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Tang M, Gao J, Ma N, Yan X, Zhang X, Hu J, Zhuo Z, Shi X, Li L, Lei X, Zhang X. Radiomics Nomogram for Predicting Stroke Recurrence in Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:851353. [PMID: 35495035 PMCID: PMC9039339 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.851353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To develop and validate a radiomics nomogram for predicting stroke recurrence in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (SICAS). Methods The data of 156 patients with SICAS were obtained from the hospital database. Those with and without stroke recurrence were identified. The 156 patients were separated into a training cohort (n = 110) and a validation cohort (n = 46). Baseline clinical data were collected from our medical records, and plaque radiological features were extracted from vascular wall high-resolution imaging (VW-HRMRI). The imaging sequences included 3D-T1WI-VISTA, T2WI, and 3D-T1WI-VISTA-enhanced imaging. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis were used to select the radiomics features associated with stroke recurrence. Then, multiple logistic regression analysis of clinical risk factors, radiological features, and radiomics signatures were performed, and a predictive nomogram was constructed to predict the probability of stroke recurrence in SICAS. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated. Results Diabetes mellitus, plaque burden, and enhancement ratio were independent risk factors for stroke recurrence [odds ratio (OR) = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–3.79, p = 0.018; OR = 1.76, per 10% increase, 95% CI, 1.28–2.41, p < 0.001; and OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.27–3.09, p < 0.001]. Five features of 3D-T1WI-VISTA, six features of T2WI, and nine features of 3D-T1WI-VISTA-enhanced images were associated with stroke recurrence. The radiomics signature in 3D-T1WI-VISTA-enhanced images was superior to the radiomics signature of the other two sequences for predicting stroke recurrence in both the training cohort [area under the curve (AUC), 0.790, 95% CI: 0.669–0.894] and the validation cohort (AUC, 0.779, 95% CI: 0.620–0.853). The combination of clinical risk factors, radiological features, and radiomics signature had the best predictive value (AUC, 0.899, 95% CI: 0.844–0.936 in the training cohort; AUC, 0.803, 95% CI: 0.761–0.897 in the validation cohort). The C-index of the nomogram was 0.880 (95% CI: 0.805–0.934) and 0.817 (95% CI: 0.795–0.948), respectively, in the training and validation cohorts. The decision curve analysis further confirmed that the radiomics nomogram had good clinical applicability with a net benefit of 0.458. Conclusion The radiomics features were helpful to predict stroke recurrence in patients with SICAS. The nomogram constructed by combining clinical high-risk factors, plaque radiological features, and radiomics features is a reliable tool for the individualized risk assessment of predicting the recurrence of SICAS stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Tang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Niane Ma
- Department of Graduate, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuejiao Yan
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhizheng Zhuo
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaorui Shi
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lei
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
- Xiaoyan Lei
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoling Zhang
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Urbak L, Ripa RS, Sandholt BV, Kjaer A, Sillesen H, Graebe M. Carotid plaque inflammatory activity assessed by 2-[18F]FDG-PET imaging decrease after a neurological thromboembolic event. EJNMMI Res 2021; 11:30. [PMID: 33755791 PMCID: PMC7988031 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-021-00773-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability is comprised by plaque composition driven by inflammatory activity and these features can be depicted with 3D ultrasound and 2-[18F]FDG-PET, respectively. The study investigated timely changes in carotid artery plaque inflammation and morphology after a thromboembolic event with PET/CT and novel ultrasound volumetric grayscale median (GSM) readings. Patients with a single hemisphere-specific neurological symptom and the presence of an ipsilateral carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque were prospectively included to both 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT and 3D ultrasound scans of the plaque immediately after their event and again three months later. On PET/CT images the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was measured and the volumetric ultrasound acquisitions were analyzed using a semiautomated software measuring GSM values. Results Baseline scans were performed by a mean of 7 days (range 2–14) after the symptom and again after 98 days (range 91–176). For the entire group (n = 14), we found a decrease in average SUVmax from baseline to follow-up of − 0.18 (95% confidence interval: − 0.34 to − 0.02, P = 0.034). GSM did not increase significantly over time (mean change: + 2.21, 95% confidence interval: − 17.02 to 21.44, P = 0.808). Conclusion A decrease in culprit lesion 2-[18F]FDG-uptake 3 months after an event indicates a decrease in inflammatory activity, suggesting that carotid plaque stabilization over time. 3D ultrasound morphological quantitative differences in GSM were not detectable after 3 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laerke Urbak
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Rasmus S Ripa
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benjamin V Sandholt
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Kjaer
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Sillesen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Graebe
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Urbak L, Sandholt BV, Graebe M, Bang LE, Bundgaard H, Sillesen H. Patients with Unstable Atherosclerosis Have More Echolucent Carotid Plaques Compared with Stable Atherosclerotic Patients: A 3-D Ultrasound Study. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2020; 46:2164-2172. [PMID: 32522459 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Using a novel 3-D ultrasound system, we aimed to determine differences in carotid plaque size and echogenicity in two atherosclerotic groups. Seventy patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction (aMI) and 69 patients known with chronic peripheral arterial disease (cPAD) were included. The cPAD group had larger plaque volumes (median: 70.24 mm3, interquartile range [40.12-135.61] vs. 55.41 mm3 [4.24-84.31], p = 0.004), thicker plaques (2.45 mm [1.85-3.25] vs. 1.99 mm [1.55 - 2.64], p = 0.005) and higher gray-scale medians (GSMs) (mean: 71.75, standard deviation: 21.55 vs. 60.99 [24.09], p = 0.006) than the aMI group. After adjustment for traditional risk factors, the difference persisted for thickness and volume. The difference in GSM persisted after adjustment for volume only. Patients with stable atherosclerotic disease had larger and brighter carotid plaques compared with unstable atherosclerotic patients. 3-D ultrasound may prove useful in identifying thromboembolic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lærke Urbak
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Benjamin V Sandholt
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Graebe
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lia E Bang
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henning Bundgaard
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Sillesen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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4
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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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Rafailidis V, Chryssogonidis I, Xerras C, Grisan E, Cheimariotis GA, Tegos T, Rafailidis D, Sidhu PS, Charitanti-Kouridou A. An Ultrasonographic Multiparametric Carotid Plaque Risk Index Associated with Cerebrovascular Symptomatology: A Study Comparing Color Doppler Imaging and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2019; 40:1022-1028. [PMID: 31072976 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Various ultrasonographic features of carortid plaques have been associated with the occurence of stroke, highlighting the need for multi-parametric assessment of plaque's vulnerability. Our aim was to compare ultrasonographic multiparametric indices using color Doppler imaging and contrast-enhanced sonography between symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional observational study recruiting 54 patients (72.2% male; median age, 61 years) undergoing sonography and contrast-enhanced sonography. Patients were included if a moderately or severely stenotic internal carotid artery plaque was detected, with the plaque being considered symptomatic if it was ipsilateral to a stroke occuring within the last 6 months. A vulnerability index, previously described by Kanber et al, combined the degree of stenosis, gray-scale median, and a quantitative measure of surface irregularities (surface irregularity index) derived from color Doppler imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, resulting in 2 vulnerability indices, depending on the surface irregularity index used. Mann-Whitney U and t tests were used to compare variables between groups, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS Sixty-two plaques were analyzed (50% symptomatic), with a mean degree of stenosis of 68.9%. Symptomatic plaques had a significantly higher degree of stenosis (mean, 74.7% versus 63.1%; P < .001), a lower gray-scale median (13 versus 38; P = .001), and a higher Kanber vulnerability index based both on color Doppler imaging (median, 61.4 versus 16.5; P < .001) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (median, 88.6 versus 25.2; P < .001). The area under the curve for the detection of symptomatic plaques was 0.772 for the degree of stenosis alone, 0.783 for the vulnerability index-color Doppler imaging, and 0.802 for the vulnerability index-contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, though no statistical significance was achieved. CONCLUSIONS Symptomatic plaques had a higher degree of stenosis, lower gray-scale median values, and higher values of the Kanber vulnerability index using both color Doppler imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for plaque surface delineation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Rafailidis
- From the Department of Radiology (V.R., I.C., A.C.-K.)
| | | | - C Xerras
- First Department of Neurology (C.X., T.T.), AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Grisan
- Department of Information Engineering (E.G.), University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,School of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering (E.G.), King's College London, London, UK
| | - G-A Cheimariotis
- Laboratory of Computing (G.-A.C.), Medical Informatics and Biomedical-Imaging Technologies, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - T Tegos
- First Department of Neurology (C.X., T.T.), AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - D Rafailidis
- Department of Radiology (D.R.), "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - P S Sidhu
- Department of Radiology (P.S.S.), King's College Hospital, London, UK
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Steffel CN, Brown R, Korcarz CE, Varghese T, Stein JH, Wilbrand SM, Dempsey RJ, Mitchell CC. Influence of Ultrasound System and Gain on Grayscale Median Values. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2019; 38:307-319. [PMID: 30027550 PMCID: PMC6339613 DOI: 10.1002/jum.14690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of grayscale median (GSM) measurements across different ultrasound (US) systems and effects of gain on GSM values. METHODS Two vessels in a grayscale vascular phantom were imaged with 7 US systems at 3 gain settings. Two human participants were imaged at 3 gain settings. Each image was normalized, standardized, and segmented by expert and novice readers using grayscale analysis software. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) assessed agreement of GSM values for each system across gain settings and vessels and between readers. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) assessed system-level reader concordance across gain settings and vessels. A general linear mixed model for repeated measures was used to assess within- and between-system mean GSM values. RESULTS Grayscale median measurements performed on images from the same US system yielded excellent (CCC) (95% confidence intervals): 0.85 (0.75, 0.92) to 0.96 (0.92, 0.98). ICC per system were 0.94 to 0.98 for the expert reader and 0.85 to 0.95 for the novice reader. Gain adjustments above and below an optimal setting contributed to significantly different intrasystem GSM values on 4 of 7 systems in the near zone and 5 of 7 systems in the far zone (P < .05). Intersystem GSM values differed on 5 of 7 systems (P < .05). Images from the human participants showed differences in GSM values at optimum gain values ± 10 dB/%. CONCLUSIONS Grayscale median measurements are highly reproducible when obtained from the same US system with similar gain settings. Grayscale median values differ significantly across gain values and between systems. Researchers should consider the impact of US system and gain settings on GSM values when working to minimize system- and operator-dependent factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine N Steffel
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin Atherosclerosis Imaging Research Program, Madison, Wisconsin USA
| | - Roger Brown
- Research Design and Statistics Unit, University of Wisconsin Schools of Nursing, Medicine, and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin USA
| | - Claudia E Korcarz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Wisconsin Atherosclerosis Imaging Research Program, Madison, Wisconsin USA
| | - Tomy Varghese
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin Atherosclerosis Imaging Research Program, Madison, Wisconsin USA
| | - James H Stein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Wisconsin Atherosclerosis Imaging Research Program, Madison, Wisconsin USA
| | - Stephanie M Wilbrand
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin USA
| | - Robert J Dempsey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin USA
| | - Carol C Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Wisconsin Atherosclerosis Imaging Research Program, Madison, Wisconsin USA
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Steinbuch J, Schreuder FHBM, Reesink KD, Hoeks APG, Mess WH. Orthogonal B-Mode Evaluation of Common Carotid Artery Plaques Reveals the Absence of Outward Remodeling. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2018; 44:986-994. [PMID: 29477746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
To properly assess morphologic and dynamic parameters of arteries and plaques, we propose the concept of orthogonal distance measurements, that is, measurements made perpendicular to the local lumen axis rather than along the ultrasound beam (vertical direction for a linear array). The aim of this study was to compare orthogonal and vertical artery and lumen diameters at the site of a plaque in the common carotid artery (CCA). Moreover, we investigated the interrelationship of orthogonal diameters and plaque size and the association of artery parameters with plaque echogenicity. In 29 patients, we acquired a longitudinal B-mode ultrasound recording of plaques at the posterior CCA wall. After semi-automatic segmentation of end-diastolic frames, diameters were extracted orthogonally along the lumen axis. To establish inter-observer variability of diameters obtained at the location of maximal plaque thickness, a second observer repeated the analysis (subset N = 21). Orthogonal adventitia-adventitia and lumen diameters could be determined with good precision (coefficient of variation: 1%-5%. However, the precision of the change in lumen diameter from diastole to systole (distension) at the site of the plaque was poor (21%-50%). The orthogonal lumen diameter was significantly smaller than the vertical lumen diameter (p <0.001). Surprisingly, the plaques did not cause outward remodeling, that is, a local increase in adventitia-adventitia distance at the site of the plaque. The intra- and inter-observer precision of diastolic-systolic plaque compression was poor and of the same order as the standard deviation of plaque compression. The orthogonal relative lumen distension was significantly lower for echogenic plaques, indicating a higher stiffness, than for echolucent plaques (p <0.01). In conclusion, we illustrated the feasibility of extracting orthogonal CCA and plaque dimensions, albeit that the proposed approach is inadequate to quantify plaque compression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Steinbuch
- Biomedical Engineering, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - F H B M Schreuder
- Radiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Clinical Neurophysiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - K D Reesink
- Biomedical Engineering, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - A P G Hoeks
- Biomedical Engineering, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - W H Mess
- Clinical Neurophysiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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8
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Carotid Plaque Morphology in Asymptomatic Patients with and without Metabolic Syndrome. Ann Vasc Surg 2017; 39:173-181. [DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2016.05.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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9
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Mitchell CC, Stein JH, Cook TD, Salamat S, Wang X, Varghese T, Jackson DC, Sandoval Garcia C, Wilbrand SM, Dempsey RJ. Histopathologic Validation of Grayscale Carotid Plaque Characteristics Related to Plaque Vulnerability. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2017; 43:129-137. [PMID: 27720278 PMCID: PMC5327497 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2016.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation and angiogenesis play major roles in carotid plaque vulnerability. The purpose of this study was to determine whether gray-scale features of carotid plaques are associated with histologic markers for inflammation. Thirty-eight individuals completed a dedicated research carotid ultrasound exam before carotid endarterectomy. Gray-scale analysis was performed on plaque images to measure plaque echogenicity (gray-scale median [GSM] pixel brightness), plaque area, presence of discrete white areas (DWAs) and the percent of black area near the lumen on any one component of the plaque. Plaques with higher ultrasound GSM had greater percent calcification (p = 0.013) on histopathology. Presence of an ultrasound DWA was associated with more plaque hemosiderin (p = 0.0005) and inflammation (p = 0.019) on histopathology examination. The percent of plaque black area in any one component was associated with a higher score for macroscopic ulceration (p = 0.028). Ultrasound plaque characteristics (GSM, DWAs and black areas) represent histopathologic markers associated with plaque vulnerability. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02476396.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol C Mitchell
- Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - James H Stein
- Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Thomas D Cook
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Shahriar Salamat
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tomy Varghese
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Daren C Jackson
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Carolina Sandoval Garcia
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Stephanie M Wilbrand
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Robert J Dempsey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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Abstract
The '6-month' threshold for treating symptomatic patients is obsolete. There is compelling evidence that the highest-risk period for stroke (after suffering a transient ischemic attack) is the first 2 weeks, especially the first few days, and that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) confers maximal benefit when performed early. Despite well-documented anxieties, there is increasing evidence that CEA can be performed safely within the first 7 days after onset of symptoms, although risks may be higher when performed within 48 h. The role for carotid artery stenting in the hyperacute period remains uncertain. Centers performing carotid artery stenting within 14 days of symptom onset with risks equivalent to CEA should be encouraged to continue and help others to achieve similar outcomes. For the majority, however, CEA will probably remain the safer option. 'Best medical therapy' and risk factor modification should be started as soon as a transient ischemic attack is suspected, while the early introduction of dual antiplatelet therapy may reduce recurrent events prior to CEA, without increasing perioperative bleeding complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ross Naylor
- a The Department of Vascular Surgery at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
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11
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Jashari F, Ibrahimi P, Bajraktari G, Grönlund C, Wester P, Henein MY. Carotid plaque echogenicity predicts cerebrovascular symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Neurol 2016; 23:1241-7. [PMID: 27106563 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Many reports have shown an association between hypoechoic (echolucent) carotid atherosclerotic plaques and unstable features. In this meta-analysis our aim was to determine the role of carotid plaque echogenicity in predicting future cerebrovascular (CV) symptoms. METHODS Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Center Register) up to September 2015 were systematically searched. Studies with ultrasound-based characterization of carotid artery plaque echogenicity and its association with focal neurological symptoms of vascular origin were eligible for analysis. In the meta-analysis, heterogeneity was measured using I(2) statistics and publication bias was evaluated using the Begg-Mazumdar test. In addition several comparisons between subgroups were performed. RESULTS Of 1387 identified reports, eight studies with asymptomatic patients and three studies with symptomatic patients were meta-analyzed. Pooled analysis showed an association between echolucent carotid plaques and future CV events in asymptomatic patients [relative risk 2.72 (95% confidence interval 1.86-3.96)] and recurrent symptoms in symptomatic patients [relative risk 2.97 (95% confidence interval 1.85-4.78)]. The association was preserved for all stenosis degrees in asymptomatic patients, whilst patients with echolucent plaques and severe stenosis were at higher risk of future events. Also, computer-assisted methods for assessment of carotid plaque echogenicity and studies analyzing ultrasound data collected after the year 2000 showed better prediction. CONCLUSIONS In asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, analysis of carotid plaque echogenicity could identify those at high risk of CV events.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Jashari
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - P Ibrahimi
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - G Bajraktari
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - C Grönlund
- Department of Biomedical Engineering - Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - P Wester
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyds Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Y Henein
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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12
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Abstract
Internal carotid artery stenosis accounts for about 7-10 % of ischemic strokes. Conventional risk factors such as aging, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking increase the risk for carotid atherosclerosis. All patients with carotid stenosis should receive aggressive medical therapy. Carotid revascularization with either endarterectomy or stenting can benefit select patients with severe stenosis. New clinical trials will examine the contemporary role of carotid revascularization relative to optimal medical therapy.
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13
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Naylor A, Sillesen H, Schroeder T. Clinical and Imaging Features Associated with an Increased Risk of Early and Late Stroke in Patients with Symptomatic Carotid Disease. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2015; 49:513-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2015.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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14
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Casella IB, Fukushima RB, Marques ABDA, Cury MVM, Presti C. Comparison between a new computer program and the reference software for gray-scale median analysis of atherosclerotic carotid plaques. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2015; 43:194-198. [PMID: 24865562 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.22178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare a new dedicated software program and Adobe Photoshop for gray-scale median (GSM) analysis of B-mode images of carotid plaques. METHODS A series of 42 carotid plaques generating ≥50% diameter stenosis was evaluated by a single observer. The best segment for visualization of internal carotid artery plaque was identified on a single longitudinal view and images were recorded in JPEG format. Plaque analysis was performed by both programs. After normalization of image intensity (blood = 0, adventitial layer = 190), histograms were obtained after manual delineation of plaque. Results were compared with nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test and Kendall tau-b correlation analysis. RESULTS GSM ranged from 00 to 100 with Adobe Photoshop and from 00 to 96 with IMTPC, with a high grade of similarity between image pairs, and a highly significant correlation (R = 0.94, p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS IMTPC software appears suitable for the GSM analysis of carotid plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Benaduce Casella
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Clinics Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine of São Paulo University, Av. Dr. Eneas Carvalho de Aguiar, 255, 05403-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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15
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Strömberg S, Nordanstig A, Bentzel T, Österberg K, Bergström G. Risk of Early Recurrent Stroke in Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2015; 49:137-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Widman E, Caidahl K, Heyde B, D'hooge J, Larsson M. Ultrasound speckle tracking strain estimation of in vivo carotid artery plaque with in vitro sonomicrometry validation. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2015; 41:77-88. [PMID: 25308946 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2014.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to validate a previously developed speckle tracking (ST) algorithm to assess strain in common carotid artery plaques. Radial and longitudinal strain was measured in common carotid artery gel phantoms with a plaque-mimicking inclusion using an in-house ST algorithm and sonomicrometry. Moreover, plaque strain by ST for seven patients (77 ± 6 y) with carotid atherosclerosis was compared with a quantitative visual assessment by two experienced physicians. In vitro, good correlation existed between ST and sonomicrometry peak strains, both radially (r = 0.96, p < 0.001) and longitudinally (r = 0.75, p < 0.01). In vivo, greater pulse pressure-adjusted radial and longitudinal strains were found in echolucent plaques than in echogenic plaques. This illustrates the feasibility of ultrasound ST strain estimation in plaques and the possibility of characterizing plaques using ST strain in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Widman
- Department of Medical Engineering, School of Technology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Kenneth Caidahl
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brecht Heyde
- Cardiovascular Imaging & Dynamics, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan D'hooge
- Cardiovascular Imaging & Dynamics, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matilda Larsson
- Department of Medical Engineering, School of Technology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden; Cardiovascular Imaging & Dynamics, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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17
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Ramnarine KV, Garrard JW, Kanber B, Nduwayo S, Hartshorne TC, Robinson TG. Shear wave elastography imaging of carotid plaques: feasible, reproducible and of clinical potential. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2014; 12:49. [PMID: 25487290 PMCID: PMC4293004 DOI: 10.1186/1476-7120-12-49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) imaging is a novel ultrasound technique for quantifying tissue elasticity. Studies have demonstrated that SWE is able to differentiate between diseased and normal tissue in a wide range clinical applications. However its applicability to atherosclerotic carotid disease has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and potential clinical benefit of using SWE imaging for the assessment of carotid plaques. Methods Eighty-one patients (mean age 76 years, 51 male) underwent greyscale and SWE imaging. Elasticity was quantified by measuring mean Young’s Modulus (YM) within the plaque and within the vessel wall. Echogenicity was assessed using the Gray-Weale classification scale and the greyscale median (GSM). Results Fifty four plaques with stenosis greater than 30% were assessed. Reproducibility of YM measurements, quantified by the inter-frame coefficient of variation, was 22% within the vessel wall and 19% within the carotid plaque. Correlation with percentage stenosis was significant for plaque YM (p = 0.003), but insignificant for plaque GSM (p = 0.46). Plaques associated with focal neurological symptoms had significantly lower mean YM than plaques in asymptomatic patients (62 kPa vs 88 kPa; p = 0.01). Logistic regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis showed improvements in sensitivity and specificity when percentage stenosis was combined with the YM (area under ROC = 0.78). Conclusions Our study showed SWE is able to quantify carotid plaque elasticity and provide additional information that may be of clinical benefit to help identify the unstable carotid plaque. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1476-7120-12-49) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar V Ramnarine
- Department of Medical Physics, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Sandringham Building, Level 1, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester LE1 5WW UK.
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18
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Abstract
Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has achieved clinical equipoise with carotid endarterectomy (CEA), as evidenced by 2 large U.S. randomized clinical trials, multiple pivotal registry trials, and 2 multispecialty guideline documents endorsed by 14 professional societies. The largest randomized trial conducted in patients at average surgical risk of CEA, CREST (Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Versus Stenting Trial) found no difference between CAS and CEA for the combined endpoint of stroke, death, and myocardial infarction (MI) after 4 years of follow-up. The largest randomized trial comparing CAS and CEA in patients at increased surgical risk, SAPPHIRE (Stenting and Angioplasty with Protection in Patients at High Risk for Endarterectomy), looked at 1-year stroke, death, and MI incidence and found no difference in symptomatic patients, but a significantly better outcome in asymptomatic patients for CAS (9.9% vs. 21.5%; p = 0.02). Given that >70% of carotid revascularization procedures are performed in asymptomatic patients for primary prevention of stroke, it is incumbent upon clinicians to demonstrate that revascularization has an incremental benefit over highly effective modern medical therapy alone.
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19
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Marchione P, Vento C, Morreale M, Izzo C, Maugeri A, Manuppella F, Romeo T, Giacomini P. Atorvastatin treatment and carotid plaque morphology in first-ever atherosclerotic transient ischemic attack/stroke: a case-control study. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2014; 24:138-43. [PMID: 25440329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A relationship between echolucency of carotid plaques and the consequent risk of ipsilateral ischemic stroke has been observed. An aggressive lipid-lowering therapy may increase the echogenicity of carotid plaque in patients with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The aim of this study is to prospectively evaluate the long-term effect of high-dose atorvastatin on carotid plaque morphology in patients with first-ever transient ischemic attack or stroke. METHODS All patients with symptomatic first ischemic atherosclerotic cerebrovascular event occurred within the previous 10 days were enrolled. Carotid Doppler ultrasound of the neck vessels with 7-11 MHz probe for the definition of the atherosclerotic carotid framework was performed. The analysis of the gray-scale median (GSM) of each plate was carried out with image processing software. RESULTS A total of 240 symptomatic plaques were included and divided into 3 groups: 80 in group A (atorvastatin 80 mg), 80 in group B (atorvastatin 40 mg), and 80 to group C (no atorvastatin). GSM score increases significantly more extensive in group A than in group B (+48.65 vs. +39.46, P < .02) and group C (+48.65 vs. 19.3, P = .0002). An inverse association between reduction of low-density lipoprotein and the increase in the GSM score (r = -.456, P = .007) has been observed. Moreover, the reduction of high-sensitive C-reactive protein correlates inversely with the increase of the GSM (r = -.398, P = .021). CONCLUSIONS Dose-dependent effect of atorvastatin on symptomatic carotid plaque morphology may suggest a specific role of this drug in the atherosclerotic stroke prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Marchione
- Neurosonology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies - Section of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Operative Unit of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurological Center of Latium, Rome, Italy.
| | - Claudio Vento
- Neurosonology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies - Section of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Morreale
- Neurosonology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies - Section of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Izzo
- Neurosonology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies - Section of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Operative Unit of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurological Center of Latium, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Maugeri
- Neurosonology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies - Section of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Manuppella
- Neurosonology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies - Section of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Romeo
- Neurosonology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies - Section of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Giacomini
- Neurosonology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies - Section of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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20
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Salem M, Bown M, Sayers R, West K, Moore D, Nicolaides A, Robinson T, Naylor A. Identification of Patients with a Histologically Unstable Carotid Plaque Using Ultrasonic Plaque Image Analysis. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2014; 48:118-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2014.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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21
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Marnane M, Prendeville S, McDonnell C, Noone I, Barry M, Crowe M, Mulligan N, Kelly PJ. Plaque Inflammation and Unstable Morphology Are Associated With Early Stroke Recurrence in Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis. Stroke 2014; 45:801-6. [DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.113.003657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose—
Although symptomatic carotid stenosis is associated with 3-fold increased risk of early stroke recurrence, the pathophysiologic mechanisms of high early stroke risk have not been established. We aimed to investigate the relationship between early stroke recurrence after initial symptoms and histological features of plaque inflammation and instability in resected carotid plaque.
Methods—
Carotid endarterectomy tissue from consecutive patients with ipsilateral stenosis ≥50% and recent symptoms were analyzed using a validated histopathologic algorithm (Oxford Plaque Study [OPS] system). Nonprocedural stroke recurrence before carotid endarterectomy was ascertained at 7, 28, and 90 days after initial symptoms.
Results—
Among 44 patients meeting eligibility criteria, 27.3% (12/44) had stroke recurrence after initial stroke/transient ischemic attack but before carotid endarterectomy. Compared with patients without recurrence, stroke recurrence was associated with dense macrophage infiltration (OPS grade ≥3; 91.7% versus 37.5%;
P
=0.002), extensive (>25%) fibrous cap disruption (90.9% versus 37%;
P
=0.004), neovascularization (OPS grade ≥2; 83.3% versus 43.8%;
P
=0.04), and low plaque fibrous content (OPS grade <2; 50% versus 6.3%;
P
=0.003). Early recurrence rates were 82.3% (confidence interval, 49.2%–98.8%) in patients with extensive plaque macrophage infiltration (OPS grade ≥3) compared with 22.2% (confidence interval, 3.5%–83.4%) in those with OPS grade <3 (log-rank
P
=0.009). On multivariable Cox regression, including OPS macrophage grade (≥3 or <3), age, and severity of stenosis (50%–69% or ≥70%), plaque inflammation was the only variable independently predicting stroke recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio, 9; confidence interval, 1.1–70.6;
P
=0.04).
Conclusions—
Plaque inflammation and other vulnerability features were associated with highest risk of stroke recurrence and may represent therapeutic targets for future stroke prevention trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Marnane
- From the Neurovascular Unit for Translational and Therapeutics Research (M.M., P.J.K.), Pathology Department (S.P., N.M.), and Vascular Surgery Department (C.M.), Mater University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; and St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (I.N., M.B., M.C.)
| | - Susan Prendeville
- From the Neurovascular Unit for Translational and Therapeutics Research (M.M., P.J.K.), Pathology Department (S.P., N.M.), and Vascular Surgery Department (C.M.), Mater University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; and St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (I.N., M.B., M.C.)
| | - Ciaran McDonnell
- From the Neurovascular Unit for Translational and Therapeutics Research (M.M., P.J.K.), Pathology Department (S.P., N.M.), and Vascular Surgery Department (C.M.), Mater University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; and St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (I.N., M.B., M.C.)
| | - Imelda Noone
- From the Neurovascular Unit for Translational and Therapeutics Research (M.M., P.J.K.), Pathology Department (S.P., N.M.), and Vascular Surgery Department (C.M.), Mater University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; and St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (I.N., M.B., M.C.)
| | - Mary Barry
- From the Neurovascular Unit for Translational and Therapeutics Research (M.M., P.J.K.), Pathology Department (S.P., N.M.), and Vascular Surgery Department (C.M.), Mater University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; and St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (I.N., M.B., M.C.)
| | - Morgan Crowe
- From the Neurovascular Unit for Translational and Therapeutics Research (M.M., P.J.K.), Pathology Department (S.P., N.M.), and Vascular Surgery Department (C.M.), Mater University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; and St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (I.N., M.B., M.C.)
| | - Niall Mulligan
- From the Neurovascular Unit for Translational and Therapeutics Research (M.M., P.J.K.), Pathology Department (S.P., N.M.), and Vascular Surgery Department (C.M.), Mater University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; and St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (I.N., M.B., M.C.)
| | - Peter J. Kelly
- From the Neurovascular Unit for Translational and Therapeutics Research (M.M., P.J.K.), Pathology Department (S.P., N.M.), and Vascular Surgery Department (C.M.), Mater University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; and St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (I.N., M.B., M.C.)
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23
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Ramnarine KV, Garrard JW, Dexter K, Nduwayo S, Panerai RB, Robinson TG. Shear wave elastography assessment of carotid plaque stiffness: in vitro reproducibility study. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2014; 40:200-209. [PMID: 24210861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2013.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Revised: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed inter- and intra-observer reproducibility of shear wave elastography (SWE) measurements in vessel phantoms simulating soft and hard carotid plaque under steady and pulsatile flow conditions. Supersonic SWE was used to acquire cine-loop data and quantify Young's modulus in cryogel vessel phantoms. Data were acquired by two observers, each performing three repeat measurements. Mean Young's modulus was quantified within 2-mm regions of interest averaged across five frames and, depending on vessel model and observer, ranged from 28 to 240 kPa. The mean inter-frame coefficient of variation (CV) was 0.13 (range: 0.07-0.18) for observer 1 and 0.14 (range: 0.12-0.16) for observer 2, with mean intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 0.84 and 0.83, respectively. The mean inter-operator CV was 0.13 (range: 0.08-0.20), with a mean ICC of 0.76 (range: 0.69-0.82). Our findings indicate that SWE can quantify Young's modulus of carotid plaque phantoms with good reproducibility, even in the presence of pulsatile flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar V Ramnarine
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom.
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24
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Pavela J, Ahanchi S, Steerman SN, Higgins JA, Panneton JM. Grayscale median analysis of primary stenosis and restenosis after carotid endarterectomy. J Vasc Surg 2013; 59:978-82. [PMID: 24361200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2013.10.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have reported that echolucent carotid lesions, as determined by grayscale median (GSM) analysis, are associated with increased perioperative embolic complications during carotid artery stenting (CAS). However, there is limited research of the predictive value of GSM analysis comparing values for primary atherosclerotic lesions in the carotid artery with those for recurrent lesions after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS Retrospective data were collected and analyzed from all patients undergoing CAS from November 2005 to August 2010. Available preoperative images amenable to GSM analysis were processed in Adobe Photoshop (version CS4; San Jose, Calif). Statistical analysis included t-test, Fischer exact test, and generation of a receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS With at least 29 days of follow-up, 212 patients underwent 228 CAS procedures. There were 189 stents placed for primary lesions (CAS for primary stenosis group) and 39 stents placed for restenosis after CEA (CAS for restenosis group). GSM analysis was feasible for 47 patients, and the mean GSM was 45.6 (n = 34; 95% confidence interval, ± 8.3) for the primary stenosis group and 20.5 (n = 13; 95% confidence interval, ±9.6) for the restenosis group (P < .01). The mean time from CEA to CAS intervention for the restenosis group was 8.6 years. There was no statistical difference in procedural individual and combined complications of ipsilateral stroke, 30-day stroke, or 30-day mortality between the CAS for primary stenosis group and the CAS for restenosis group. In the primary stenosis group, the mean GSM was lower in those with procedural complications compared with those without complications (15 ± 22 vs 49 ± 8; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS A low GSM value was associated with increased perioperative risk when CAS was performed for native carotid lesions, but a low GSM value was not associated with higher procedural risk when carotid stenting was performed for carotid stenosis after CEA (restenosis). GSM analysis for restenosis may be altered by the time interval from CEA to restenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Pavela
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Va
| | - Sadaf Ahanchi
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Va.
| | - Samuel N Steerman
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Va
| | - Jonathan A Higgins
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Va
| | - Jean M Panneton
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Va
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Kanber B, Hartshorne TC, Horsfield MA, Naylor AR, Robinson TG, Ramnarine KV. Wall motion in the stenotic carotid artery: association with greyscale plaque characteristics, the degree of stenosis and cerebrovascular symptoms. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2013; 11:37. [PMID: 24139162 PMCID: PMC3818684 DOI: 10.1186/1476-7120-11-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systolic dilation of the atherosclerotic carotid artery depends on several factors including arterial compliance and the haemodynamic environment. The purpose of this study was to quantify wall motion in stenotic carotid arteries and investigate any associations with the ultrasound greyscale plaque characteristics, the degree of stenosis, and the presence of cerebrovascular symptoms. Methods Variations in the lumen diameters of 61 stenotic carotid arteries (stenosis range 10%-95%) from 47 patients were measured before the proximal shoulder of the atherosclerotic plaque using ultrasound image sequences over several cardiac cycles. Absolute and percentage diameter changes from diastole to systole were calculated and their relationship to the degree of stenosis, greyscale plaque characteristics, and the presence of ipsilateral hemispheric symptoms were studied. Results The mean absolute diameter change from diastole to systole was 0.45 mm (s.d. 0.17), and the mean percentage diameter change was 6.9% (s.d. 3.1%). Absolute and percentage diameter changes did not have a statistically significant relationship to the degree of stenosis, greyscale plaque characteristics, or the presence of ipsilateral hemispheric symptoms (p > 0.05). Parameters significantly correlated with the presence of symptoms were the degree of stenosis (p = 0.01), plaque greyscale median (p = 0.02) and the plaque surface irregularity index (p = 0.02). Conclusions Our study confirmed the degree of stenosis, plaque greyscale median and our surface irregularity index were significant predictors of symptoms, but found no significant correlation between diameter changes of stenosed carotid arteries and the presence of ipsilateral hemispheric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Kumar V Ramnarine
- Department of Medical Physics, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, LE1 5WW UK.
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Delay Prior to Expedited Carotid Endarterectomy: A Prospective Audit of Practice. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2013; 46:404-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2013.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Dynamic variations in the ultrasound greyscale median of carotid artery plaques. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2013; 11:21. [PMID: 23767988 PMCID: PMC3686622 DOI: 10.1186/1476-7120-11-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several studies have found that the ultrasound greyscale median (GSM) of carotid artery plaques may be useful for predicting the risk of cerebrovascular events. However, measurements of GSM are typically performed on still ultrasound images ignoring any variations that may be observed on a frame-by-frame basis. The aim of this study was to establish the existence and investigate the nature and extent of these variations. Methods Employing a novel method that enabled plaque boundaries to be tracked semi-automatically, variations in the plaque GSM and observed cross-sectional area were measured for 27 carotid artery plaques (19 consecutive patients, stenosis range 10%-80%) over image sequences of up to 10 seconds in length acquired with a mean frame rate of 32 frames per second. Results Our results showed a mean inter-frame coefficient of variation (CV) of 5.2% (s.d. 2.5%) for GSM and 4.2% (s.d. 2.9%) for the plaque area. Thirteen of the 27 plaques (48%) exhibited CV in GSM greater than 5% whereas only six plaques (22%) had CV in plaque area of greater than 5%. There was no significant correlation between the CV of GSM and plaque area. Conclusions Inter-frame variations in the plaque GSM such as those found in this study have implications on the reproducibility of GSM measurements and their clinical utility. Studies assessing the GSM of carotid artery plaques should consider these variations.
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Salem M, Sayers R, Bown M, West K, Moore D, Robinson T, Naylor A. Features of Unstable Carotid Plaque During and After the Hyperacute Period Following TIA/Stroke. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2013; 45:114-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2012.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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