moderate between CDI and CEUS (kappa 0.473) and between CDI and MDCTA (kappa 0.473) and very good between CEUS and MDCTA (kappa 0.921). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of CDI for the diagnosis of ulceration were 41.2%, 97.95%, 87.5%, 82.8% respectively, while CEUS respective measures were 94.1%, 97.95%, 94.1%, and 97.95%. CONCLUSION CEUS outperformed CDI in terms of agreement with MDCTA and diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of ulcerated carotid plaque. KEY POINTS • Superficial ulceration is a significant feature of carotid plaque vulnerability. • Color Doppler imaging has the potential to demonstrate carotid plaque ulceration but is characterized by limited sensitivity and moderate agreement with the reference method of multi-detector computed tomography angiography. • Contrast-enhanced ultrasound outperforms color Doppler imaging in terms of sensitivity for the detection of carotid plaque ulceration and in agreement with the reference method of multi-detector computed tomography angiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Rafailidis
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Ioannis Chryssogonidis
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysostomos Xerras
- 1st Neurological Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Irini Nikolaou
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Thomas Tegos
- 1st Neurological Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kouskouras
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Rafailidis
- Department of Radiology, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Afroditi Charitanti-Kouridou
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Rafailidis V, Partovi S, Dikkes A, Nakamoto DA, Azar N, Staub D. Evolving clinical applications of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the abdominal aorta. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2018; 8:S118-S130. [PMID: 29850424 DOI: 10.21037/cdt.2017.09.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) represents the initial modality in the workup of abdominal aortic pathology based on the plethora of advantages including widespread availability, low cost, safety profile and repeatability. However, US has inherent limitations including limited spatial information of pathologic processes to neighboring structures, lower sensitivity to slow blood flow and aortic luminal irregularities. For evaluation of aortic pathology angiography has long been considered the gold standard. Non-invasive cross-sectional imaging techniques like computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) have gradually replaced interventional angiography for the evaluation of aorta, currently being regarded as the diagnostic imaging modalities of choice for diagnosis of virtually every aortic disease. Interventional angiography is currently primarily performed for treatment purposes of aortic pathology. The introduction of microbubbles as ultrasonographic contrast agents has rendered contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) an evolving valuable complementary technique with markedly increased diagnostic accuracy for certain aortic applications. CEUS is characterized by the potential to be performed in patients with impaired renal function. Due to its superior spatial and temporal resolution, ability for prolonged scanning and dynamic and real-time imaging, it provides clinically significant additional information compared to the standard Duplex US. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the currently available literature regarding abdominal aortic applications of CEUS, briefly elaborate on CEUS technique and safety and present cases in order to illustrate the added value in aortic pathologies. Conditions discussed include abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), aneurysm rupture, aneurysm surveillance after endovascular repair, dissection and aortitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Rafailidis
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sasan Partovi
- Department of Radiology, Center for Interventional Radiology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Alexander Dikkes
- Department of Vascular Medicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dean A Nakamoto
- Department of Radiology, Center for Interventional Radiology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Nami Azar
- Department of Radiology, Center for Interventional Radiology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel Staub
- Department of Vascular Medicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Rafailidis V, Sidhu PS. Vascular ultrasound, the potential of integration of multiparametric ultrasound into routine clinical practice. ULTRASOUND : JOURNAL OF THE BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY 2018; 26:136-144. [PMID: 30147737 DOI: 10.1177/1742271x18762250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Ultrasound has traditionally been regarded as the first-line imaging modality for screening, diagnostic evaluation and monitoring treatment and disease progression of vascular pathology, including both the arterial and the venous branch of the vascular system. Albeit of its well-tolerated nature, wide availability and low cost, ultrasound above all, has the advantage of providing the clinician with clinically significant information related to both intraluminal irregularities and extravascular disease. Ultrasound has the potential not only to anatomically describe tissues but also to assess physiology by evaluating blood flow characteristics in real time. Discussion The already fundamental role of ultrasound has been even more expanded with the introduction of newer techniques like contrast-enhanced ultrasound, tissue-elastography and 3D ultrasound and the incorporation of research advances into clinical practice. The purpose of this review is to present and discuss some of the latest advances in the field of vascular ultrasound in attempt to illustrate how the adoption of multiparametric ultrasound into everyday clinical practice could address the patient's needs. Pathology and applications discussed include carotid and aortic disease, portal and peripheral venous abnormalities. Conclusion Widespread availability of modern technology in ultrasound devices has made the application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound, tissue elastography and 3D ultrasound feasible options, ready to contribute to the diagnostic performance of the ultrasonographic technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Rafailidis
- Department of Radiology, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Paul S Sidhu
- Department of Radiology, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, England, UK
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Blanco P, Abdo-Cuza A. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound in neurocritical care. J Ultrasound 2018; 21:1-16. [PMID: 29429015 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-018-0282-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Multimodality monitoring is a common practice in caring for neurocritically ill patients, and consists mainly in clinical assessment, intracranial pressure monitoring and using several imaging methods. Of these imaging methods, transcranial Doppler (TCD) is an interesting tool that provides a non-invasive, portable and radiation-free way to assess cerebral circulation and diagnose and follow-up (duplex method) intracranial mass-occupying lesions, such as hematomas and midline shift. This article reviews the basics of TCD applied to neurocritical care patients, offering a rationale for its use as well as tips for practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Blanco
- Ecodiagnóstico-Centro de Diagnóstico por Imágenes, 3272, 50 St., 7630, Necochea, Argentina.
| | - Anselmo Abdo-Cuza
- Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Quirúrgicas, 11-13 and 216 St., Siboney, 12100, Havana, Cuba
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Abaza SED, Abdel-Salam A, Baz AA, Mohamed AA. Carotid Doppler ultrasonography as a screening tool of early atherosclerotic changes in children and young adults with β-thalassemia major. J Ultrasound 2017; 20:301-308. [PMID: 29204234 PMCID: PMC5698188 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-017-0264-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE β-thalassemia major (β-TM) patients had an increased incidence of cardiovascular complications secondary to iron overload. They showed early carotid atherosclerosis as showed by increased carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) that may occur early even when significant iron overload is absent. We aimed to test the diagnostic performance of CIMT measurement by Doppler ultrasonography as a structural indicator for premature atherosclerosis in β-TM patients. METHODS Case-control study included 42 β-TM patients (24 males and 18 females) aged from 3 to 30 years and 36 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Carotid Duplex was used for measurement of CIMT in all subjects. RESULTS The frequency of abnormal CIMT among patients was 19%. Mean CIMT of right anterior wall was 0.8 ± 0.16 (range 0.5-1.2) mm, of right posterior wall was 0.80 ± 0.17 (range 0.5-1.2), of right lateral wall was 0.8 ± 0.17 (range 0.5-1.1) mm. CIMT of left anterior wall ranged from 0.5 to 1.2 with mean 0.81 ± 0.17, CIMT of left posterior wall ranged from 0.5 to 1.1 with mean 0.80 ± 0.17 mm. Mean CIMT of left lateral wall was 0.81 ± 0.18 mm (range 0.5-1.2). CIMT of right anterior, right posterior and left anterior walls were thicker in patients compared to controls (P = 0.003, 0.015, < 0.001, respectively). There was no observable difference in CIMT between males and females, splenectomised and non-splenectomised, or well and poorly chelated subgroups (P > 0.05). CIMT of right lateral wall correlated with the disease duration (r = 0.3, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Carotid ultrasound was a useful tool to detect subclinical atherosclerosis thorough CIMT evaluation in B-thalassemia major patients. B-thalassemia major children proved to have an increased CIMT regardless the state of iron overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seif El-din Abaza
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amina Abdel-Salam
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A. Baz
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira A. Mohamed
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Rafailidis V, Chryssogonidis I, Tegos T, Kouskouras K, Charitanti-Kouridou A. Imaging of the ulcerated carotid atherosclerotic plaque: a review of the literature. Insights Imaging 2017; 8:213-225. [PMID: 28160261 PMCID: PMC5359146 DOI: 10.1007/s13244-017-0543-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract Carotid atherosclerotic disease constitutes a major modern health problem whose diagnosis primarily relies on imaging. Grading of stenosis has been long used as the main factor for risk stratification and guiding of management. Nevertheless, increasing evidence has shown that additional plaque characteristics such as plaque composition and surface morphology play an important role in the occurrence of symptoms, justifying the term “vulnerable plaque”. Carotid plaque surface characteristics either in the form of surface irregularities or ulceration represent an important factor of vulnerability and are associated with the occurrence of neurologic symptoms. The delineation of the carotid plaque surface can be performed with virtually all imaging modalities including ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, multi-detector computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography and the traditional reference method of angiography. These techniques have shown varying levels of diagnostic accuracy for the identification of ulcerated carotid plaques or plaque surface irregularities. As a consequence and given its high clinical significance, radiologists should be familiar with the various aspects of this entity, including its definition, classification, imaging findings on different imaging modalities and associations. The purpose of this review is to present the current literature regarding carotid plaque ulcerations and present illustrative images of ulcerated carotid plaques. Teaching Points • Plaque surface and ulceration represent risk factors for stroke in carotid disease. • Characterisation of the plaque surface and ulcerations can be performed with every modality. • US is the first-line modality for carotid disease and identification of ulcerations. • The administration of microbubbles increases US accuracy for diagnosis of carotid ulceration. • MDCTA and MRA are valuable for diagnosing ulceration and evaluating plaque composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Rafailidis
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Ioannis Chryssogonidis
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Thomas Tegos
- 1st Neurological Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kouskouras
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Afroditi Charitanti-Kouridou
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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