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Kopyto E, Czeczelewski M, Mikos E, Stępniak K, Kopyto M, Matuszek M, Nieoczym K, Czarnecki A, Kuczyńska M, Cheda M, Drelich-Zbroja A, Jargiełło T. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Feasibility in Assessing Carotid Plaque Vulnerability-Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6416. [PMID: 37835061 PMCID: PMC10573420 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk assessment for carotid atherosclerotic lesions involves not only determining the degree of stenosis but also plaque morphology and its composition. Recently, carotid contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has gained importance for evaluating vulnerable plaques. This review explores CEUS's utility in detecting carotid plaque surface irregularities and ulcerations as well as intraplaque neovascularization and its alignment with histology. Initial indications suggest that CEUS might have the potential to anticipate cerebrovascular incidents. Nevertheless, there is a need for extensive, multicenter prospective studies that explore the relationships between CEUS observations and patient clinical outcomes in cases of carotid atherosclerotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Kopyto
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Marcin Czeczelewski
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Eryk Mikos
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Karol Stępniak
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Maja Kopyto
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Małgorzata Matuszek
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Karolina Nieoczym
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Adam Czarnecki
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Maryla Kuczyńska
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.D.-Z.); (T.J.)
| | - Mateusz Cheda
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.D.-Z.); (T.J.)
| | - Anna Drelich-Zbroja
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.D.-Z.); (T.J.)
| | - Tomasz Jargiełło
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.D.-Z.); (T.J.)
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Han Y, Ren L, Fei X, Wang J, Chen T, Guo J, Wang Q. Association between Carotid Intraplaque Neovascularization Detected by Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and the Progression of Coronary Lesions in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2023; 36:216-223. [PMID: 36307032 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2022.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is thought that the progression of vulnerable plaque is due in part to neovascularization, and plaque vulnerability is a useful approach for classifying cardiovascular risk. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the correlation between carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) detected on contrast-enhanced ultrasound and the progression of coronary lesions in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and angiography were performed in 131 patients undergoing PCI. All patients had angiograms obtained ≥12 months after PCI, and progression was defined using those angiograms. On the basis of angiographic images, patients were divided into progression and nonprogression groups. IPN was graded from 0 to 3 according to each plaque's microbubble appearance and extent, detected using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The plaque with the highest IPN was used for analysis. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses were applied to evaluate risk factors for predicting the progression of coronary lesions in patients undergoing PCI. RESULTS In the progression group, the numbers of patients with IPN values of 0, 1, 2, and 3 were one (3.3%), nine (30.0%), 16 (53.3%), and four (13.3%), respectively. Significant differences were found in maximum plaque height and IPN between groups. IPN and maximum plaque height were independent risk contributors to coronary lesion progression in patients undergoing PCI. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of IPN of 1.5 and to predict the progression of coronary lesions were 67%, 91%, 68%, and 89%, respectively. The area under the curve was 0.822. CONCLUSIONS Carotid plaque neovascularization was correlated with the progression of coronary lesions in patients undergoing PCI. IPN is a clinically useful tool for detecting the progression of coronary lesions and for risk stratification, especially in patients >60 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Han
- Department of Cardiology, Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Ren
- Department of Ultrasound, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; The Second Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiang Fei
- Department of Ultrasound, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Habib S, Hafeez MS, Yuo TH, Subramaniam K. The Unstable Carotid Plaque. Anesthesiol Clin 2022; 40:737-749. [PMID: 36328626 DOI: 10.1016/j.anclin.2022.08.015] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Carotid revascularization is performed to prevent cerebrovascular events in patients with symptomatic (>50%) and asymptomatic high degree (>70%) carotid stenosis. As this operation carries significant risks for perioperative stroke, careful selection of patients who will benefit from the procedure is essential. Certain plaque characteristics, including texture, are associated with increased tendency for rupture and can be used to identify high-risk patients. Medical therapy, carotid endarterectomy, and carotid stenting are the mainstays for patient management. With careful selection of patients, all anesthesia techniques (general anesthesia, monitored anesthesia care, and regional anesthesia) can be used safely for these revascularization procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salim Habib
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15143, USA
| | - Muhammad Saad Hafeez
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15143, USA
| | - Theodore H Yuo
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15143, USA
| | - Kathirvel Subramaniam
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, 3471 5th Avenue Ste 402, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Advances in Noninvasive Carotid Wall Imaging with Ultrasound: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206196. [PMID: 36294515 PMCID: PMC9604731 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206196] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotid atherosclerosis is a major cause for stroke, with significant associated disease burden morbidity and mortality in Western societies. Diagnosis, grading and follow-up of carotid atherosclerotic disease relies on imaging, specifically ultrasound (US) as the initial modality of choice. Traditionally, the degree of carotid lumen stenosis was considered the sole risk factor to predict brain ischemia. However, modern research has shown that a variety of other imaging biomarkers, such as plaque echogenicity, surface morphology, intraplaque neovascularization and vasa vasorum contribute to the risk for rupture of carotid atheromas with subsequent cerebrovascular events. Furthermore, the majority of embolic strokes of undetermined origin are probably arteriogenic and are associated with nonstenosing atheromas. Therefore, a state-of-the-art US scan of the carotid arteries should take advantage of recent technical developments and should provide detailed information about potential thrombogenic (/) and emboligenic arterial wall features. This manuscript reviews recent advances in ultrasonographic assessment of vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic plaques and highlights the fields of future development in multiparametric arterial wall imaging, in an attempt to convey the most important take-home messages for clinicians performing carotid ultrasound.
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Hagiwara Y, Takao N, Usuki N, Yoshie T, Takaishi S, Shimizu T, Ueda T, Hasegawa Y, Yamano Y. Carotid ultrasound using superb microvascular imaging to identify patients developing in-stent restenosis after CAS. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2022; 31:106627. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2022.106627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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Kafouris PP, Koutagiar IP, Georgakopoulos AT, Spyrou GM, Visvikis D, Anagnostopoulos CD. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-based textural features for prediction of event prone carotid atherosclerotic plaques. J Nucl Cardiol 2021; 28:1861-1871. [PMID: 31823329 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-019-01943-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Texture analysis has been increasingly used in the field of positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging with Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), aiming at assessing tumor heterogeneity. The purpose of the present study is to examine the feasibility of performing texture analysis in carotid arteries, investigate the value of textural features as predictors of potential plaque vulnerability using as reference standards histological and immunohistochemical data and compare their performance with conventional uptake measurements. METHODS 67 different 18F-FDG PET-based textural features were extracted from carotid images of 21 patients with high-grade carotid stenosis undergoing endarterectomy. To identify the more reliable predictors, univariate logistic regression analysis was performed. The accuracy was satisfactory in case of an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) ≥ 0.80. RESULTS First measure of information correlation (AUC = 0.87, P < 0.001), large zone low gray level emphasis (AUC = 0.87, P < 0.001), and normalized run length non-uniformity (AUC = 0.84, P < 0.001) were the most optimal textural features for identifying characteristics of plaque vulnerability based on histological analysis. Addition of textural features to target-to-background ratio (TBR) (AUC = 0.74, P = 0.031) resulted in an AUC = 0.92 (P < 0.001), however, this did not reach statistical significance (Pdiff = 0.09). Intensity histogram standard deviation (AUC = 0.87, P < 0.001) and joint variance (AUC = 0.81, P = 0.001) were the most efficient features for signal differential in relation to immunohistochemical findings and provided incremental value compared to TBR (Pdiff = 0.02). CONCLUSION Texture analysis can be applied in 18F-FDG PET carotid imaging providing valuable information for plaque characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos P Kafouris
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Experimental Surgery, Clinical and Translational Research Centre, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou St., 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Iosif P Koutagiar
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros T Georgakopoulos
- Experimental Surgery, Clinical and Translational Research Centre, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou St., 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - George M Spyrou
- The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Constantinos D Anagnostopoulos
- Experimental Surgery, Clinical and Translational Research Centre, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou St., 11527, Athens, Greece.
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Ilaria P, Mario M, Ilaria F. Advances in vascular anatomy and pathophysiology using high resolution and multiparametric sonography. J Vasc Access 2021; 22:1-8. [PMID: 34338066 PMCID: PMC8606621 DOI: 10.1177/11297298211020150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
B-mode and Color Doppler are the first-line imaging modalities in cardiovascular diseases. However, conventional ultrasound (US) provides a lower spatial and temporal resolution (70-100 frames per second) compared to ultrafast technology which acquires several thousand frames per second. Consequently, the multiparametric ultrafast platforms manage new imaging algorithms as high-frequency ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, shear wave elastography, vector flow, and local pulse wave imaging. These advances allow better ultrasound performances, more detailed blood flow visualization and vessel walls' characterization, and many future applications for vascular viscoelastic properties evaluation.In this paper, we provide an overview of each new technique's principles and concepts and the real or potential applications of these modalities on the study of the artery and venous anatomy and pathophysiology of the upper limb before and after creating a native or prosthetic arterio-venous fistula. In particular, we focus on high-frequency ultrasound that could predict cannulation readiness and its potential role in the venous valvular status evaluation before vascular access creation; on contrast-enhanced ultrasound that could improve the peri-operative imaging evaluation during US-guided angioplasty; on shear wave elastography and local pulse wave imaging that could evaluate preoperative vessels stiffness and their potential predictive role in vascular access failure; on vector flow imaging that could better characterize the different components of the vascular access complex flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petrucci Ilaria
- Institute of Life Sciences, S. Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy
| | - Meola Mario
- Institute of Life Sciences, S. Anna School of Advanced Studies, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fiorina Ilaria
- Radiodiagnostic and Interventional Radiology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Boswell-Patterson CA, Hétu MF, Kearney A, Pang SC, Tse MY, Herr JE, Spence M, Zhou J, Johri AM. Vascularized Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Models for the Validation of Novel Methods of Quantifying Intraplaque Neovascularization. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2021; 34:1184-1194. [PMID: 34129920 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) in advanced lesions of the carotid artery has been linked to plaque progression and risk of rupture. Quantitative measurement of IPN may provide a more powerful tool for the detection of such "vulnerable" plaque than the current visual scoring method. The aim of this study was to develop a phantom platform of a neovascularized atherosclerotic plaque within a carotid artery to assess new methods of quantifying IPN. METHODS Ninety-two synthetic plaque models with various IPN architectures representing different ranges of IPN scoring were created and assessed using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Intraplaque neovascularization volume was calculated from contrast infiltration in B mode. The plaque models were used to develop a testing platform for IPN quantification. A neovascularized enhancement ratio (NER) was calculated using commercially available software. The plaque model NERs were then compared to human plaque NERs (n = 42) to assess score relationship. Parametric mapping of dynamic intensity over time was used to differentiate IPN from calcified plaque regions. RESULTS A positive correlation between NER and IPN volume (rho = 0.45; P < .0001) was found in the plaque models. Enhancement of certain plaque model types showed that they resembled human plaques, with visual grade scores of 0 (NER mean difference = 1.05 ± SE 2.45; P = .67), 1 (NER mean difference = 0.22 ± SE 3.26; P = .95), and 2 (NER mean difference = -0.84 ± SE 3.33; P = .80). An optimal cutoff for NER (0.355) identified grade 2 human plaques with a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 91%. CONCLUSIONS We developed a carotid artery model of neovascularized plaque and established a quantitative method for IPN using commercially available technology. We also developed an analysis method to quantify IPN in calcified plaques. This novel tool has the potential to improve clinical identification of vulnerable plaques, providing objective measures of IPN for cardiovascular risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie-France Hétu
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Imaging Network at Queen's, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abigail Kearney
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen C Pang
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Yat Tse
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia E Herr
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Imaging Network at Queen's, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michaela Spence
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Amer M Johri
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Imaging Network at Queen's, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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Takao N, Hagiwara Y, Shimizu T, Soga K, Tsuchihashi Y, Otsubo H, Tatsuno K, Takaishi S, Usuki N, Yoshie T, Takada T, Ueda T, Hasegawa Y, Yamano Y. Preprocedural Carotid Plaque Echolucency as a Predictor of In-Stent Intimal Restenosis after Carotid Artery Stenting. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 29:105339. [PMID: 33032020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In-stent intimal restenosis (ISR) caused by neointimal hyperplasia can develop <24 months after carotid artery stenting (CAS). The utility of plaque imaging by carotid ultrasonography (US) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been investigated for the prediction of ipsilateral stroke. We aimed to investigate whether these imaging techniques are useful for detecting carotid plaques prone to ISR. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined 133 patients (mean age of 72.1 ± 8.4 years old) that received CAS at a single hospital from 2014 to 2018. A pre-CAS carotid plaque evaluation was performed by carotid angiography, duplex carotid US, and black-blood carotid artery MRI (BB-MRI). The mean stenosis rate was 71.0 ± 12.3% by the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) methods. Follow-up carotid angiography was performed 6 months after CAS in all patients according to a predefined protocol. ISR was defined as in-stent intimal hyperplasia more than 50% stenosed based on the NASCET criteria. The selection of the stent type was at the discretion of the treating physician. Predictors of ISR were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Follow-up angiography demonstrated ISR in 33 patients (24.8%). In 44 patients, more than two stents were deployed. Univariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated echolucent lesion, floating plaque, complete occlusive or pseudo-occlusive lesion, and closed-cell stent use as significantly associated with ISR (>50%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that echolucent lesion (OR 4.667, 95% CI 1.849-11.779) and closed-cell stent use (OR .378, 95% CI .148-.968) were significantly associated with ISR. CONCLUSIONS Preprocedural plaque characterization by carotid US appeared to be useful to predict ISR 6 months after CAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Takao
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan
| | - Yuta Hagiwara
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan.
| | - Takahiro Shimizu
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan
| | - Kaima Soga
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan
| | - Yoko Tsuchihashi
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan
| | - Haruki Otsubo
- Department of Strokology, Stroke Center, St. Marianna University Toyoko Hospital, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Kentaro Tatsuno
- Department of Strokology, Stroke Center, St. Marianna University Toyoko Hospital, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takaishi
- Department of Strokology, Stroke Center, St. Marianna University Toyoko Hospital, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Noriko Usuki
- Department of Strokology, Stroke Center, St. Marianna University Toyoko Hospital, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Tomohide Yoshie
- Department of Strokology, Stroke Center, St. Marianna University Toyoko Hospital, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Takada
- Department of Strokology, Stroke Center, St. Marianna University Toyoko Hospital, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Ueda
- Department of Strokology, Stroke Center, St. Marianna University Toyoko Hospital, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Hasegawa
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Yamano
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan; Department of Rare Diseases Research, Institute of Medical Science, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
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Lanza G, Giannandrea D, Lanza J, Ricci S, Gensini GF. Personalized-medicine on carotid endarterectomy and stenting. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1274. [PMID: 33178806 PMCID: PMC7607117 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-1126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Evidence based medicine (EBM) is the core of current clinical guidelines and is considered as the gold standard of clinical practice. Despite this, a number of limitations and criticisms are moved to EBM. The major one is that this method privileges randomized controlled trials (RCTs), in which the selection of patients is often based on rigid inclusion criteria. The lack of “pragmatism” of some RCTs sometimes makes it difficult to apply guidelines that derive from them to patients observed in clinical practice, who are often affected by comorbidities and disabilities. The new paradigm to overcome this limitation is personalized medicine (PM), which aims to take into account the particular characteristics displayed by the individual. In order to tailor the best treatment for the patient, PM uses EBM but emphasizes the person's specific information from the assessment of the clinic, lifestyle and risk/benefit scores. This narrative review tries to find the best evidence by analysing subgroups and risk scores of patients from meta-analysis and RCTs in order to try to apply PM and to provide good practice points (GPP) on grey aspects and open questions not fully covered by current guidelines on carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and stenting for stroke prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Lanza
- Vascular Surgery Department, IRCCS MultiMedica Hospital, Castellanza, Italy
| | - David Giannandrea
- Neurology Department-Stroke Unit, Gubbio/Gualdo Tadino and Città di Castello Hospitals, USL Umbria 1, Perugia, Italy.,Association "Naso Sano", Umbria Regional Registry of No-Profit Organization, Corciano, Italy
| | - Jessica Lanza
- ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Angioma Center, Vittore Buzzi Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Ricci
- Neurology Department-Stroke Unit, Gubbio/Gualdo Tadino and Città di Castello Hospitals, USL Umbria 1, Perugia, Italy
| | - Gian Franco Gensini
- Permanent Technical Committee for Guidelines, Tuscany Regional Health Service, Florence, Italy
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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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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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13
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Consistency of superb microvascular imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in detection of intraplaque neovascularization: A meta-analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230937. [PMID: 32730304 PMCID: PMC7392312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This meta-analysis assesses the consistency of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in detecting intraplaque neovascularization (IPN). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and CBM databases. A meta-analysis was conducted using STATA version 15.1 software. We calculated the pooled Kappa index. Ten studies that met all of the inclusion criteria were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 608 carotid plaques were assessed through both SMI and CEUS. The pooled summary Kappa index was 0.743 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.696–0.790) with statistical significance (z = 31.14, P < 0.01). We found no evidence of publication bias (t = −1.21, P = 0.261). Our meta-analysis indicates that SMI and CEUS display a good consistency in detecting the IPN of carotid plaque; that is, SMI ultrasound may be a promising alternative to CEUS for detecting the IPN of carotid plaque.
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Baud JM, Stanciu D, Yeung J, Maurizot A, Chabay S, de Malherbe M, Chadenat ML, Bachelet D, Pico F. Contrast enhanced ultrasound of carotid plaque in acute ischemic stroke (CUSCAS study). Rev Neurol (Paris) 2020; 177:115-123. [PMID: 32653212 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2020.03.023] [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] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Carotid atherosclerosis represents 8 to 15% of ischemic strokes in relation to the concept of "vulnerable" plaque. Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can detect moving microbubbles within the plaque corresponding to neovessels that constitute "precursors" of vulnerable plaque and intraplaque hemorrhage. CEUS was not studied specifically in acute ischemic strokes. The aim of this study is to analyse the prevalence of CEUS carotid plaque ipsilateral at the ischemic stroke as well as the main characteristics of contrast-plaques. METHOD A single-centre prospective pilot study involving 33 consecutive patients with a stroke ≤10 days, diagnosed by an MRI with positive diffusion sequence and having a carotid plaque thickness ≥2.5mm with low or heterogeneous echogenicity, located in the ipsilateral carotid territory at the stroke. Plaque echogenicity was done by visual analysis and by measurement of the gray scale median (GSM). A transcranial Doppler monitoring was carried out in search of HITS. The contrast ultrasound was performed after 2.5 cc IV injection of SonoVue®. A video clip was recorded after injection which was used for interpretation by visual analysis in 3 grades, provided by two independent expert readers. RESULTS The population consisted of 10 women and 23 men aged 73 on average. The topography of strokes in the carotid territory was located on the right in 11 (33%) cases and on the left in 22 (67%) cases. Seventeen patients had carotid stenosis between 0 and 49% according to the Nascet method and 16 patients had stenosis of 50 to 99%. The visual characterisation of the plaques had echolucent dominance (Type 1-2) in 18 cases and echogenic dominance (Type 3-4a) in 15 cases. Cardiovascular risk factors were common with no difference by sex. The inter-observer agreement of plaque enhancement was moderate in first reading (k=0.48) and excellent at consensus (k=0.91). Only one disagreement was found. Contrast agent enhancement of carotid plaque was observed in 11/32 patients, representing a prevalence of 34.4% - CI95% [17.9-50.9]. Variables associated with contrast plaque included the absence of antiplatelet drug (63.6% vs. 23.8%, P=0.05) and the presence of a regular edge on the plaque (91% vs. 48%, P=0.04). There was no difference in contrast enhancement for stenosis>or<50% in diameter and neither for the type of plaque. CONCLUSION In a consecutive cohort of 33 patients, the prevalence of CEUS from an ipsilateral carotid plaque to a recent acute ischemic stroke was 34.4%. There was a statistically significant association between the contrast enhancement of the plaque and the absence of antiplatelet drug (P=0.05) and also the presence of a regular edge on the plaque (P=0.04). There was no correlation between plaque contrast and clinical and biological characteristics of patients or the presence of HITS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Baud
- Vascular Medicine Unit, centre hospitalier de Versailles, 177, rue de Versailles, 78150 Le Chesnay, France.
| | - D Stanciu
- Department of Neurology and stroke centre, centre hospitalier de Versailles, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - J Yeung
- Department of Neurology and stroke centre, centre hospitalier de Versailles, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - A Maurizot
- Vascular Medicine Unit, centre hospitalier de Versailles, 177, rue de Versailles, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - S Chabay
- Vascular Medicine Unit, centre hospitalier de Versailles, 177, rue de Versailles, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - M de Malherbe
- Department of Radiology, centre hospitalier de Versailles, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - M-L Chadenat
- Department of Neurology and stroke centre, centre hospitalier de Versailles, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - D Bachelet
- Direction of clinical research and innovation, centre hospitalier de Versailles, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - F Pico
- Department of Neurology and stroke centre, centre hospitalier de Versailles, 78150 Le Chesnay, France; Versailles Saint-Quentin-en Yvelines university, 78000 Versailles, France
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15
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Schinkel AFL, Bosch JG, Staub D, Adam D, Feinstein SB. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound to Assess Carotid Intraplaque Neovascularization. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2020; 46:466-478. [PMID: 31791553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2019.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is increasingly being used to identify patients with carotid plaques that are vulnerable to rupture, so-called vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, by assessment of intraplaque neovascularization. A complete overview of the strengths and limitations of carotid CEUS is currently not available. The aim of this systematic review was to provide a complete overview of existing publications on the role of CEUS in assessment of carotid intraplaque neovascularization. The systematic review of the literature yielded 52 studies including a total of 4660 patients (mean age: 66 y, 71% male) who underwent CEUS for the assessment of intraplaque neovascularization. The majority of the patients (76%) were asymptomatic and had no history of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke. The assessment of intraplaque neovascularization was mostly performed using a visual scoring system; several studies used time-intensity curves or dedicated quantification software to optimize analysis. In 17 studies CEUS was performed in patients before carotid surgery (endarterectomy), allowing a comparison of pre-operative CEUS findings with histologic analysis of the tissue sample that is removed from the carotid artery. In a total of 576 patients, the CEUS findings were compared with histopathological analysis of the plaque after surgery. In 16 of the 17 studies, contrast enhancement was found to correlate with the presence and degree of intraplaque neovascularization on histology. Plaques with a larger amount of contrast enhancement had significantly increased density of microvessels in the corresponding region on histology. In conclusion, CEUS is a readily available imaging modality for the assessment of patients with carotid atherosclerosis, providing information on atherosclerotic plaques, such as ulceration and intraplaque neovascularization, which may be clinically relevant. The ultimate clinical goal is the early identification of carotid atherosclerosis to start early preventive therapy and prevent clinical complications such as TIA and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arend F L Schinkel
- Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Johan G Bosch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Staub
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dan Adam
- Biomedical Engineering, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Steven B Feinstein
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Thakrar DB, Sultan MJ. The Role of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Managing Vascular Pathologies. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2019; 50:590-595. [PMID: 31706878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ultrasound is a useful first-line imaging modality for diagnosing and monitoring vascular pathologies. Compared with other modalities, it is relatively low cost, requires no ionizing radiation, is often available at bedside, and is noninvasive. However, the modality can have limitations when differentiating normal from pathologic tissues. In this review, we discuss the role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in carotid, aortic, and peripheral vascular conditions. DISCUSSION CEUS is a developing modality that supersedes standard vascular ultrasound imaging and complements other modalities such as computed topography and magnetic resonance angiograms. Administered intravenously, the contrast are microbubbles filled with gas, surrounded by a stabilizing shell. They have the ability to enhance the quality of images and quantify vascular pathologies by acting as intravascular tracers of ultrasound energy. Based on these properties, CEUS has the potential to play a pivotal role in the management of vascular pathologies through its utility in detection, diagnosis, risk-stratification, follow-up, and monitoring. CONCLUSION Studies have suggested that CEUS is superior compared with standard ultrasound and on-par with computed topography angiograms in the detection of vascular pathologies, concluding that CEUS should be part of standardized routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dixa B Thakrar
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
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17
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Song Y, Dang Y, Dang LL, Zhao C, Zheng J, Feng J, Ruan LT. Association between intraplaque neovascularization assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound and the risk of stroke. Clin Radiol 2019; 75:70-75. [PMID: 31629485 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2019.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM To determine the cut-off value of the area ratio under the curve (ARUC) for predicting symptoms of stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used to analyse intraplaque neovascularization (IPN). The correlations between the ARUC and risk factors of stroke were examined. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the cut-off value of the ARUC. RESULTS Using a quantitative analysis method for IPN, the ARUC was significantly higher in the symptomatic group than in the asymptomatic group (p=0.017). The ARUC was positively associated with the homocysteine level (r=0.429, p=0.002) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level (r=0.424, p=0.003). Regression analysis showed that the ARUC was a risk factor for symptoms of stroke. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the cut-off value for symptoms was 0.24; the sensitivity was 77%, and the specificity was 70%; the positive predictive value was 68%, and the negative predictive value was 78%. CONCLUSION IPN was a risk factor for the occurrence of the clinical symptoms of stroke. Patients with an ARUC of >0.24 had a higher risk of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Song
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Y Dang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - L L Dang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - C Zhao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - J Zheng
- The Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - J Feng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
| | - L T Ruan
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
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18
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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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19
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Ma LY, Li CL, Ma LL, Cui XM, Dai XM, Sun Y, Chen HY, Huang BJ, Jiang LD. Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the carotid artery for evaluating disease activity in Takayasu arteritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2019; 21:24. [PMID: 30651132 PMCID: PMC6335720 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-019-1813-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To assess the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for monitoring disease activity of Takayasu arteritis (TA). METHODS TA patients were recruited in a Chinese TA clinical center from January 2016 to September 2017. The physician global assessment was used as the referential standard for disease activity. Clinical data, acute phase reactants, and CEUS scans were simultaneously recorded at baseline and after a 3-month therapy. RESULTS A total of 84 TA patients were enrolled, and 47 (55.95%) cases were active at baseline. Macaroni sign and entire artery involvement were characteristic findings of CEUS in TA. The average vascular full thickness of the carotid artery in active TA patients was significantly higher than that in inactive patients (2.36 ± 0.86 vs. 1.79 ± 0.49 mm; p = 0.001). Severe neovascularization (grade 2) was observed in 29 active cases (61.70%) and in 9 inactive cases (24.32%) (p = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the combination of CEUS parameters (cutoff of thickness was 1.75 mm or neovascularization grade 2) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (cutoff of 20 mm/H) could help differentiate between active and inactive TA patients with a sensitivity and specificity of 81.1% and 81.5%, respectively. Youdon's index was 0.626. Furthermore, our study found that patients with decreased ESR and C-reactive protein (CRP) still had a progression of vascular wall inflammation at 3 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The evaluation of vascular inflammation by CEUS is more sensitive than acute phase reactants. Neovascularization can still be observed in the vascular lesion sites of those who have reached clinical remission after treatment. Thus, CEUS can be used as an alternative method to assess disease activity for TA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ying Ma
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao-Lun Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Li Ma
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Meng Cui
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Min Dai
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Yong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Bei-Jian Huang
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin-Di Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. .,Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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20
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D'Oria M, Chiarandini S, Pipitone MD, Fisicaro M, Calvagna C, Bussani R, Rotelli A, Ziani B. Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) Is Not Able to Identify Vulnerable Plaques in Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerotic Disease. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2018; 56:632-642. [PMID: 30193730 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2018.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been suggested as an imaging tool for detection of asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic disease (ACAD) at high risk of cerebral embolisation. The objective of this study was to evaluate CEUS and immunohistochemical (IHC) patterns in ACAD (i.e., without any neurologic symptoms in the last 6 months) and their correlations with histology. METHODS CEUS analysis was classified on a semiquantitative basis using a three-point classification scale. Plaque morphology was assessed using the American Heart Association (AHA) classification of atherosclerotic plaques, then accordingly assigned as non-vulnerable (AHA Type IV/V) or vulnerable (AHA Type VI). IHC analysis for intra-plaque neo-angiogenesis (IPN) was identified by CD34/VEGF immunostaining and classified on a semiquantitative basis using a four-point classification scale. Both CEUS and IHC analyses were performed and scored by single observers. RESULTS Fifty-eight consecutive asymptomatic patients (mean age 73 years, 33 males) undergoing carotid endarterectomy were included in the final analysis. Nineteen had AHA Class IV/V plaques, and the remaining 39 had AHA Class VI plaques. There were two main findings of the study: (a) histologically proven vulnerable plaques compared with histologically proven non-vulnerable plaques had denser IPN (p = .004), but did not show more pronounced contrast enhancement; (b) the correlation between IHC analysis and CEUS analysis was significant for both vulnerable and non-vulnerable plaques (p = .04 and p = .01, respectively), but it was direct for AHA Type IV/V plaques and inverse for AHA Type VI plaques. CONCLUSIONS The main findings of the study were that histologically proven vulnerable plaques (i.e., AHA Class VI) as compared with histologically proven non-vulnerable plaques (i.e., AHA Class IV/V) had denser neo-vascularisation, but not more pronounced contrast enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario D'Oria
- Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Department, Cattinara Hospital ASUITs, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Stefano Chiarandini
- Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Department, Cattinara Hospital ASUITs, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco D Pipitone
- Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Department, Cattinara Hospital ASUITs, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fisicaro
- Cardiovascular Health Services Centre, Cardiovascular Department, Maggiore Hospital ASUITs, Trieste, Italy
| | - Cristiano Calvagna
- Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Department, Cattinara Hospital ASUITs, Trieste, Italy
| | - Rossana Bussani
- Surgical Pathology, Surgical, Medical and Health Sciences Department, Cattinara Hospital ASUITs, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alice Rotelli
- Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Department, Cattinara Hospital ASUITs, Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Ziani
- Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Department, Cattinara Hospital ASUITs, Trieste, Italy
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21
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Mofidi R, Thomas M, Wong PF, Bergin A, Young G. Do Integrated Systems of Stroke Care Improve Symptom to Surgery Times in Patients with Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis? A Single Centre Decision Tree Analysis. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2018; 56:784-792. [PMID: 30174270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2018.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine the impact of an integrated system of stroke care on symptom to surgery times, cost-effectiveness, and quality of life measures in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. METHODS Patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in a regional vascular centre between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2016, were identified from the National Vascular Registry (NVR). Risk of stroke on medical therapy for each patient was calculated using the Oxford stroke risk calculator. Symptom to surgery times were compared among patients referred from a stroke service providing an integrated stroke care and the stroke service in an adjacent NHS trust which provides standard urgent referral pathway. A decision analytic Markov process model was constructed to determine the cost-effectiveness of CEA versus medical treatment in patients who followed the standard and integrated pathways. This model examined the lifetime costs and health benefits of CEA through each pathway. RESULTS A total of 376 patients underwent CEA, of whom 243 were managed through the integrated stroke pathway and 133 through the standard urgent referral pathway. Median symptom to surgery time was 11 (0-66) days for the former and 15 (3-90) days for the latter (p < .001). There was no significant difference in peri-operative stroke death rate between integrated (2.1%) and standard (1.5%) pathways (chi-square = 0.14, p = .73). CEA through the integrated pathway improved quality adjusted life expectancy by an additional 0.13 (0.64 QALYs [integrated pathway] to 0.51 QALYs [standard pathway]) and was associated with an incremental lifetime cost benefit of £2203.4. CONCLUSIONS An integrated stroke system of care is cost-effective and associated with significant improvements in quality adjusted life years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Mofidi
- Department of Vascular Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, UK.
| | - Matthew Thomas
- Department of Vascular Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Peng F Wong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Adrian Bergin
- Department of Stroke Care, James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Gavin Young
- Department of Neurology, James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, UK
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22
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Choi SW, Kim H, Kim IC, Lee CH, Hwang J, Park HS, Cho YK, Yoon HJ, Nam CW, Han S, Hur SH. Implication of ultrasound contrast-enhancement of carotid plaques in prevalence of acute coronary syndrome and occurrence of cardiovascular outcomes. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2018; 46:461-466. [PMID: 30306599 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.22638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ultrasonographic contrast enhancement of carotid plaque (CECP) has been used to detect neovascularization of vasa vasorum and plaque. However, it is uncertain whether CECP can provide risk stratification of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between CECP and manifestations of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in established CAD patients and to explore the prognostic implication of CECP for cardiovascular (CV) clinical outcomes. METHODS A medical record review revealed that contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was performed to evaluate carotid atherosclerosis in 209 coronary artery-stented and 105 non-stented patients. The rate of ACS manifestations was compared depending on contrast uptake patterns: grade 0, absent; grade 1, dot; and grade 2, diffuse pattern. CV primary outcomes were assessed during a mean 7.6 months of follow-up. RESULTS Male sex, smoking, history of old myocardial infarction, intensive medications, and a favorable lipid profile were common in the stented versus non-stented group. Patients with grade 2 CECP had a higher rate of ACS, greater plaque thickness, and class I-II of Gray-Weale plaque echogenicity. During follow-up, 10 coronary revascularizations (nine ACSs), six strokes, and four heart failures occurred. Grade 2 CECP was more closely related with CV primary outcomes and showed a tendency toward more acute CV outcomes. CONCLUSION ACS manifestations were proportionate to CECP grade. Diffuse CECP uptake could be a risk factor for acute CV outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Woong Choi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungseop Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Cheol Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Hyun Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongmin Hwang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoung-Seob Park
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Kyeong Cho
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuck-Jun Yoon
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Wook Nam
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongwook Han
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ho Hur
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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23
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Belov YV, Sinyavin GV, Bredikhina AI, Guseva EV, Barinov EV, Lukyanova EA, Luzan PY. [Imaging of neoangiogenesis of internal carotid artery's atherosclerotic plaque by contrast-enhanced sonography and histological examination]. Khirurgiia (Mosk) 2018:90-95. [PMID: 30113602 DOI: 10.17116/hirurgia2018890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Previously, atherosclerosis was considered a disease accompanied exclusively by lipids accumulation. At present time success of fundamental and experimental science confirmed that atherosclerotic process is also associated with neovascularization and prolonged inflammatory response at all stages of atherogenesis from initial manifestations to thrombotic complications. The cause of atherosclerotic plaque instability is neovascularization, which is accompanied by intra-plaque hemorrhage and damage. Complications of carotid arteries atherosclerosis are strokes and transient ischemic attacks. The use of a wide range of diagnostic and pathohistological techniques is required for assessing this pathology. The most promising diagnostic technique is Contrast Enhanced Ultrasonography (CEUS) which allows to assess neovascularization degree in atherosclerotic plaque through the injection of a contrast agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu V Belov
- Petrovsky Russian Research Center for Surgery, Moscow, Russia; Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Medical Faculty, Department of Hospital-Based Surgery #1, Moscow, Russia
| | - G V Sinyavin
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Medical Faculty, Department of Hospital-Based Surgery #1, Moscow, Russia
| | - A I Bredikhina
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Medical Faculty, Moscow, Russia
| | - E V Guseva
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Medical Faculty, Moscow, Russia
| | - E V Barinov
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Medical Faculty, Moscow, Russia
| | - E A Lukyanova
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Pediatric Faculty, Moscow, Russia
| | - P Yu Luzan
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Pediatric Faculty, Moscow, Russia
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Chen J, Zhang YM, Song ZZ, Fu YF, Geng Y. The inter-observer agreement in the assessment of carotid plaque neovascularization by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: The impact of plaque thickness. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2018; 46:403-407. [PMID: 29635687 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.22595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interobserver agreement in the assessment of the grade of carotid plaque neovascularization by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is poorly established. METHOD We examined 140 carotid plaques in 66 patients (all patients had bilateral plaques, and 8 patients had 2 plaques on one side). We performed conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography to analyze the presence of carotid plaque neovascularization, which was graded by two independent observers whose interobserver agreement (κ) was evaluated according to the thickness of carotid plaque. RESULTS For all carotid plaques, the mean κ was 0.689 (95% confidence interval 0.604-0.774). It was 0.689 (0.569-0.808), 0.637 (0.487-0.787), and 0.740 (0.585-0.896), respectively for carotid plaques with maximal thickness <2 mm, from 2 mm to 3 mm, and >3 mm. CONCLUSION The interobserver agreement for assessing carotid plaque neovascularization by using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is substantial and acceptable for research purposes, regardless of the maximal thickness of the plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, China
| | - Yan-Ming Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, and Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ze-Zhou Song
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, and Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Fei Fu
- Community Health Centre in Binjiang District, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Geng
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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25
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Hagiwara Y, Shimizu T, Hasegawa Y. Contrast-enhanced transoral carotid ultrasonography for the diagnosis and follow-up of extracranial internal carotid artery dissection: A case report. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2018; 46:368-371. [PMID: 28990690 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.22542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A 56-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of amaurosis fugax. The carotid angiogram showed irregularly stenotic lesions of the left and right internal carotid arteries (ICAs), suggestive of dissection. Follow-up evaluation was performed by transoral carotid ultrasonography (TOCU) with contrast enhancement (CE), which yielded better vessel lumen and intramural hematoma visualization than color Doppler imaging. CE-TOCU is useful for evaluating ICA dissections that extends to the high cervical portion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Hagiwara
- Department of Neurology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Shimizu
- Department of Neurology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Hasegawa
- Department of Neurology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Japan
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26
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Paraskevas KI, Veith FJ, Spence JD. How to identify which patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis could benefit from endarterectomy or stenting. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2018; 3:92-100. [PMID: 30022795 PMCID: PMC6047337 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2017-000129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Offering routine carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) to patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACS) is no longer considered as the optimal management of these patients. Equally suboptimal, however, is the policy of offering only best medical treatment (BMT) to all patients with ACS and not considering any of them for prophylactic CEA. In the last few years, there have been many studies aiming to identify reliable predictors of future cerebrovascular events that would allow the identification of patients with high-risk ACS and offer a prophylactic carotid intervention only to these patients to prevent them from becoming symptomatic. All patients with ACS should receive BMT. The present article will summarise the evidence suggesting ways to identify these high-risk asymptomatic individuals, namely: (1) microemboli detection on transcranial Doppler, (2) plaque echolucency on Duplex ultrasound, (3) progression in the severity of ACS, (4) silent embolic infarcts on brain CT/MRI, (5) reduced cerebrovascular reserve, (6) increased size of juxtaluminal hypoechoic area, (7) identification of intraplaque haemorrhage using MRI and (8) carotid ulceration. The evidence suggests that approximately 10%-15% of patents with asymptomatic stenosis might benefit from intervention; this will become more clear after publication of ongoing studies comparing stenting or endarterectomy with best medical therapy. In the meantime, no patient should be offered intervention unless there is evidence of high risk of ipsilateral stroke, from modalities such as those discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosmas I Paraskevas
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Frank J Veith
- Department of Vascular Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - J David Spence
- Stroke Prevention & Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
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27
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Xu B, Xing J, Wu W, Zhang WJ, Zhu QQ, Zhang D, Sun NN, Wu C, Kang GJ, Zhai L, Li WD, Meng Y, Du TY. Improved plaque neovascularization following 2-year atorvastatin therapy based on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: A pilot study. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:4491-4497. [PMID: 29725384 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.5926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study assessed changes in carotid plaque neovascularization following long-term atorvastatin therapy (20 mg/day) using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). In this prospective case series, seven males (mean age, 68±9 years) and three females (mean age, 67±10 years) with a total of 13 carotid plaques underwent standard ultrasonography and CEUS at baseline, as well as after 1 and 2 years of atorvastatin treatment. The same plaques were then examined using real-time CEUS. The results of the enhanced intensity of plaque neovascularization at baseline were compared with results obtained during follow-up to examine the effects of long-term atorvastatin therapy. Standard ultrasonography revealed that 7 of the 13 carotid plaques were uniformly echolucent, whereas 6 carotid plaques were predominantly echolucent. CEUS revealed an enhanced intensity of 10.5±2.1 decibels (dB) prior to treatment, which decreased significantly to 7.3±2.6 dB following 2 years atorvastatin therapy (P<0.001). The ratio of enhanced intensity in the carotid artery lumen to that in the plaque was 3.10±1.10 at baseline and this value significantly increased to 4.96±2.98 following treatment for 2 years (P<0.001). The current pilot study therefore indicates that two-year atorvastatin therapy (20 mg/day) may reduce plaque neovascularization in the Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xu
- Department of Neurology, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Jin Xing
- Department of Ultrasound, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Wenqing Wu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Qian-Qian Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Nan-Nan Sun
- Department of Neurology, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Chan Wu
- Department of Neurology, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Geng-Jie Kang
- Department of Neurology, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Lin Zhai
- Department of Ultrasound, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Dong Li
- Department of Neurology, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Yan Meng
- Department of Ultrasound, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Tie-Ying Du
- Department of Neurology, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
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28
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Shimada H, Ogata T, Takano K, Abe H, Higashi T, Yamashita T, Matsunaga A, Inoue T. Evaluation of the Time-Dependent Changes and the Vulnerability of Carotid Plaques Using Contrast-Enhanced Carotid Ultrasonography. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2018; 27:321-325. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2017.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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29
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Baud JM, Luong S, Rouyer O, Maurizot A, Gautier C. [Contribution of contrast enhanced ultrasonography in the characterization of carotid lesions]. JOURNAL DE MEDECINE VASCULAIRE 2017; 42:301-314. [PMID: 28964389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdmv.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Harmonic mode ultrasound with injection of a contrast enhancement agent allows visualization of mobile microbubbles in the carotid plaque corresponding to neovessels secondary to an inflammation or hypoxia. These neovessels could be considered "precursor" markers of the vulnerable plaque. The aim of this work was to give an update on ultrasound contrast imaging acquisition in the exploration of carotid artery both for atheromatous lesions and for large vessel vasculitis. A precise description of the material to be used, the image acquisition methodology and the environmental conditions is discussed, emphasizing the pitfalls to be avoided as well as proper image interpretation. Microbubbles in a plaque are significantly associated with an increase in cardiovascular events (infarction and acute coronary syndrome) and ipsilateral cerebral ischemic events. Wall irregularities, microfissures and ulcer plaque detection are facilitated by the use of contrast compared to the CT scan. No studies have yet validated contrast enhanced ultrasound in the exploration of asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Contrast enhanced ultrasound also allows to detect vasculitis of the large vessels active phases by the presence of microbubbles in the carotid wall thickening and to monitor the regression under appropriate medical treatment. Future validation studies or even registries are needed to allow better use of this tool in everyday clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Baud
- Unité de médecine vasculaire, service de cardiologie, hôpital André-Mignot, 177, rue de Versailles, 78157 Le Chesnay cedex, France.
| | - S Luong
- Département d'imagerie diagnostique et thérapeutique, hôpital Louis-Pradel, hospices Civils de Lyon, 28, avenue Doyen-Lépine, 69500 Bron, France
| | - O Rouyer
- Unité neurovasculaire, hôpital de Hautepierre, 1, avenue Molière, 67098 Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - A Maurizot
- Unité de médecine vasculaire, service de cardiologie, hôpital André-Mignot, 177, rue de Versailles, 78157 Le Chesnay cedex, France
| | - C Gautier
- Unité fonctionnelle de neurosonologie de l'hôpital Roger-Salengro, service des explorations fonctionnelles cardiovasculaires de l'hôpital cardiologique, CHRU de Lille, rue du Professeur Emile-Laine, 59037 Lille cedex, France
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30
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Rafailidis V, Charitanti A, Tegos T, Destanis E, Chryssogonidis I. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the carotid system: a review of the current literature. J Ultrasound 2017; 20:97-109. [PMID: 28592999 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-017-0239-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotid disease is a major current health problem accounting for a significant part of stroke patients. Ultrasound with colour Doppler and spectral analysis is the primary imaging technique used for screening and diagnostic evaluation of the extracranial part of carotid arteries offering identification and grading of carotid disease. However, inherent limitations of this technique include flow-related artefacts like Doppler angle dependence and aliasing artefact which may sometimes hinder complete assessment of a stenotic part of the vessel, potentially failing to address clinically significant differential diagnosis issues. The intravenous use of microbubbles as an US contrast agent has been introduced for the supplementation of conventional technique. The value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been investigated in the evaluation of carotid disease leading to promising results. CEUS provides improved flow visualization free of artefacts and detailed plaque surface delineation, thus being able to accurately grade stenosis, identify carotid plaque ulcerations, differentiate occlusion from highly stenotic plaques and identify carotid dissection. Furthermore, microbubbles can be used to identify and grade intraplaque neovascularization, carotid wall inflammation in patients with arteritis, follow-up patients after carotid intervention and assist interventional procedures reducing the need for nephrotoxic contrast agents. The purpose of this review is to present and discuss the current literature regarding the various uses of CEUS in carotid arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Rafailidis
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Kiriakidi 1, 54636 Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Afroditi Charitanti
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Kiriakidi 1, 54636 Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Thomas Tegos
- 1st Neurological Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Evangelos Destanis
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Kiriakidi 1, 54636 Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Chryssogonidis
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Kiriakidi 1, 54636 Thessaloníki, Greece
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31
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Toutouzas K, Koutagiar I, Benetos G, Aggeli C, Georgakopoulos A, Athanasiadis E, Pianou N, Trachanellis S, Patelis N, Agrogiannis G, Kafouris P, Filis K, Bessias N, Klonaris C, Spyrou G, Tsiamis E, Siores E, Patsouris E, Cokkinos D, Tousoulis D, Anagnostopoulos CD. Inflamed human carotid plaques evaluated by PET/CT exhibit increased temperature: insights from an in vivo study. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2016; 18:1236-1244. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jew219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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32
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A case in which contrast-enhanced transoral carotid ultrasonography was useful for pre- and post-procedural evaluation in carotid artery stenting. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2016; 44:207-210. [PMID: 27726039 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-016-0747-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Contrast-enhanced transoral carotid ultrasonography (CETOCU) is a novel examination modality that is superior to other modalities in the cases of pseudo-occlusion with severe arteriosclerotic stenosis of the distal internal carotid artery (ICA), and is also useful for noninvasively evaluating changes over time in the vessel distal to the stent following carotid artery stenting (CAS). We report a case of a patient who we evaluated with CETOCU for a pseudo-occlusive ICA before and after CAS.
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33
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Filis K, Toufektzian L, Galyfos G, Sigala F, Kourkoveli P, Georgopoulos S, Vavuranakis M, Vrachatis D, Zografos G. Assessment of the vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic plaque using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Vascular 2016; 25:316-325. [PMID: 27580821 DOI: 10.1177/1708538116665734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Carotid atherosclerosis represents a primary cause for cerebrovascular ischemic events and its contemporary management includes surgical revascularization for moderate to severe symptomatic stenoses. However, the role of invasive therapy seems to be questioned lately for asymptomatic cases. Numerous reports have suggested that the presence of neovessels within the atherosclerotic plaque remains a significant vulnerability factor and over the last decade imaging modalities have been used to identify intraplaque neovascularization in an attempt to risk-stratify patients and offer management guidance. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the carotid artery is a relatively novel diagnostic tool that exploits resonated ultrasound waves from circulating microbubbles. This property permits vascular visualization by producing superior angiography-like images, and allows the identification of vasa vasorum and intraplaque microvessels. Moreover, plaque neovascularization has been associated with plaque vulnerability and ischemic symptoms lately as well. At the same time, attempts have been made to quantify contrast-enhanced ultrasonography signal using sophisticated software packages and algorithms, and to correlate it with intraplaque microvascular density. The aim of this review was to collect all recent data on the characteristics, performance, and prognostic role of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography regarding carotid stenosis management, and to produce useful conclusions for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Filis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, University of Athens Medical School, Hippocration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Levon Toufektzian
- First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, University of Athens Medical School, Hippocration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Galyfos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, University of Athens Medical School, Hippocration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Fragiska Sigala
- First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, University of Athens Medical School, Hippocration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Kourkoveli
- First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, University of Athens Medical School, Hippocration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Georgopoulos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, University of Athens Medical School, Hippocration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Manolis Vavuranakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, University of Athens Medical School, Hippocration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vrachatis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, University of Athens Medical School, Hippocration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Zografos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, University of Athens Medical School, Hippocration Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Hamada O, Sakata N, Ogata T, Shimada H, Inoue T. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for detecting histological carotid plaque rupture: Quantitative analysis of ulcer. Int J Stroke 2016; 11:791-8. [PMID: 27256473 DOI: 10.1177/1747493016641964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have evaluated the distinct ability of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for detecting carotid plaque rupture versus histological observations. AIMS The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the ability of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography to detect plaque rupture compared to ultrasonographic and histological images in terms of geometric accordance. METHODS Carotid plaque morphology was classified as "smooth," "irregular," or "ulcerated" on 45 conventional ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography images from consecutive patients undergoing endarterectomy, and 55 regions of interests were captured on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. A comparative study with a receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed using histological findings for reference. RESULTS Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography exhibited a higher percentage of "ulcerated" findings in patients with plaque rupture compared to conventional ultrasonography (P = 0.002) as well as an association with thrombus formation (P = 0.048) and fibrous cap disruption (P < 0.0001). On contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, "ulcerated" were significantly more likely than "smooth" findings when the fibrous cap was disrupted (odds ratio (OR), 41.5). The receiver operating characteristic areas under the curve for the orifice, depth, and width of the concavities on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography were significantly greater than 0.5, while their optimal cut-off values were 1.40 mm, 1.30 mm, and 1.88 mm, respectively. When one of these variables was greater than the optimal cut-off value, the sensitivity, negative hit rate, and odds ratio for detecting fibrous cap disruption were 91.3%, 91.6%, and 23.1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In our study, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography has high sensitivity for identifying histological plaque rupture, and the measurement of concavity on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography may enable the accurate detection of fibrous cap disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omi Hamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Sakata
- General Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiyasu Ogata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Shimada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Fukuoka University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tooru Inoue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
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35
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Huang R, Abdelmoneim SS, Ball CA, Nhola LF, Farrell AM, Feinstein S, Mulvagh SL. Detection of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Neovascularization Using Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2016; 29:491-502. [PMID: 27038513 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intraplaque neovascularization is considered an important indicator of plaque vulnerability. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of carotid arteries improves imaging of carotid intima-media thickness and permits real-time visualization of neovascularization of the atherosclerotic plaque. The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of CEUS-detected carotid atherosclerotic plaque. METHODS A systematic search was performed to identify studies published in the MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from 2004 to June 2015. Studies evaluating the accuracy of quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis (visual interpretation) for the diagnosis of intraplaque neovascularization compared with histologic specimens and/or clinical diagnosis of symptomatic plaque were included. Parameters evaluated were plaque quantitative CEUS intensity and the visual grading of plaque CEUS. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the likelihood ratios (LRs), diagnostic odds ratios, and summary receiver operating characteristic curves. Corresponding areas under the curves were calculated. RESULTS The literature search identified 203 studies, 20 of which were selected for systematic review; the final meta-analysis included seven studies. For qualitative CEUS, pooled sensitivity was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.72-0.87), pooled specificity was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.76-0.89), the pooled positive LR was 3.22 (95% CI, 1.67-6.18), the pooled negative LR was 0.24 (95% CI, 0.09-0.64), the pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 15.57 (95% CI, 4.94-49.03), and area under the curve was 0.894. For quantitative CEUS, pooled sensitivity was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.71-0.83), pooled specificity was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.62-0.73), the pooled positive LR was 2.34 (95% CI, 1.69-3.23), the pooled negative LR was 0.34 (95% CI, 0.25-0.47), the pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 7.06 (95% CI, 3.6-13.82), and area under the curve was 0.888. CONCLUSIONS CEUS is a promising noninvasive diagnostic modality for detecting intraplaque neovascularization. Standardization of quantitative analysis and visual grading classification is needed to increase reliability and reduce technical heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runqing Huang
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Ultrasound Imaging and Hemodynamic Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Division of Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, HuaZhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sahar S Abdelmoneim
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Ultrasound Imaging and Hemodynamic Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Caroline A Ball
- Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Ultrasound Imaging and Hemodynamic Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Lara F Nhola
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Ultrasound Imaging and Hemodynamic Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ann M Farrell
- Mayo Clinic Libraries, Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Ultrasound Imaging and Hemodynamic Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Sharon L Mulvagh
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Ultrasound Imaging and Hemodynamic Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
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Saha SA, Gourineni V, Feinstein SB. The Use of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography for Imaging of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques: Current Evidence, Future Directions. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2015; 26:81-96. [PMID: 26610662 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is a rapidly evolving modality for imaging carotid artery disease and systemic atherosclerosis. CEUS coupled with diagnostic ultrasonography predicts the degree of carotid artery stenosis and is comparable with computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography. This article reviews the literature on the evolving role of CEUS for the identification and characterization of carotid plaques with an emphasis on detection of intra-plaque neovascularization and related high-risk morphologic features notably present in symptomatic patients. CEUS carotid imaging may play a prominent additive role in risk stratifying patients and serve as a powerful tool for monitoring therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep A Saha
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Venu Gourineni
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Steven B Feinstein
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Abstract
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is increasingly being used to evaluate patients with known or suspected atherosclerosis. The administration of a microbubble contrast agent in conjunction with ultrasound results in an improved image quality and provides information that cannot be assessed with standard B-mode ultrasound. CEUS is a high-resolution, noninvasive imaging modality, which is safe and may benefit patients with coronary, carotid, or aortic atherosclerosis. CEUS allows a reliable assessment of endocardial borders, left ventricular function, intracardiac thrombus and myocardial perfusion. CEUS results in an improved detection of carotid atherosclerosis, and allows assessment of high-risk plaque characteristics including intraplaque vascularization, and ulceration. CEUS provides real-time bedside information in patients with a suspected or known abdominal aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection. The absence of ionizing radiation and safety of the contrast agent allow repetitive imaging which is particularly useful in the follow-up of patients after endovascular aneurysm repair. New developments in CEUS-based molecular imaging will improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and may in the future allow to image and directly treat cardiovascular diseases (theragnostic CEUS). Familiarity with the strengths and limitations of CEUS may have a major impact on the management of patients with atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arend F L Schinkel
- Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Mathias Kaspar
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Staub
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Evaluation of the stability of carotid atherosclerotic plaque with contrast-enhanced ultrasound. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2015; 43:71-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s10396-015-0647-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Use of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Carotid Atherosclerotic Disease: Limits and Perspectives. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:293163. [PMID: 26180793 PMCID: PMC4491377 DOI: 10.1155/2015/293163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has recently become one of the most versatile and powerful diagnostic tools in vascular surgery. One of the most interesting fields of application of this technique is the study of the carotid atherosclerotic plaque vascularization and its correlation with neurological symptoms (transient ischemic attack, minor stroke, and major stroke) and with the characteristics of the “vulnerable plaque” (surface ulceration, hypoechoic plaques, intraplaque hemorrhage, thinner fibrous cap, and carotid plaque neovascularization at histopathological analysis of the sample after surgical removal). The purpose of this review is to collect all the original studies available in literature (24 studies with 1356 patients enrolled) and to discuss the state of the art, limits, and future perspectives of CEUS analysis. The results of this work confirm the reliability of this imaging study for the detection of plaques with high risk of embolization; however, a shared, user-friendly protocol of imaging analysis is not available yet. The definition of this operative protocol becomes mandatory in order to compare results from different centers and to validate a cerebrovascular risk stratification of the carotid atherosclerotic lesions evaluated with CEUS.
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Assessment of carotid plaque neovascularization using quantitative analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging is useful for risk stratification in patients with coronary artery disease. Int J Cardiol 2015; 195:113-9. [PMID: 26025869 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.05.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2014] [Revised: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of the carotid artery is a potential technique for imaging plaque neovascularization, a feature of unstable atherosclerotic plaques. This study examined whether assessment of intra-plaque neovascularization of the carotid artery using CEUS provides prognostic information in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS A total of 206 patients with stable CAD underwent a CEUS examination of the carotid artery and were followed up prospectively for <38 months or until a cardiac event (cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), unstable angina pectoris (uAP) requiring unplanned coronary revascularization, or heart failure requiring hospitalization). The degree of contrast signals measured within the carotid plaque was quantified by calculating the mean gray scale level within the region of interest of the carotid plaque, expressed as plaque enhanced intensity. RESULTS During the follow-up period, 31 events occurred (2 cardiac deaths, 7 non-fatal MIs, 16 uAP, and 6 heart failure). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that plaque enhanced intensity was a significant predictor of cardiac events independent of traditional risk factors (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.05-1.21; p<0.001). The addition of the plaque enhanced intensity to traditional risk factors resulted in net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) (NRI 0.62, p=0.001; and IDI 0.106, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS The assessment of carotid plaque neovascularization using quantitative analysis of CEUS may be useful for risk stratification in patients with CAD.
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Picano E, Paterni M. Ultrasound tissue characterization of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:10121-33. [PMID: 25950760 PMCID: PMC4463636 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160510121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A thrombotic occlusion of the vessel fed by ruptured coronary atherosclerotic plaque may result in unstable angina, myocardial infarction or death, whereas embolization from a plaque in carotid arteries may result in transient ischemic attack or stroke. The atherosclerotic plaque prone to such clinical events is termed high-risk or vulnerable plaque, and its identification in humans before it becomes symptomatic has been elusive to date. Ultrasonic tissue characterization of the atherosclerotic plaque is possible with different techniques--such as vascular, transesophageal, and intravascular ultrasound--on a variety of arterial segments, including carotid, aorta, and coronary districts. The image analysis can be based on visual, video-densitometric or radiofrequency methods and identifies three distinct textural patterns: hypo-echoic (corresponding to lipid- and hemorrhage-rich plaque), iso- or moderately hyper-echoic (fibrotic or fibro-fatty plaque), and markedly hyperechoic with shadowing (calcific plaque). Hypoechoic or dishomogeneous plaques, with spotty microcalcification and large plaque burden, with plaque neovascularization and surface irregularities by contrast-enhanced ultrasound, are more prone to clinical complications than hyperechoic, extensively calcified, homogeneous plaques with limited plaque burden, smooth luminal plaque surface and absence of neovascularization. Plaque ultrasound morphology is important, along with plaque geometry, in determining the atherosclerotic prognostic burden in the individual patient. New quantitative methods beyond backscatter (to include speed of sound, attenuation, strain, temperature, and high order statistics) are under development to evaluate vascular tissues. Although not yet ready for widespread clinical use, tissue characterization is listed by the American Society of Echocardiography roadmap to 2020 as one of the most promising fields of application in cardiovascular ultrasound imaging, offering unique opportunities for the early detection and treatment of atherosclerotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Picano
- Biomedicine Department, NU School of Medicine, Astana 010000, Kazakistan.
| | - Marco Paterni
- CNR (Consiglio Nazionale Ricerche), Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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Iezzi R, Petrone G, Ferrante A, Lauriola L, Vincenzoni C, la Torre MF, Snider F, Rindi G, Bonomo L. The role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in visualizing atherosclerotic carotid plaque vulnerability: Which injection protocol? Which scanning technique? Eur J Radiol 2015; 84:865-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2015.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Diffuse calcifications protect carotid plaques regardless of the amount of neoangiogenesis and related histological complications. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:795672. [PMID: 25883974 PMCID: PMC4389976 DOI: 10.1155/2015/795672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Background. Neoangiogenesis is crucial in plaque progression and instability. Previous data from our group showed that Nestin-positive intraplaque neovessels correlated with histological complications. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the relationship between neoangiogenesis, plaque morphology, and clinical instability of the plaque. Materials and Methods. Seventy-three patients (53 males and 20 females, mean age 71 years) were consecutively enrolled. Clinical data and 14 histological variables, including intraplaque hemorrhage and calcifications, were collected. Immunohistochemistry for CD34 and Nestin was performed. RT-PCR was performed to evaluate Nestin mRNA (including 5 healthy arteries as controls). Results. Diffusely calcified plaques (13/73) were found predominantly in females (P = 0.017), with a significantly lower incidence of symptoms (TIA/stroke (P = 0.019) than noncalcified plaques but with the same incidence of histological complications (P = 0.156)). Accordingly, calcified and noncalcified plaques showed similar mean densities of positivity for CD34 and Nestin. Nestin density, but not CD34, correlated with the occurrence of intraplaque hemorrhage. Conclusions. Plaques with massive calcifications show the same incidence of histological complications but without influencing symptomatology, especially in female patients, and regardless of the amount of neoangiogenesis. These results can be applied in a future presurgical identification of patients at major risk of developing symptoms.
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Pokrovsky AV, Beloyartsev DF. [A role of carotid endarterectomy in prevention of cerebral ischemic damage]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2015. [PMID: 28635933 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2015115924-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Authors present a literature review on the prevalence, clinical presentations, diagnosis and outcome of surgical treatment of atherosclerotic stenosis of the internal carotid artery.
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45
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Insights from a thermography-based method suggesting higher carotid inflammation in patients with diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. DIABETES & METABOLISM 2014; 40:431-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diabet.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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van den Oord SCH, Akkus Z, Renaud G, Bosch JG, van der Steen AFW, Sijbrands EJG, Schinkel AFL. Assessment of carotid atherosclerosis, intraplaque neovascularization, and plaque ulceration using quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasound in asymptomatic patients with diabetes mellitus. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2014; 15:1213-8. [PMID: 24972806 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeu127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at severely increased risk of developing atherosclerosis. Intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) and plaque ulceration are markers of the vulnerable plaque, which is at an increased risk of rupture and may lead to cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis, intraplaque neovascularization (IPN), and plaque ulceration in asymptomatic patients with DM. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 51 asymptomatic patients with DM underwent standard carotid ultrasound in conjunction with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to assess the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis, IPN, and plaque ulceration. Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as the presence of atherosclerotic plaque, according to the Mannheim consensus. Semi-automated quantification software was used to assess IPN in suitable plaques. Plaque ulceration was defined as a disruption of the plaque-lumen border of ≥ 1 × 1 mm. A total of 408 carotid segments in 102 carotid arteries were investigated. Forty-six (90%) patients had subclinical atherosclerotic plaques, with a median plaque thickness of 2.4 mm (inter-quartile range 1.9-3.0). CEUS revealed IPN in 88% of the patients. In 10 carotid segments (8%), the plaque had an ulcerated surface. The presence of IPN could not be predicted by the presence of clinical characteristics including complications of DM (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Patients with DM have a high prevalence (90%) of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. Severe IPN and plaque ulceration, which are markers of the vulnerable plaque type, were detected in, respectively, 13 and 9% of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn C H van den Oord
- Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Thoraxcenter Room Ba304, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zeynettin Akkus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guillaume Renaud
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johan G Bosch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eric J G Sijbrands
- Division of Pharmacology, Vascular and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arend F L Schinkel
- Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Thoraxcenter Room Ba304, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Johnson JL, van Wijk K, Sabick M. Characterizing phantom arteries with multi-channel laser ultrasonics and photo-acoustics. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2014; 40:513-520. [PMID: 24412169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2013.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Multi-channel photo-acoustic and laser ultrasonic waves are used to sense the characteristics of proxies for healthy and diseased vessels. The acquisition system is non-contacting and non-invasive with a pulsed laser source and a laser vibrometer detector. As the wave signatures of our targets are typically low in amplitude, we exploit multi-channel acquisition and processing techniques. These are commonly used in seismology to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of data. We identify vessel proxies with a diameter on the order of 1 mm, at a depth of 18 mm. Variations in scattered and photo-acoustic signatures are related to differences in vessel wall properties and content. The methods described have the potential to improve imaging and better inform interventions for atherosclerotic vessels, such as the carotid artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jami L Johnson
- Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Department, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA; Department of Physics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Kasper van Wijk
- Department of Physics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Sabick
- Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Department, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
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Ren S, Fan X, Peng L, Pan L, Yu C, Tong J, Zhang W, Liu P. Expression of NF-κB, CD68 and CD105 in carotid atherosclerotic plaque. J Thorac Dis 2014; 5:771-6. [PMID: 24409354 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2013.12.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability is associated with cerebrovascular events in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of inflammatory factors in carotid artherosclerotic plaques in order to explore its clinical significance in patients with carotid stenosis. Forty three patients with carotid stenosis were divided into symptomatic group (n=24) and asymptomatic group (n=19) based on clinical manifestation. All patients were treated with selective standard carotid endarterectomy (CEA); the carotid atherosclerotic plaques were removed surgically and studied pathologically to investigate the expression of nuclear factor-kappa κ (NF-κB), CD68 and CD105. The plaques were grouped into stable and unstable plaques based on thickness of the fibrous cap and the area of lipid-rich core in the plaques. The proportion of unstable plaques were significantly higher in symptomatic group than in asymptomatic group (70.8% vs. 63.2%, P=0.026). Results of immunohistochemisty staining showed that the expression of NF-κB, CD68 and CD105 in unstable plaques was higher than stable plaques (P<0.001). The association of the higher expression of these factors with instability of carotid plaque needs to be clarified in future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyan Ren
- Cardiovascular Center, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xueqiang Fan
- Cardiovascular Center, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Liang Peng
- Clinical research institute, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Lin Pan
- Clinical research institute, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Changan Yu
- Clinical research institute, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jie Tong
- Department of Pathology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Wenjian Zhang
- Clinical research institute, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Cardiovascular Center, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
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Müller HFG, Viaccoz A, Kuzmanovic I, Bonvin C, Burkhardt K, Bochaton-Piallat ML, Sztajzel R. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging of carotid plaque neo-vascularization: accuracy of visual analysis. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2014; 40:18-24. [PMID: 24139919 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2013.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 07/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to evaluate whether neo-vascularization of the carotid plaque can be accurately assessed by visual analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound images and whether these findings correlate with intensity-over-time curve analysis (ITC) and histopathology. Patients with ≥50% symptomatic or ≥60% asymptomatic stenosis according to European Carotid Surgery Trial criteria were included. Four investigators evaluated contrast enhancement visually (three grades), with positive agreement when three or more investigators were unanimous. ITC analysis of contrast enhancement was performed in the plaque and in the lumen. Histopathology (microvessel density with CD34 + staining) was completed when endarterectomy was performed. Visual grading (33 patients, inter-observer agreement = 94%) correlated significantly with ITC analysis (p = 0.03). Histopathology (n = 19) revealed a larger CD34 + area in patients with grade 1/2 versus grade 0 (p = 0.03). Visual analysis of neo-vascularization by means of contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging is accurate and reproducible, with significant correlations with ITC and histopathology.
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50
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Bilotta F, Dei Giudici L, Lam A, Rosa G. Ultrasound-based imaging in neurocritical care patients: a review of clinical applications. Neurol Res 2013; 35:149-58. [PMID: 23452577 DOI: 10.1179/1743132812y.0000000155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the diagnostic, monitoring, and procedural applications of ultrasound (US) imaging in neurocritical care (NCC) patients. METHOD US imaging has been extensively validated in various subset of critically ill patients, but not specifically in the NCC population. We reviewed the clinical applications of US imaging for heart, vascular, brain, and lung evaluation and for possible procedural uses in NCC patients. Major neurosurgical books, journals, testimonials, authors' personal experience, and scientific databases were analyzed. RESULTS Cardiac US imaging provides accurate information at NCC arrival to stratify risk factors, including presence of atrial septal defect/patent formen ovale, abnormal ventricular function, or pericardial effusion, and to monitor cardiac anatomy and function during the NCC stay for guiding goal-directed therapy. Vascular US in NCC patients has three especially relevant indications: to screen anatomy and flow in extracranial supra-aortic arteries, to diagnose deep vein thrombosis, and to optimize the safety of central venous catheterization. Brain US has important clinical applications in the NCC, including transcranial Doppler and emerging techniques for cerebral blood flow evaluation with contrast-enhanced US imaging. Lung US, as demonstrated in other intensive care unit patients, provides accurate diagnosis of anatomical and functional abnormalities and enables diagnosis of pleural effusion, pneumothorax, lung consolidation, pulmonary abscess and interstitial-alveolar syndrome, and lung recruitment/derecruitment. US imaging can effectively guide percutaneous tracheostomy. CONCLUSION In conclusion, US imaging is an important diagnostic tool that provides real-time information at the bedside to stratify risk, monitor for complications, and guide invasive procedures in NCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Bilotta
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Section of Neuroanesthesia and Neurocritical Care, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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