Mandatory versus selective preoperative carotid screening: a retrospective analysis

Association of carotid duplex ultrasonography screening with stroke and mortality among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVE

Selection criteria for carotid duplex ultrasonography screening (DUS) before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is primarily based on limited observational analysis, and the risks associated with carotid artery stenosis (CAS) detected by this approach to preoperative DUS are uncertain. This study aimed to determine the association of carotid DUS with stroke and mortality among patients undergoing CABG.

METHODS

Adult patients with coronary artery disease who underwent isolated CABG or CABG with concomitant valvular or congenital procedure were identified. CHA2DS2-VASc score was assessed before CABG, and patients were recorded as high risk if they had a score of 3 or higher. The primary outcomes were stroke and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included ischemic stroke, non-ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

Among 8958 patients who underwent CABG, 70.9% (n = 6347) received carotid DUS preoperatively (low-risk, 57.3%; high-risk, 42.7%). In the low-risk cohort, there was no significant difference in the risk of stroke (20.7 per 1000 patient-years for CAS vs 13.1 per 1000 patient-years for no CAS; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-1.68) or mortality (20.5 per 1000 patient-years for CAS vs 16.8 per 1000 patient-years for no CAS; aHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.97-1.83) at 15 years. In the high-risk cohort, CAS was associated with significantly higher risks of stroke at 30 days (433.2 vs 279.5 per 1000 patient-years; aHR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.00-3.70) and mortality at 15 years (38.4 vs 32.7 per 1000 patient-years; aHR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01-1.57) compared with no CAS.

CONCLUSIONS

CAS did not impact the incidence of stroke or mortality in the low-risk cohort who underwent CABG. However, in the high-risk cohort, CAS was associated with a significant increase in the risks of 30-day stroke and 15-year mortality, indicating selective carotid DUS is necessarily recommended for these patients.

The role of carotid artery stenosis in predicting stroke after coronary artery bypass grafting in a Chinese cohort study

Current guidelines give priority to surgical treatment of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), especially in symptomatic patients. Carotid artery stenting is an alternative treatment for narrowing of the carotid arteries. This study sought to demonstrate the role of severe CAS in predicting stroke after CABG and assess the efficacy of carotid artery stenting in preventing postoperative stroke in a Chinese cohort. From 2015 to 2021, 1799 consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG surgery were retrospectively recruited in a Chinese cohort. The predictive value of severe CAS in postoperative stroke and carotid stenting in preventing postoperative stroke was statistically analyzed. The incidence of postoperative stroke was 1.67%. The incidence of CAS with stenosis ≥ 50% and ≥ 70% was 19.2% and 6.9%. After propensity matching, the incidence of stroke was 8.0% in the severe CAS group and 0% in the non-severe CAS group. We successfully established an optimal predictive nomogram for predicting severe CAS in patients undergoing CABG. Carotid artery stenting was found ineffective in preventing postoperative stroke. The present study provides the incidence of CAS and postoperative stroke in a Chinese cohort, identifies severe CAS as an independent risk factor for postoperative stroke after CABG, constructs a nomogram predicting the incidence of severe CAS, and evaluates the effectiveness of carotid artery stenting in preventing postoperative stroke after CABG.

The routine use of preoperative non-contrast chest computerized tomography and carotid arteries Doppler prior to cardiac surgery

Introduction

There is no consensus as to which patients should undergo Non-Contrast Chest Computerized Tomography (NCCCT) and carotid arteries Doppler (CD) prior to cardiac surgery. The objective of this study was to examine whether preoperative imaging modalities provide clinical benefits and a change in surgical strategy.

Methods

We routinely performed NCCCT and CD in all non-urgent cardiac surgery patients. Major NCCCT/CD findings related to cardiovascular findings (aortic calcification/atherosclerosis, carotid artery plaque/stenosis), or other incidental findings (lung kidney, thyroid, adrenal, gastrointestinal sites etc.) were documented. The results were divided into 3 categories: (A) findings requiring both changes in surgical strategy and post-operative evaluation/treatment; (B) findings requiring changes in surgical strategy, but not requiring a specific post-operative evaluation/treatment; (C) findings not requiring changes in surgical strategy but requiring post-operative evaluation/treatment.

Results

In this cohort, 93 (18.6%) out of 500 patients had significant cardiac and extra-cardiac findings on NCCCT and/or CD. Among the 93 patients with significant findings, 33.33% (31 patients, 6.2% of all patients) were in group A, 7.5% (7 patients, 1.4% of all patients) were in group B, and 59.14% (55 patients, 11% of all patients) were in group C. Change in surgical strategies included, for example, switching from planned on-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG) to off-pump CABG and performing additional procedures to the originally planned heart surgery.

Conclusion

Routine preoperative NCCCT and CD evaluation in all non-urgent cardiac surgical patients is an effective measure for uncovering cardiac and extra-cardiac findings prior to surgery.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Analysis of Carotid Stenosis Among Ischaemic Heart Diseases Patient in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of carotid stenosis among ischaemic heart disease (IHD) patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and identify risk factors associated with carotid stenosis at a tertiary-level hospital in Bangladesh.

Patients and Methods

This cross-sectional study examined 200 IHD patients scheduled for isolated and elective CABG surgery, and multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the impact of independent variables on carotid stenosis with coronary artery disease. A vascular surgeon and sonographer assessed carotid stenosis, and the severity of stenosis was classified according to the current Grayscale and Doppler US diagnosis models.

Results

We observed that the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis was 13.5%, and the male was significantly higher (85.2%) in the carotid stenosis group. A multivariate regression analysis observed that age (OR 1.79), dyslipidaemia (OR 2.19), uncontrolled hypertension (OR 2.38), uncontrolled DM (OR 2.51), multivessel coronary artery disease (OR 3.79), and multiple comorbidities (OR 4.46) are potential predictors of having significant carotid stenosis in a patient undergoing CABG surgery.

Conclusion

In Bangladesh, multivessel coronary artery disease, especially in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, are 4 (four) times higher risk to have significant carotid artery stenosis. Preoperative carotid duplex screening should be performed to curtail the risk of postoperative adverse cerebrovascular events, particularly those who have carotid stenosis associated potential risk factors.

Role of Carotid Artery Ultrasound Duplex Prior to Cardiac Surgery in Adults in Predicting Neurocognitive Complications

Background Neurocognitive complications (NCCs) after cardiac surgery are one of the most devastating complications. Significant internal carotid artery stenosis is assumed to be a predictor of NCCs. Carotid duplex ultrasound (DUS) is a non-invasive imaging study that remains the modality of choice and is routinely used in many centers for screening adult cardiac surgery patients prior to surgery. This study aims to assess the utility of preoperative carotid DUS in the prediction of NCCs in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery in our center. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), valvular or combined surgery, at King Faisal Cardiac Center in Jeddah between January 2017 and December 2018 (n = 229). The preoperative carotid DUS findings were evaluated. Risk factors associated with NCC were analyzed. Results Over the study period, a total of 229 patients underwent 233 procedures. Median age was 60 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 51-67 years), of whom 71% were males. Out of the diabetic patients, 67% had an HbA1C level above 7% pre-operatively. Carotid DUS was performed on 63% of patients, but only 6.9% developed a post-operative NCC. Patients who were actively smoking were more likely to develop NCC compared to nonsmokers or ex-smokers (14.7% vs 4.6%; p = 0.02), with an odds ratio of 3.6 (95% CI = 1.2-10.5). Patients who developed NCC had a significantly higher median intensive care length of stay (7 vs. 5 days; p = 0.05). Conclusions Although international guidelines clearly define which patient should get preoperative carotid DUS screening, the level of evidence is low. Based on our findings, preoperative routine use of carotid DUS prior to cardiac surgery has low utility in predicting NCC. We recommend a more tailored approach based on signs, symptoms, and high-risk features to optimize the utilization of resources, avoid unwarranted delays, and personalize patient care.

Assessment of carotid artery stenosis and lower limb peripheral ischemia before coronary artery bypass grafting operations: a non-randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease affecting the coronary, carotid, and lower limb arteries. Cerebrovascular accidents and lower limb ischemia are devastating postoperative complications. We aimed to evaluate the role of non-selective routine arterial duplex scanning in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODS

This non-randomized clinical trial included 360 patients scheduled for elective isolated CABG who were divided into two groups: low-risk (n = 180) and high-risk (n = 180). Both groups underwent preoperative carotid and lower limb ultrasound screening for associated arteriopathy.

RESULTS

16 (8.9%) patients and 22 (12.2%) patients showed ≥70% carotid artery stenosis while 11 patients (6.1%) and 20 patients (11.1%) showed ≥50% lower limb arterial stenosis in the low-risk group and the high-risk group, respectively; though the difference was not statistically significant in both the cases (p > 0.1).

CONCLUSION

Routine preoperative peripheral arterial screening by sonography is a feasible and effective strategy to avoid unnecessary post CABG complications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03516929 , Registered in 24 th of April 2018.

Is carotid screening redundant for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting?

OBJECTIVES

Stroke is a devastating complication following coronary artery bypass grafting, which thankfully occurs with low incidence. The role of preoperative carotid ultrasound remains unclear. Whilst it is a cheap and reliable way of diagnosing carotid stenosis (CS), it is unclear if and how this knowledge should impact on subsequent patient management.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed using the PRISMA guideline. A literature search was conducted on the MEDLINE database from 1950 to May 2020 using the OVID interface. Fifteen papers out of a total of 5931 were identified for inclusion.

RESULTS

The evidence overall suggests that patients with severe CS are likely to have an increased incidence of postoperative stroke-however, the prevalence of severe CS is low, and even in this cohort of patients, the incidence is not particularly high.

CONCLUSION

In screened patients identified to have severe CS, there appears to be a generally low appetite for undertaking carotid intervention internationally either before or concurrently with the coronary artery bypass grafting. Putting this all together, the widespread screening of asymptomatic patients would appear to not be justified.

Clinical outcomes of radiation-induced carotid stenosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Clinical outcomes of radiation-induced carotid stenosis are still unclear. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis is needed to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes after interventions to treat radiation-induced carotid stenosis.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from 1 January 2000 for relevant RCTs and observational studies which reported outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) for carotid stenosis induced by radiation. Risk of bias were assessed through different scales according to study design. I² statistic were used to evaluate the heterogeneity, and meta-regression were performed to investigate the source of heterogeneity. Visual inspection of funnel plots was used to judge publication bias.

RESULTS

A total of 26 studies with 1002 patients were included. CEA was performed in 364 patients and CAS in 638 patients. The overall estimated rate of short-term stroke was 0.19% (95% CI: 0-0.90%), and the rate of long-term stroke was 2.68 % (95% CI: 1.19-4.57%). The rate of cranial nerve injury in CEA group was significantly higher than that in CAS group [risk ratio (RR): 6.03, 95% CI: 1.63-22.22, P = .007]. The univariate regression analysis showed that the risk of stroke in CAS group were significantly higher than CEA group in both short- and long-term [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 3.62, 95% CI: 1.21-10.85, P = 0.22; IRR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.02-8.59, P = .046, respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review provided the worldwide profile of outcome of treatment for radiation-induced carotid stenosis, and also found that CEA can yield better results for these patients than CAS. Nonetheless, as large-scale studies have not yet been conducted, and there is a definite need for further studies in the future.

Preoperative Carotid Duplex Scanning in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) using carotid duplex ultrasound in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted between January 2017 and January 2018 and included 166 consecutive patients [130 males (78.31%), 36 females (21.69%); mean age: 64.25±9.78 years] who underwent elective and isolated CABG. Patients who had significant CAS (≥50% stenosis) were compared with patients who had non-significant CAS (<50% stenosis). Logistic regression analysis was applied across the selected parameters to identify risk factors for significant CAS.

RESULTS

Of all patients, 36 (21.68%) had CAS ≥50% and 8 (4.81%) had unilateral carotid stenosis ≥70%. Carotid endarterectomy/CABG was performed simultaneously in five (3.01%) patients. None of these patients had cardiac and neurological problems during the postoperative period. The overall incidence of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) after CABG was 1.20% (n=2). Age (P=0.011) and history of CVA (P=0.035) were significantly higher in the CAS ≥50 group than in the CAS <50 group. Significant CAS was identified as a risk factor for postoperative CVA (P=0.013).

CONCLUSION

Age and history of CVA were identified as risk factors for significant CAS. Furthermore, significant CAS was identified as a risk factor for postoperative CVA. For this reason, carotid screening is recommended for patients undergoing CABG even in the absence of associated risk factors.

One-day, sequential carotid artery stenting followed by cardiac surgery in patients with severe carotid and cardiac disease

Optimal management of patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis concurrent with severe cardiac disease remains undefined. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the one-day, sequential approach by carotid artery stenting (CAS) immediately followed by cardiac surgery. The study included 70 consecutive patients with symptomatic > 50% or ⩾ 80% asymptomatic ICA stenosis coexisting with severe coronary/valve disease, who underwent one-day, sequential CAS + cardiac surgery. The majority of patients (85.7%) had CSS class III or IV angina and 10% had non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. The EuroSCORE II risk was 2.4% (IQR 1.69-3.19%). All CAS procedures were performed according to the 'tailored' algorithm with a substantial use of proximal neuroprotection devices of 44.3%. Closed-cell (75.7%) and mesh-covered (18.6%) stents were implanted in most cases. The majority of patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (88.6%) or isolated valve replacement (7.1%). No major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) occurred at the CAS stage. There were three (4.3%) perioperative MACCE: one myocardial infarction and two deaths. All MACCE were related to cardiac surgery and were due to the high surgical risk profile of the patients. Up to 30 days, no further MACCE were observed. No perioperative or 30-day neurological complications occurred. In this patient series, one-day, sequential CAS and cardiac surgery was relatively safe and did not result in neurological complications. Thus, a strategy of preoperative CAS could be considered for patients with severe or symptomatic ICA stenosis who require urgent cardiac surgery.

Prevalence of carotid artery stenosis in ischaemic heart disease patients in Bangladesh

Background:

Concurrent carotid artery stenosis and ischaemic heart disease rates are increasing day by day in Bangladesh. Moreover, carotid artery stenosis has been identified as a high-risk factor for postoperative ischaemic cerebral inconvenience following coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Methods:

This observational cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate 200 study patients from July 2017 to June 2018. Patients with coronary artery disease scheduled for isolated elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery were included in the study, excluding those with coexisting valvular or congenital heart disease and emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Results:

About two-thirds of the study patients were 50–59 years old, with a mean age of 57.7 ± 3.06 years. Approximately 70% patients were male; the male:female ratio was 2.1:1. Most of the patients (74.5%) were Muslim. The majority of patients (59.0%) were overweight, and severe carotid artery stenosis was significantly higher in obese patients (p ⩽ 0.05). Furthermore, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with moderate to severe carotid artery stenosis (p ⩽ 0.05). Multi-vessel coronary artery disease was significantly associated with the severity of carotid artery stenosis. Bilateral carotid artery stenosis was significantly associated with the severity of carotid artery stenosis (p ⩽ 0.05).

Conclusion:

Routine duplex screening will identify significant carotid artery disease and will subsequently reduce the risk of perioperative stroke in ischaemic heart disease patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

The risk of carotid stenosis in head and neck cancer patients after radiation therapy

OBJECTIVES

Head and neck radiotherapy (RT) is a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease. We performed a retrospective cohort study to evaluate carotid artery stenosis (CAS) incidence in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing RT, characterizing associated risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Records were retrospectively reviewed for HNC patients undergoing carotid ultrasound screening after definitive or adjuvant RT between January 2000 and May 2016. CAS was defined as ≥50% stenosis on imaging, stroke, or transient ischemic attack. Actuarial CAS rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses predicted CAS risk based on carotid dosimetric and clinical parameters.

RESULTS

366 patients met inclusion criteria. Median time from RT completion to last follow-up was 4.1 yr. Actuarial risk for CAS was 29% (95% CI 22-36%) at 8 years. Univariate analysis showed that smoking (HR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1-2.7), hyperlipidemia (HR 1.6; 95% CI 1.03-2.6), diabetes (HR 2.8; 95% CI 1.6-4.8), coronary artery disease (HR 2.4; 95% CI 1.4-4.2), and peripheral artery disease (HR 3.6; 95% CI 1.1-11.6) were significantly associated with increased CAS. In multivariate analysis, diabetes was predictive of time to CAS (HR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1-3.4). Carotid dose parameters were not significantly associated with CAS.

CONCLUSIONS

CAS incidence is high after head and neck radiotherapy, gradually rising over time. No clear dose-response effect between carotid dose and CAS was identified for HNC patients. Carotid artery screening and preventative strategies should be employed in this high-risk patient population.

Approach to concurrent coronary and carotid artery disease: Epidemiology, screening and treatment

Summary The concomitance between coronary artery disease and carotid artery disease is known and well documented. However, it is a fact that, despite the screening methods for these conditions and the advances in surgical treatment, little has been achieved in terms of reducing the risk of complications in the perioperative period. Publications are scarce, being mostly composed of reports or case series. There is little agreement on the best initial therapeutic approach (myocardial versus carotid revascularization) or the best technique to be used (surgery with or without extracorporeal circulation, hybrid treatments, etc.). The authors performed a review of the evidence in this clinical scenario, raising pragmatic questions that help in the therapeutic decision.

Bedside screening with the use of pocket-size imaging device can be useful for ruling out carotid artery stenosis in patients scheduled for cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Patients (pts) scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting, burdened with high risk of carotid stenosis, are recommended to undergo duplex ultrasonography (DUS) of carotid arteries.

PURPOSE

To validate pocket-size imaging device (PSID) equipped with linear probe as an easily accessible tool enabling bedside screening for carotid artery stenosis (CAS).

METHODS

A total of 100 pts (60 men, mean age 69±11 years) with multivessel coronary artery disease underwent bedside DUS of carotid arteries with the use of PSID performed by a cardiology resident trained in DUS. Subsequently, DUS with the use of stationary high-end ultrasound system was performed in all pts to verify findings of PSID examination.

RESULTS

Initial diagnosis of atherosclerotic plaque presence obtained with PSID in 59 patients was confirmed by high-end ultrasound system examination in all cases. There was a statistically significant correlation of intima-media thickness measurements between PSID and stationary system (r=.58; 95% CI: 0.48-0.66; P<.0001), but the coefficient of agreement (κ) between the two methods in classification of intima-media as normal or thickened (>0.9 mm) was only .38 (95% CI: 0.299-0.459). During PSID examination, turbulent flow was observed in 21 pts-CAS was confirmed in all these pts-5 pts were diagnosed with significant CAS, the rest with CAS ranging from 30% to 70%.

CONCLUSIONS

Pocket-size imaging device equipped with linear probe allows for identification of patients with atherosclerotic plaques and turbulent flow in carotid arteries; however, the degree of CAS cannot be reliably determined. The measurement accuracy of intima-media thickness is insufficient for a diagnostic purpose.

Prevalence of carotid artery stenosis in neurologically asymptomatic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting for coronary artery disease: Role of anesthesiologist in preoperative assessment and intraoperative management

Objective(s):

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) due to atherosclerosis in neurologically asymptomatic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for coronary artery disease (CAD). It contemplated a greater role for the cardiac anesthesiologist in the perioperative management of such patients with either previously undiagnosed carotid artery disease or towards re-assessment of severity of CAS.

Design:

Prospective, observational clinical study.

Setting:

Operation room of a cardiac surgery centre of a tertiary teaching hospital.

Participants:

A hundred adult patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification I to III presenting electively for CABG.

Interventions:

All patients included in this study were subjected to ultrasonic examination by means of acarotid doppler scan to access for presence of CAS just prior to induction of general anesthesia.

Measurements and Main Results:

Based on parameters measured using carotid doppler, the presence of CAS was defined using standard criteria. The prevalence of CAS was found to be as high as 38% amongst the patients included in our study. The risk factors for CAS were identified to be advanced age, history of smoking, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and presence of a carotid bruit.

Conclusion:

This study points towards the relatively wide prevalence of carotid artery disease in neurologically asymptomatic patients undergoing CABG for CAD in the elective setting. It highlights the need to routinely incorporate carotid ultrasonography in the armamentarium of the cardiac anesthesiologist as standard of care for all patients presenting for CABG.

Coronary artery bypass grafting for left main disease and the risk of stroke: Incidence, aetiology and prevention

This review explores the association between left main disease and the increased risk of perioperative stroke following coronary artery bypass grafting, specifically addressing the potential underlying mechanisms and its potential prevention. In particular, this correlation appears stronger for patients with left main disease when compared to patients with isolated triple vessel disease. Even though evidence on this topic is limited and of modest quality, there appears to be a significant association between ascending aorta atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Furthermore, there seems to be a relationship between the severity and extent of carotid artery stenosis and coronary artery disease. Carotid artery disease is itself associated with atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta, a well-recognised risk factor for postoperative atheroembolic stroke. The association between left main disease, ascending aorta atherosclerosis and carotid artery stenosis may reflect an increased systemic atherosclerotic burden and hence explain, at least partially, the higher risk of perioperative cerebrovascular events. Potential pre-, intra- and post-operative strategies for stroke prevention are discussed.

Association between the Gensini Score and Carotid Artery Stenosis

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the extent of coronary artery disease assessed by the Gensini score and/or the SYNTAX score and the significant carotid stenosis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Subjects and Methods

A total of 225 patients who had carotid doppler ultrasonography prior to CABG were included retrospectively. Significant coronary artery disease was assumed as a lumen diameter stenosis of ≥50% in any of the major epicardial coronary arteries. The severity of carotid stenosis was determined by B-mode and duplex ultrasonography. Clinically significant carotid stenosis was defined as peak systolic velocity greater than 125 cm/s.

Results

The mean value of SYNTAX score and Gensini score was highest in patients allocated to significant carotid stenosis (22.98±7.32, p<0.001 and 77.40±32.35, p<0.001, respectively). The other risk factors for significant carotid stenosis were found to be male gender (p=0.029), carotid bruit (p<0.001), diabetes (p=0.021), left main disease (p=0.002), 3-vessel disease (p=0.008), chronic total coronary occlusion (p=0.001), and coronary artery calcification (p=0.001) in univariate analysis. However, only the Gensini score (odds ratio[OR]=1.030, p=0.004), carotid bruit (OR=0.068, p<0.001), and male gender (OR=0.190, p=0.003) were the independent predictors. The Gensini score cut off value predicting significant carotid stenosis was 50.5 with 77% sensitivity (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The Gensini score may be used to identify patients at high risk for significant carotid stenosis prior to CABG.

Nonselective carotid artery ultrasound screening in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: Is it necessary?

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether nonselective preoperative carotid artery ultrasound screening alters management of patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and whether such screening affects neurologic outcomes.

METHODS

From March 2011 to September 2013, preoperative carotid artery ultrasound screening was performed on 1236 of 1382 patients (89%) scheduled to undergo CABG. Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) was classified as none or mild (any type 0%-59% stenosis), moderate (unilateral 60%-79% stenosis), or severe (bilateral 60%-79% stenosis or unilateral 80%-100% stenosis).

RESULTS

A total of 1069 (86%) had <moderate; 90 (7.3%) had moderate; and 77 (6.2%) had severe CAS. Of those with moderate CAS, 4 (4.4%) had preoperative confirmatory testing, and 1 (1.1%) underwent combined CABG + carotid endarterectomy (CEA); 11 (12%) had off-pump surgery. Of those with severe CAS, 18 (23%) had confirmatory testing, and 18 (23%) underwent combined CABG + CEA; 6 (7.8%) had off-pump surgery. Stroke occurred in 14 of 1069 (1.3%) patients with <moderate CAS; 2 of 90 (2.2%) of those with moderate CAS; and 2 of 77 (2.6%) of those with severe CAS (P = .3). In patients with ≥moderate CAS, 1 of 19 (5.3%) undergoing CABG + CEA and 3 of 148 (2.0%) undergoing CABG alone experienced stroke (P = .4). In patients with moderate CAS, stroke occurred in 1 of 11 (9.1%) off-pump and 1 of 79 (1.3%) on-pump patients (P = .2). In patients with severe CAS, stroke occurred in 1 of 6 (17%) off-pump and 1 of 71 (1.4%) on-pump patients (P = .15).

CONCLUSIONS

Routine preoperative carotid artery evaluation altered the management of a minority of patients undergoing CABG; this did not translate into perioperative stroke risk. Hence, a more targeted approach for preoperative carotid artery evaluation should be adopted.

Does preoperative carotid stenosis screening reduce perioperative stroke in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting?

A number of institutions routinely perform carotid artery ultrasound screening before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to identify carotid artery disease requiring revascularization before or during CABG, with the expectation of reducing perioperative neurologic events. The assumptions are that carotid disease is causally related to perioperative stroke and that prophylactic carotid revascularization decreases the risk of post-CABG neurologic events. Although carotid artery stenosis is a known risk factor for perioperative stroke in patients undergoing CABG, it might be a surrogate marker for diffuse atherosclerotic disease rather than a direct etiologic factor. Moreover, the benefit of prophylactic carotid revascularization in patients with asymptomatic unilateral carotid disease is uncertain. Therefore, we have reviewed the literature for evidence that preoperative carotid artery screening, by identifying patients with significant carotid artery stenosis and altering their management, reduces perioperative neurologic events in those undergoing CABG.

Perioperative management of combined carotid and coronary artery bypass grafting procedures

The objective of this review is to provide a high level overview on current thinking for treatment of patients with combined carotid and coronary artery disease given that these patients are at higher risk of adverse cardiac events, stroke, and death. This review discusses (1) the current literature addressing perioperative stroke risk in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft, (2) the literature regarding different surgical approaches when both carotid and coronary revascularization are being considered, and (3) the data available to guide optimal management of this complex patient population to minimize complications regardless of the surgical approach taken.

Carotid stenosis management: a review for the internist

Stroke is one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide and, for a long time, was the leading cause of death in developed countries. Atherothrombotic carotid stenosis is one of the most important etiologies behind this event. If properly recognized and treated, lives can be saved, as well as long-term disabilities prevented. With population aging and improvements in surgical and clinical care, patients with several comorbidities will be referred for revascularization procedures more frequently, posing a challenge for physicians. The purpose of this review is to provide internists and clinicians with information based on several studies so they can offer to their patients, the best evidence-based care, indicating appropriate medical therapy, as well as referral to a vascular surgeon, or what contraindicates endarterectomy or angioplasty, depending on individual characteristics.

Carotid Artery Stenosis Associated with Increased Mortality in Patients who Underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Vascular disease resulting from arteriosclerosis is a severe worldwide health risk. Early diagnosis and intervention is important to control adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to assess the potential predictors of mortality in patients submitted to coronary bypass surgery.

METHODS

Cohort study included asymptomatic cerebrovascular disease patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting admitted to the cardiology reference center. All patients were submitted to carotid artery ultrasound assessment prior to surgery and were followed up during the entire in-hospital postoperative period. Carotid artery stenosis was considered clinically significant when cross sectional area ≥50%. Significance was set at p <0.05. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

Of 455 patients with a mean age of 62.2 years 65.6% were males. The prevalence of carotid artery stenosis was 18.7%. It was absent in 3.6% of the patients, below 50% in 77.8%, between 50 and 69% in 11.6%, and between 70 and 99% in 6.9%. The carotid artery was occluded in 0.2% of the sample. An overall mortality of 12%, affecting 35 men (P=0.001) with stenosis ≥50%. After logistic regression analysis, carotid artery stenosis ≥50% was confirmed as being an independent predictor of mortality (P=0.005).

CONCLUSION

In this series carotid artery stenosis showed a high prevalence in the sample assessed and was an independent predictor of mortality.

Contemporary incidence and risk factors for carotid artery disease in patients referred for coronary artery bypass surgery

BACKGROUND

In the past decade, there has been an increase in the amount of patients with medical co-morbidities referred for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Significant carotid artery disease in patients undergoing CABG procedures increases the risk of neurological complications. We review the results of routine carotid screening in patients undergoing CABG to determine the contemporary incidence and risk factors for carotid artery disease.

METHODS

Between 2008 through 2010, 673 patients were referred for isolated coronary artery bypass surgery at a single institution. Patients were identified through a systematic review of The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Society of Thoracic Surgery Outcomes Database. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected demographic, clinical data and outcomes were performed. All patients with screening preoperative carotid duplex were reviewed. We defined the degree of carotid disease as: none to mild stenosis (<50%), moderate stenosis (50-69%), severe stenosis (70-99%). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors.

RESULTS

559 (83%) patients underwent screening preoperative carotid ultrasonography prior to CABG. The incidence of carotid artery disease (>50% stenosis) was 36% with 18% unilateral moderate disease, 10% bilateral moderate and 8% severe disease. Risk factors associated with carotid artery disease included: advanced age, renal failure, previous stroke, peripheral vascular disease, left main coronary artery disease, and previous myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant incidence of carotid artery stenosis in patients referred for CABG. Routine screening will identify patients with carotid artery disease and may reduce the risk of postoperative stroke.

Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Disease in Valvular Heart Surgery

We evaluated the prevalence of asymptomatic carotid artery disease in patients scheduled for valvular cardiac surgery. Preoperative screening of the carotid arteries was performed. Among 1012 patients scheduled for valvular cardiac surgery, 267 (26.4%) had carotid stenosis graded >50%; 37 had carotid stenosis >70% and underwent combined valvular surgery and carotid endarterectomy (CEA); and 230 (86%) had carotid stenosis >50% to ≤69% and received valvular cardiac surgery under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. Operative mortality and the rate of perioperative adverse neurological events were comparable among the groups. During 6.8 years of follow-up, patients with carotid stenosis not exceeding 69% at the time of surgery had CEA more frequently ( P < .05) and stroke/transient ischemic attack ([TIA] P < .05) versus patients treated with combined surgery. The prevalence of asymptomatic carotid stenosis is not negligible in patients undergoing isolated valvular surgery. Combined valvular and carotid surgery is safe and reduces the incidence of CEA and stroke/TIA during follow-up.

Biomarkers of asymptomatic carotid stenosis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Carotid artery stenosis is an important etiologic factor of stroke related to coronary artery bypass surgery. We evaluated clinical and laboratory factors to identify biomarkers for pre-existing carotid artery stenosis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

METHODS

Between June 2006 and September 2008, 811 patients aged ≥50 years underwent preoperative carotid artery duplex scanning as part of a preoperative assessment for nonemergency cardiac procedures. Of these, 54 patients with previous stroke or transient ischemic attack were excluded. The association between various biomarkers and carotid artery stenosis was analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curves were generated and analyzed to compare diagnostic performance and optimum diagnostic cutoff levels of biomarkers.

RESULTS

A total of 757 patients was included in the study. The prevalence of asymptomatic carotid stenosis of ≥50% and ≥70% was 26.4% and 8.6%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, plasma levels of apolipoprotein B (apoB):apoA-I, lipoprotein(a), and homocysteine were independently associated with carotid stenosis of ≥50%: the OR (95% CI) for apoB/apoA-I, lipoprotein(a), and homocysteine in the highest versus lowest quartile was 2.07 (1.18 to 3.66), 2.17 (1.16 to 4.05), and 2.13 (1.20 to 3.79), respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated area under the curve values of 0.708 (apoB:apoA-I), 0.678 (lipoprotein[a]), and 0.689 (homocysteine). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (%) for diagnosis of carotid stenosis ≥50% were 80.0, 50.4, 38.0, and 86.9 for apoB:apoA-I; 47.0, 78.9, 46.1, and 79.5 for lipoprotein(a); and 69.3, 62.1, 41.2, and 84.1 for homocysteine, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that plasma levels of apoB/apoA-I, lipoprotein(a), and homocysteine can predict asymptomatic carotid stenosis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.