2011 ASA/ACCF/AHA/AANN/AANS/ACR/ASNR/CNS/SAIP/SCAI/SIR/SNIS/SVM/SVS Guideline on the Management of Patients With Extracranial Carotid and Vertebral Artery Disease

Color Duplex Ultrasonography for the Evaluation of Innominate, Subclavian, and Common Carotid Artery Stenosis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to validate the efficiency of Doppler ultrasonography for predicting the innominate, subclavian, and common carotid artery stenosis.

METHODS

This retrospective multicenter study between 2013 and 2022 enrolled 636 patients who underwent carotid Doppler ultrasonography and subsequent digital subtraction angiography. And 58 innominate artery stenosis, 147 common carotid artery stenosis, and 154 subclavian artery stenosis were included. The peak systolic velocity at innominate, subclavian, and common carotid artery, and velocity ratios of innominate artery to common carotid artery, innominate artery to subclavian artery, and common carotid artery to internal carotid artery were measured or calculated. The threshold values were determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis.

RESULTS

The threshold values of innominate artery stenosis were peak systolic velocity >206 cm/s (sensitivity: 82.8%; specificity: 91.4%) to predict ≥50% stenosis and >285 cm/s (sensitivity: 89.2%; specificity: 94.9%) to predict ≥70% stenosis. The threshold values of common carotid artery stenosis were peak systolic velocity >175 cm/s (sensitivity: 78.2%; specificity: 91.9%) to predict ≥50% stenosis and >255 cm/s (sensitivity: 87.1%; specificity: 87.2%) to predict ≥70% stenosis. The threshold values of subclavian artery stenosis were peak systolic velocity >200 cm/s (sensitivity: 68.2%; specificity: 84.4%) to predict ≥50% stenosis and >305 cm/s (sensitivity: 57.9%; specificity: 91.4%) to predict ≥70% stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic patients with ultrasonic parameters of velocity at innominate artery ≥206 cm/s, velocity at common carotid artery ≥175 cm/s, or velocity at subclavian artery ≥200 cm/s need to be considered for further verification and whether revascularization is necessary.

DCRM 2.0: Multispecialty practice recommendations for the management of diabetes, cardiorenal, and metabolic diseases

The spectrum of cardiorenal and metabolic diseases comprises many disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), chronic kidney disease (CKD), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), heart failure (HF), dyslipidemias, hypertension, and associated comorbidities such as pulmonary diseases and metabolism dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and metabolism dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASLD and MASH, respectively, formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NAFLD and NASH]). Because cardiorenal and metabolic diseases share pathophysiologic pathways, two or more are often present in the same individual. Findings from recent outcome trials have demonstrated benefits of various treatments across a range of conditions, suggesting a need for practice recommendations that will guide clinicians to better manage complex conditions involving diabetes, cardiorenal, and/or metabolic (DCRM) diseases. To meet this need, we formed an international volunteer task force comprising leading cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, and primary care physicians to develop the DCRM 2.0 Practice Recommendations, an updated and expanded revision of a previously published multispecialty consensus on the comprehensive management of persons living with DCRM. The recommendations are presented as 22 separate graphics covering the essentials of management to improve general health, control cardiorenal risk factors, and manage cardiorenal and metabolic comorbidities, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Carotid-carotid artery crossover bypass using the Saphenous Vein Graft for symptomatic common carotid artery occlusion: how I do it

BACKGROUND

Common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO) is rare, where a revascularization procedure might be needed in symptomatic or recurrent ischemic events. In this study, we describe the carotid-carotid artery crossover bypass technique for Riles type 1 A CCAO.

METHODS

The procedure was conducted via bilateral neck incisions utilizing the saphenous vein graft. The graft was patent after surgery, along with substantial improvement in cerebral perfusion, resulting in a stroke-free postoperative period.

CONCLUSION

The carotid-carotid crossover bypass is effective for CCAO patients requiring revascularization. However, individual bypass options and vascular grafts should be carefully considered.

Discharge prescription patterns for antiplatelet and statin therapy following carotid endarterectomy: an analysis of the vascular quality initiative

OBJECTIVES

Despite guidelines endorsing statin and single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) therapy post-carotid endarterectomy (CEA), these medications may be either under or inappropriately prescribed. We determined rates of new statin prescriptions as well as change in antiplatelet therapy (APT) regimen at discharge. We identified characteristics associated with these occurrences.

DESIGN

We performed a retrospective Vascular Quality Initiative registry analysis of more than 125 000 patients who underwent CEA from 2013 to 2021.

SETTING

The Vascular Quality Initiative is a multicentre registry database including academic and community-based hospitals throughout the USA.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients age≥18 years undergoing CEA with available statin and APT data (preprocedure and postprocedure) were included.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

We determined overall rates of statin and APT prescription at discharge. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine clinical and demographic characteristics that were mostly associated with new statin prescription or changes in APT regimen at discharge.

RESULTS

Study participants were predominantly male (61%) and White (90%), with a mean age of 70.6±9.1. 13.1% of participants were not on statin therapy pre-CEA, and 48% of these individuals were newly prescribed one. Statin rates steadily increased throughout the study period: 36.2% in 2013 to 62% in 2021. A higher likelihood of new statin prescription was associated with non-race, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, TIA and a non-elective indication. Older age, female gender, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and prior carotid revascularisation were associated with a lower likelihood of new statin prescription. Nearly all participants were discharged on APT (63% SAPT and 37% dual antiplatelet therapy, DAPT). Among these individuals, 16% were discharged on a regimen that was different from the one on admission (11 947 (10.7%) of patients were upgraded to DAPT and 5813 (5.2%) were downgraded to SAPT).

CONCLUSIONS

Although statin use has substantially improved following CEA, more than half of individuals not on a statin preprocedure remained this way at discharge. In addition, DAPT at discharge was frequent, a quarter of whom were on SAPT preprocedure. Further efforts are needed to improve rates of new statin prescriptions, ensure appropriate APT intensity at discharge and determine how different discharge APT regimens impact outcomes.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of statins in carotid artery disease? A perspective review

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of carotid artery stenosis in the general population is approximately 3%, but approximately 20% among people with acute ischemic stroke. Statins are recommended by multiple international guidelines as the drug of choice for lipid control in people with asymptomatic or symptomatic carotid artery stenosis due to their lipid-lowering and other pleiotropic effects.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses the guidelines for statin usage as a cornerstone in the prevention and management of atherosclerotic carotid artery disease and the impact of statins on stroke incidence and mortality. Statin side effects, alternative therapy, and genetic polymorphisms are reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

Statin therapy is associated with a decreased incidence of stroke and mortality as well as improved outcomes for patients treated with carotid revascularization. Statins are a safe and effective class of medications, but the initiation of therapy warrants close monitoring to avoid rare and potentially serious side effects. Lack of clinical efficacy or the presence of side effects suggests a need for treatment with an alternative therapy such as PCSK9 inhibitors. Understanding the interplay between the mechanisms of statins and PCSK9 inhibition therapies will allow optimal benefits while minimizing risks. Future research into genetic polymorphisms may improve patient selection for personalized therapy.

Incremental Value of Noncontrast Chest Computed Tomography-derived Parameters in Predicting Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis: From the PERSUADE Study

PURPOSE

To investigate the incremental value of noncontrast chest computed tomography (CT)-derived parameters, such as coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and epicardial adipose tissue volume (EATv), in predicting subclinical carotid atherosclerosis above traditional risk factors in community-based asymptomatic populations of northern China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 2195 community-based asymptomatic individuals were enrolled from Jidong Oilfield in accordance with the PERSUADE study. CACS and EATv were measured on noncontrast chest CT. Demographics and ideal cardiovascular health score (ICHS) were collected through questionnaires. We recalculated the ideal cardiovascular health risk score (ICHRS) (ICHRS=14-ICHS) and standardized the parameters as log-CACS and body mass index adjusted EATv (i-EATv). Subclinical carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by Doppler sonography and defined as any prevalence of average carotid intima-media thickness ≥1.00 mm, appearance of carotid plaque, and carotid arterial stenosis in the areas of extracranial carotid arteries on both sides.

RESULTS

A total of 451 (20.55%) individuals presented subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. CACS and EATv were significantly greater in the subclinical group, while ICHS was lower. In multivariate logistic regression, ICHRS (odds ratio [OR]=1.143, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.080-1.210, P <0.001), log-CACS (OR=1.701, 95% CI: 1.480-1.955, P <0.001), and i-EATv (OR=1.254, 95% CI: 1.173-1.341, P <0.001) were found to be independent risk predictors for subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. In receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, when combined with male sex and age level, the area under the curve of the ICHRS basic model increased from 0.627 (95% CI: 0.599-0.654) to 0.757 (95% CI: 0.732-0.781) ( P <0.0001). Further adding log-CACS and i-EATv, the area under the curve demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (0.788 [95% CI: 0.765-0.812] vs. 0.757 [95% CI: 0.732-0.781], P <0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Noncontrast chest CT-derived parameters, including CACS and EATv, could provide significant incremental improvement for predicting subclinical carotid atherosclerosis beyond the conventional risk assessment model based on ICHRS.

The role of carotid ultrasound in patients with non-lateralizing neurological complaints

OBJECTIVES

In the United States, approximately 18-25% of carotid duplex ultrasound (CUS) studies are ordered to assess patients with non-lateralizing neurological complaints such as syncope, blurry vision, lightheadedness, headache, and altered mental status. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the benefit of CUS in the evaluation of patients presenting with non-lateralizing signs or symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the degree and laterality of carotid stenosis among patients with non-lateralizing neurological complaints who underwent CUS interpreted by certified vascular neurologists over a period of 3 years. The primary endpoint was to identify the prevalence of moderate-to-severe carotid artery stenosis among 280 patients who met inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 17.7% of CUS studies were ordered for non-lateralizing symptoms. Two hundred and sixty-one patients (93.21%) had either normal imaging or mild carotid stenosis of <50%. Nineteen patients (6.79%) were found to have stenosis of ≥50%. In this subgroup, age and known preexisting carotid artery atherosclerotic disease were the only variables found to have a statistically significant association with the level of stenosis found on CUS. Two patients with asymptomatic stenosis of >70% underwent a revascularization procedure.

CONCLUSION

At least 17.7% of CUS studies were completed for non-lateralizing symptoms. The study is of low-yield with the prevalence of moderate-to-severe stenosis being comparable to that in the general asymptomatic population. We conclude that there is minimal clinical value in the use of CUS to investigate non-lateralizing neurological complaints, resulting in unnecessary healthcare costs.

TransCarotid Artery Revascularization Can Be Safely Performed in Patients Undergoing Dialysis

BACKGROUND

TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) has been effectively performed to prevent stroke in patients with carotid artery stenosis (CS). Prior studies established that TCAR can be safely performed in high-risk patients such as octogenarians, patients with prior carotid endarterectomy (CEA), contralateral occlusion, and heavily calcified lesions. Hemodialysis patients are at an increased risk of exhibiting cardiovascular complications. This study aims to investigate how dialysis may affect TCAR outcomes.

METHODS

The Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) dataset was queried for patients undergoing TCAR from November 2016 to November 2021. Patients were divided into dialysis and nondialysis groups. The primary outcome was the composite endpoint of in-hospital stroke, death, or myocardial infarction (MI). Secondary outcomes were in-hospital stroke, stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), death, prolonged length of stay (more than 1 day) (PLOS), MI, and stroke or death. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess in-hospital outcomes. Kaplan-Meier survival and log-rank test were used to assess 1-year survival.

RESULTS

A total of 22,619 patients underwent TCAR during the study period. Of these, 327 patients were undergoing dialysis. On univariable analysis, dialysis patients were associated with a higher risk of mortality compared to nondialysis patients (1.2% vs. 0.6%, P = 0.030). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, this difference did not persist (odd ratio [OR]: 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] (0.8-4.9), P = 0.136). Dialysis patients were more likely to experience PLOS (OR: 1.6, 95% CI (1.2-2), P < 0.001). There was no difference between dialysis and nondialysis patients in the risk of stroke or death, stroke, stroke or TIA, MI, and stroke or death, or MI on univariable and multivariable analyses. At 1 year, the overall survival for dialysis versus nondialysis patients was 81.5% vs. 95.5%, P < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to date of dialysis patients who have undergone TCAR. We have shown that there was no difference in the risk of stroke, death, and MI between dialysis and nondialysis patients. Therefore, TCAR can be safely offered to patients undergoing dialysis. Future studies with larger number of patients are warranted to confirm these results.

Using drug-coated balloons for symptomatic vertebral artery origin stenosis: A systematic review and meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Endovascular stenting has emerged as an effective treatment for patients with symptomatic vertebral artery origin stenosis (VAOS), but the incidence of severe restenosis is concerning. Angioplasty alone with a drug-coated balloon (DCB) is a potential treatment for VAOS. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the utility of DCB angioplasty for VAOS.

METHODS

A systematic search of the Medline (PubMed), Embase, CNKI, and Cochrane databases for studies on the treatment of VAOS by DCB angioplasty published in English and Chinese before June 15, 2022 was conducted. Data were extracted using standardized methods. The incidence rates of restenosis, technical success, and perioperative complication in the follow-up period were pooled using Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation with random or fixed-effect models. Tests for heterogeneity and publication bias were performed.

RESULTS

A total of seven studies containing 159 patients were included in this review and meta-analysis. The pre-treatment stenosis rate of the vertebral artery in the DCB group ranged from 70.0 % to 86.3 %, and the median follow-up time ranged from 6.0 to 14.1 months. The pooled restenosis incidence was 11.9 % (95 % CI: 3.4 %-23.4 %; I² = 59 %, p = 0.02) during the follow-up period. The pooled technical success rate was 96.6 % (95 % CI: 91.4 %-99.7 %; I² = 37 %, p = 0.14). The overall perioperative complication rate was 2.9 % (95 % CI: 0.3 %-6.9 %; I² = 0 %, p = 0.64). According to the funnel diagram and Egger's test, there was no evidence of publication bias.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested in this review and meta-analysis that angioplasty with DCB may be a potential treatment for VAOS. However, randomized studies including a large representative sample of VAOS patients are needed to validate our findings.

Increased Serum Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index is Independently Associated With Severity of Carotid Artery Stenosis

Stroke is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. The present study investigated how the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) could be used to predict the likelihood of developing carotid artery stenosis (CAS), which can be seen using carotid artery angiography (CAAG). This study comprised 418 individuals who underwent CAAG for CAS. SII was calculated by multiplying the platelet count by the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR). The patients were divided into two groups: non-critical and critical CAS (stenosis below %70 and above ≥70%, respectively). Compared with the non-critical CAS, the critical CAS group had greater high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (4.5 [3.1-5.7] vs 3.9 [2-5] [mg/L], P < .001), NLR (4.1 [2.9-7.5] vs 2.9 [1.8-3.7], P < .001), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (233 [110-297] vs 119 [96-197], P < .001), and SII (860 [608-2455] vs 604 [458-740], P < .001). Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve analysis demonstrated the best cutoff value of 672.3 for SII to predict the critical CAS with 71.2% sensitivity and 60.1% specificity. According to our study, an increase in SII is an independent predictor of the severity of CAS in patients undergoing CAAG.

Segmented carotid endarterectomy for treatment of Riles type 1A common carotid artery occlusion

OBJECTIVE

Common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO) is a rare cause of cerebrovascular events. Symptomatic lesions are resistant to medical treatment and revascularization is often required, but there is no consensus on the treatment of CCAO at present. Riles type 1A CCAO is most likely to benefit from revascularization because it has patent outflow tract (internal carotid artery) which was supplied by patent external carotid artery (ECA) from collateral circulation. We described a novel surgical technique improved on the basis of the carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for treatment of Riles type 1A CCAO.

METHODS

We rigorously screened ten patients with symptomatic Riles type1A CCAO for surgery from January 2017 to May 2019 and performed a full preoperative assessment of the inadequate collateral circulation compensation. Moreover, we retrospectively reviewed our experience of the segmented CEA in the treatment of them in our single center.

RESULTS

Segmented CEA was performed on the left side in four cases and on the right side in six cases. The technical success rate of the procedure was 100%. Primary suture was used in nine cases. Only one patient (right CCAO) who had a history of neck radiotherapy was treated by the patch CEA. The mean temporary blocking time during surgery was 52.8 ± 9.15 min. The mean temporary blocking time for treating the upper segment of the common carotid artery (CCA) was 11.1 ± 2.64 min. In the postoperative period, cerebral perfusion on the ipsilateral site improved in all patients, myocardial infarction occurred in one patient, and recurrent laryngeal nerve damage occurred in another. No ischemic events or re-occlusion or restenosis (> 50%) of the treated CCA occurred during the mean follow-up of 32.6 ± 9.3 months. The preoperative mean modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 1.9 (range, 1-3; median, 2). At last follow-up for all patients, the mRS score was 1 (range, 0-3; median, 1).

CONCLUSION

Segmented CEA, which utilizes the compensatory effect of collateral circulation, is an effective and safe technique to treat patients suffering from Riles type 1A CCAO with hemodynamic cerebrovascular compromise.

Polyvascular Disease in the Gulf Region: Concealed Marker of Poor Outcomes in Acute Coronary Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Polyvascular disease (PolyVD) is the presence of atherosclerosis in multiple vascular territories and is associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

OBJECTIVES

Our study aims to draw attention to the prevalence and outcomes of PolyVD in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the Gulf region. Highlighting the disease burden of PolyVD in our population will lead to more vigilant surveillance, better clinical outcomes, and improved quality of life.

METHODS

Data from 685 adults who presented with ACS from January 2015 to June 2020 was reviewed retrospectively. We evaluated lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) using ABI and carotid duplex.

RESULTS

35% (n = 238) of patients had PolyVD. 70% patients with LEAD and 65% patients with CVD were asymptomatic. PolyVD was associated with an increased likelihood (aOR,1.69 (1.02-2.81); p = 0.03) of MACCE at 1-year.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the progression of atherosclerosis is an insidious process, most patients remain asymptomatic before presenting with fatal vascular events.

Complicated Carotid Artery Plaques and Risk of Recurrent Ischemic Stroke or TIA

BACKGROUND

Complicated nonstenosing carotid artery plaques (CAPs) are an under-recognized cause of stroke.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine whether complicated CAP ipsilateral to acute ischemic anterior circulation stroke (icCAP) are associated with recurrent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

METHODS

The CAPIAS (Carotid Plaque Imaging in Acute Stroke) multicenter study prospectively recruited patients with ischemic stroke restricted to the territory of a single carotid artery. Complicated (AHA-lesion type VI) CAP were defined by multisequence, contrast-enhanced carotid magnetic resonance imaging obtained within 10 days from stroke onset. Recurrent events were assessed after 3, 12, 24, and 36 months. The primary outcome was recurrent ischemic stroke or TIA.

RESULTS

Among 196 patients enrolled, 104 patients had cryptogenic stroke and nonstenosing CAP. During a mean follow-up of 30 months, recurrent ischemic stroke or TIA occurred in 21 patients. Recurrent events were significantly more frequent in patients with icCAP than in patients without icCAP, both in the overall cohort (incidence rate [3-year interval]: 9.50 vs 3.61 per 100 patient-years; P = 0.025, log-rank test) and in patients with cryptogenic stroke (10.92 vs 1.82 per 100 patient-years; P = 0.003). The results were driven by ipsilateral events. A ruptured fibrous cap (HR: 4.91; 95% CI: 1.31-18.45; P = 0.018) and intraplaque hemorrhage (HR: 4.37; 95% CI: 1.20-15.97; P = 0.026) were associated with a significantly increased risk of recurrent events in patients with cryptogenic stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Complicated CAP ipsilateral to acute ischemic anterior circulation stroke are associated with an increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke or TIA. Carotid plaque imaging identifies high-risk patients who might be suited for inclusion into future secondary prevention trials. (Carotid Plaque Imaging in Acute Stroke [CAPIAS]; NCT01284933).

Vertebral artery dissection managed by interventional radiology

A 21-year-old patient presented with sudden-onset headache, visual disturbance and left hand incoordination. She was diagnosed with a left vertebral artery dissection of the V3 segment resulting in multiple cerebellar and cerebral infarcts. There were no risk factors for dissection other than recent COVID-19 infection. She was treated initially with antiplatelets, followed by anticoagulation, but experienced recurrent ischaemia. Although guidance suggests endovascular repair may be beneficial for patients with cerebral artery dissection (CAD) who experience recurrent strokes on medical therapy, evidence is limited. After multidisciplinary team consideration of the individual patient anatomy and risks and benefits of different endovascular techniques, the patient was treated with endovascular coiling. At 10 months follow-up, she had no further strokes and improving neurological symptoms. The case highlighted COVID-19 as a potential trigger for CAD and the use of endovascular coiling in preventing catastrophic cerebral ischaemia in CAD refractive to medical therapy.

DCRM Multispecialty Practice Recommendations for the management of diabetes, cardiorenal, and metabolic diseases

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), chronic kidney disease (CKD), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and heart failure (HF)-along with their associated risk factors-have overlapping etiologies, and two or more of these conditions frequently occur in the same patient. Many recent cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) have demonstrated the benefits of agents originally developed to control T2D, ASCVD, or CKD risk factors, and these agents have transcended their primary indications to confer benefits across a range of conditions. This evolution in CVOT evidence calls for practice recommendations that are not constrained by a single discipline to help clinicians manage patients with complex conditions involving diabetes, cardiorenal, and/or metabolic (DCRM) diseases. The ultimate goal for these recommendations is to be comprehensive yet succinct and easy to follow by the nonexpert-whether a specialist or a primary care clinician. To meet this need, we formed a volunteer task force comprising leading cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, and primary care physicians to develop the DCRM Practice Recommendations, a multispecialty consensus on the comprehensive management of the patient with complicated metabolic disease. The task force recommendations are based on strong evidence and incorporate practical guidance that is clinically relevant and simple to implement, with the aim of improving outcomes in patients with DCRM. The recommendations are presented as 18 separate graphics covering lifestyle therapy, patient self-management education, technology for DCRM management, prediabetes, cognitive dysfunction, vaccinations, clinical tests, lipids, hypertension, anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy, antihyperglycemic therapy, hypoglycemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), ASCVD, HF, CKD, and comorbid HF and CKD, as well as a graphical summary of medications used for DCRM.

CT angiographic biomarkers help identify vulnerable carotid artery plaque

OBJECTIVE

Current risk assessment for patients with carotid atherosclerosis relies primarily on measuring the degree of stenosis. More reliable risk-stratification could improve patient selection for targeted treatment. We developed and validated a model to predict major adverse neurological events (MANE; stroke, transient ischemic attack, and amaurosis fugax) incorporating a combination of plaque morphology, patient demographics, and patient clinical information.

METHODS

We enrolled 221 patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis of any severity who had CT angiography at baseline and at least 6 months later. Images were analyzed for carotid plaque morphology (plaque geometry and tissue composition). Data were partitioned (training and validation cohorts). 190 patients had complete records and were advanced to analysis. The training cohort was used to develop the best model for predicting MANE, incorporating patient and plaque features. First, single-variable correlation and unsupervised clustering were performed. Next, several multi-variable models were implemented for the response variable of MANE. The best model was selected by optimizing area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC, ROC) and Kappa. The model was validated on the sequestered data to demonstrate generalizability.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients suffered a MANE on follow-up. Unsupervised clustering of patient and plaque features identified single-variable predictors of MANE. Multi-variable predictive modeling showed that a combination of plaque features at baseline (matrix, intra-plaque hemorrhage (IPH), wall thickness, plaque burden) with clinical features (age, BMI, lipid levels) best predicted MANE (AUC 0.79), while percent diameter stenosis performed worst (AUC 0.55). The strongest single variable in discriminating between patients with and without events was IPH, and the most predictive model was produced when IPH was considered together with wall remodeling. The selected model also performed well on the validation dataset (AUC of 0.64) and maintained superiority over percent diameter stenosis (AUC of 0.49).

CONCLUSIONS

A composite of plaque geometry, plaque tissue composition, patient demographics, and clinical information predicts MANE better than the traditionally utilized degree of stenosis alone in carotid atherosclerosis. Implementing this predictive model in the clinical setting can help identify patients at high-risk for major adverse neurological events.

Systematic review of the effectiveness of carotid surgery and endovascular carotid stenting versus best medical treatment in managing symptomatic acute carotid artery dissection

Cervical artery dissection (CeAD) with an intramural haematoma can lead to stroke risk, especially in young patients. We performed comprehensive searches of the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register, the CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE to review the effectiveness of surgical and endovascular interventions versus best medical treatment alone for symptomatic CeAD. Furthermore, we aim to elaborate on the phenotypic individual disease manifestations of spontaneous Cervical Artery Dissection (sCAD) and how they translate into stroke and risk of dissection recurrence. Primary outcomes were ipsilateral stroke and disability. Secondary outcomes were death, any stroke, or transient ischaemic attack, residual stenosis >50%, recurrence of CeAD, expanding pseudo-aneurysm or major bleeding. Our search yielded no randomised controlled trials and/or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing either carotid surgery or endovascular therapy with optimal medical management; thus there was no evidence to support the use of any specific method for management of extracranial CeAD in patients who fail antithrombotic therapy. However, despite the absence of controlled studies to compare surgery or endovascular therapy in patients who fail antithrombotic therapy, carotid surgery in young patients can be justified as a personalized precision approach given the high morbidity and mortality in this age group.

Detection of asymptomatic carotid stenosis in patients with lower-extremity arterial disease: development and external validations of a risk score

BACKGROUND

Recommendations for screening patients with lower-extremity arterial disease (LEAD) to detect asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) are conflicting. Prediction models might identify patients at high risk of ACS, possibly allowing targeted screening to improve preventive therapy and compliance.

METHODS

A systematic search for prediction models for at least 50 per cent ACS in patients with LEAD was conducted. A prediction model in screened patients from the USA with an ankle : brachial pressure index of 0.9 or less was subsequently developed, and assessed for discrimination and calibration. External validation was performed in two independent cohorts, from the UK and the Netherlands.

RESULTS

After screening 4907 studies, no previously published prediction models were found. For development of a new model, data for 112 117 patients were used, of whom 6354 (5.7 per cent) had at least 50 per cent ACS and 2801 (2.5 per cent) had at least 70 per cent ACS. Age, sex, smoking status, history of hypercholesterolaemia, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, coronary heart disease and measured systolic BP were predictors of ACS. The model discrimination had an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.71 (95 per cent c.i. 0.71 to 0.72) for at least 50 per cent ACS and 0.73 (0.72 to 0.73) for at least 70 per cent ACS. Screening the 20 per cent of patients at greatest risk detected 12.4 per cent with at least 50 per cent ACS (number needed to screen (NNS) 8] and 5.8 per cent with at least 70 per cent ACS (NNS 17). This yielded 44.2 and 46.9 per cent of patients with at least 50 and 70 per cent ACS respectively. External validation showed reliable discrimination and adequate calibration.

CONCLUSION

The present risk score can predict significant ACS in patients with LEAD. This approach may inform targeted screening of high-risk individuals to enhance the detection of ACS.

Assessing Ischemic Stroke with Convolutional Image Features in Carotid Color Doppler

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Early and accurate recognition of acute stroke is critical for achieving a good prognosis. The novel automated system proposed in this study was based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which were used to identify lesion findings on carotid color Doppler (CCD) images in patients with acute ischemic stroke. An image database composed of 1032 CCD images from 106 patients with acute ischemic stroke (549 images) and from 79 normal controls (483 images) was retrospectively analyzed. Taking the consensus of two neuroradiologists as the gold standard, different CNN models with and without transfer learning were evaluated with 10-fold cross-validation. The diagnostic information provided from individual color channels was also explored. AlexNet, which was trained from scratch, achieved an accuracy of 91.67%, a sensitivity of 93.33%, a specificity of 90.20% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) of 0.9432. Other transferred models achieved accuracies between 77.69% and 83.94%. In channel comparisons, the green channel had the best performance, with an accuracy of 87.50%, a sensitivity of 97.78%, a specificity of 78.43% and an AUC of 0.9507. The proposed CNN architecture, as a computer-aided diagnosis system, suggests using automatic feature extraction from CCD images to predict ischemic stroke. The developed scheme has the potential to provide diagnostic suggestions in clinical use.

SOCIETY FOR VASCULAR SURGERY CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF EXTRACRANIAL CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASE

Management of carotid bifurcation stenosis in stroke prevention has been the subject of extensive investigations, including multiple randomized controlled trials. The proper treatment of patients with carotid bifurcation disease is of major interest to vascular surgeons and other vascular specialists. In 2011, the Society for Vascular Surgery published guidelines for treatment of carotid artery disease. At the time, several randomized trials, comparing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS), were published. Since that publication, several studies and a few systematic reviews comparing CEA and CAS have been published, and the role of medical management has been re-emphasized. The current publication updates and expands the 2011 guidelines with specific emphasis on five areas: is carotid endarterectomy recommended over maximal medical therapy in low risk patients; is carotid endarterectomy recommended over trans-femoral carotid artery stenting in low surgical risk patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis of >50%; timing of carotid Intervention in patients presenting with acute stroke; screening for carotid artery stenosis in asymptomatic patients; and optimal sequence for intervention in patients with combined carotid and coronary artery disease. A separate implementation document will address other important clinical issues in extracranial cerebrovascular disease. Recommendations are made using the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach, as has been done with other Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines. The committee recommends CEA as the first-line treatment for symptomatic low risk surgical patients with stenosis of 50% to 99% and asymptomatic patients with stenosis of 70% to 99%. The perioperative risk of stroke and death in asymptomatic patients must be <3% to ensure benefit for the patient. In patients with recent stable stroke (modified Rankin 0-2), carotid revascularization is considered appropriate in symptomatic patients with greater than 50% stenosis and is recommended and performed as soon as the patient is neurologically stable after 48 hours but definitely before 14 days of onset of symptoms. In the general population, screening for clinically asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis in patients without cerebrovascular symptoms or significant risk factors for carotid artery disease is not recommended. In selected asymptomatic patients who are at increased risk for carotid stenosis, we suggest screening for clinically asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis as long as the patients would potentially be fit for and willing to consider carotid intervention if significant stenosis is discovered. In patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis 50-99%, who require both CEA and CABG, we suggest CEA before or concomitant with CABG to potentially reduce the risk of stroke and stroke/death. The sequencing of the intervention depends on clinical presentation and institutional experience.

Multimodality imaging for the prevention of cardiovascular events: Coronary artery calcium and beyond

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has been the leading cause of death worldwide for more than a decade. Prevention is of utmost importance to reduce related mortality. The innovations in cardiovascular imaging technology, in addition to our improved understanding of coronary atherosclerosis pathogenesis, have resulted in cardiovascular imaging becoming one of the most influential tools for diagnosis and risk stratification in ASCVD. Although numerous publications have emerged on this topic, data that guide routine cardiology clinical practice currently focus on the utility of a limited number of such modalities, namely arterial ultrasonography and computed tomography. Herein, current evidence with respect to the role of multimodality cardiovascular imaging on ASCVD prevention will be reviewed.

Aortic Valve Sclerosis as an Important Predictor of Long-Term Mortality in Patients With Carotid Atheromatous Plaque Requiring Carotid Endarterectomy

Background: A strong association between aortic valve sclerosis (AVSc), the earliest manifestation of calcific aortic valve disease, and atherosclerosis exists. The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive capabilities of AVSc on long-term all-cause mortality, in patients requiring carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Methods and Results: 806 consecutive CEA patients were enrolled. Preoperative echocardiography was used to assess AVSc. Computed tomography angiography was applied for plaque characterization. Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox linear regression, and area under the receiving operator characteristic (AUC) curve analyses were used to evaluate the predictive capability of AVSc. Overall, 348 of 541 patients had AVSc (64%). Age, diabetes, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were associated with AVSc. In the 5-year follow-up, AVSc group had a mortality rate of 16.7% while in no-AVSc group was 7.8%. Independent predictors of all-cause mortality were age, sex, eGFR, left ventricular ejection fraction, and AVSc. After adjustments, AVSc was associated with a significant increase in all-cause mortality risk (hazard ratio, HR = 1.9; 95%CI: 1.04–3.54; p = 0.038). We stratify our cohort based on carotid atheromatous plaque-type: soft, calcified, and mixed-fibrotic. In patients with mixed-fibrotic plaques, the mortality rate of AVSc patients was 15.5% compared to 2.4% in no-AVSc patients. In this group, AVSc was associated with an increased long-term all-cause mortality risk with an adjusted HR of 12.8 (95%CI: 1.71–96.35; p = 0.013), and the AUC, combing eGFR and AVSc was 0.77 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that AVSc together with eGFR may be used to improve long-term risk stratification of patients undergoing CEA surgery.

Plexus anesthesia versus general anesthesia for carotid endarterectomy: A systematic review with meta-analyses

INTRODUCTION

Traditional carotid endarterectomy is considered to be the standard technique for prevention of a new stroke in patients with a symptomatic carotid stenosis. Use of plexus anesthesia or general anesthesia in traditional carotid endarterectomy is, to date, not unequivocally proven to be superior to one other. A systematic review was needed for evaluation of benefits and harms to determine which technique, plexus anesthesia or general anesthesia is more effective for traditional carotid endarterectomy in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis.

METHODS

The review was conducted according to our protocol following the recommendations of Cochrane and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Searches were updated on the October 1, 2020. We did not find any randomized clinical trial comparing plexus anesthesia and general anesthesia in carotid endarterectomy with patch angioplasty matching our protocol criteria in patients with a symptomatic and significant (≥50%) carotid stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the current, high risk of bias evidence, we concluded there is a need for new randomized clinical trials with overall low risk of bias comparing plexus anesthesia with general anesthesia in carotid endarterectomy with patch closure of the arterial wall in patients with a symptomatic and significant (≥50%) stenosis of the internal carotid artery.Protocol unique identification number (UIN): CRD42019139913, (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=139913).

[Perioperative strokes in cardiac surgery]

The frequency of perioperative stroke in cardiosurgical practice may reach up to 10%. The risk of stroke is especially high after coronary artery bypass surgery and valve replacement. Perioperative stroke is related to embolism with the fragments of atherosclerotic plaque, arterial hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, hypercoagulation, etc. The likelihood of stroke can be reduced by preoperative assessment of the patient. It is important to control blood pressure and saturation during the surgery. The manipulation on aorta should be minimized in order to reduce the risk of perioperative stroke. Important role belongs to timely identification of those who developed stroke after surgery. The only possible method of reperfusion therapy in perioperative stroke is mechanical thrombectomy.

Surgical and radiological interventions for treating symptomatic extracranial cervical artery dissection

BACKGROUND

Cervical artery dissection (CeAD) is a pathological bleed or tear, or both, in the wall of the carotid or vertebral arteries as they course through the neck, and is a leading cause of stroke in young people.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of surgical and radiological interventions versus best medical treatment alone for treating symptomatic cervical artery dissection.

SEARCH METHODS

We performed comprehensive searches of the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched March 2020), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), 2020, Issue 4, in the Cochrane Library (searched March 2020), MEDLINE (1946 to March 2020) and Embase (1974 to March 2020). We searched relevant ongoing trials and research registers (searched March 2020), checked references in all relevant papers for additional eligible studies, and contacted authors and researchers in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) of either surgical or endovascular intervention for the management of symptomatic CeAD were eligible for inclusion. Only studies with anticoagulants or antiplatelet treatment as the control group were included. Two review authors planned to independently extract data.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Primary outcomes were ipsilateral stroke and disability. Secondary outcomes were death, any stroke, or transient ischaemic attack, residual stenosis (> 50%), recurrence of cervical dissection, expanding pseudoaneurysm, or major bleeding. We analysed the studies according to the first choice of treatment. We planned to assess for risk of bias and apply GRADE criteria for any included studies.

MAIN RESULTS

We did not find any completed RCTs or CCTs undertaken in this area of research.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

No RCTs or CCTs compared either surgery or endovascular therapy with control. Thus, there is no available evidence to support their use for the treatment of extracranial cervical artery dissection in addition to antithrombotic therapy in people who continue to have neurological symptoms when treated with antithrombotic therapy alone.

Recent Trends and Potential Drivers of Non-invasive Cardiovascular Imaging Use in the United States of America and England

Background: Non-invasive Cardiovascular imaging (NICI), including cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging provides important information to guide the management of patients with cardiovascular conditions. Current rates of NICI use and potential policy determinants in the United States of America (US) and England remain unexplored.

Methods: We compared NICI activity in the US (Medicare fee-for-service, 2011–2015) and England (National Health Service, 2012–2016). We reviewed recommendations related to CMR from Clinical Practice Guidelines, Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC), and Choosing Wisely. We then categorized recommendations according to whether CMR was the only recommended NICI technique (substitutable indications). Reimbursement policies in both settings were systematically collated and reviewed using publicly available information.

Results: The 2015 rate of NICI activity in the US was 3.1 times higher than in England (31,055 vs. 9,916 per 100,000 beneficiaries). The proportion of CMR of all NICI was small in both jurisdictions, but nuclear cardiac imaging was more frequent in the US in absolute and relative terms. American and European CPGs were similar, both in terms of number of recommendations and proportions of indications where CMR was not the only recommended NICI technique (substitutable indications). Reimbursement schemes for NICI activity differed for physicians and hospitals between the two settings.

Conclusions: Fee-for-service physician compensation in the US for NICI may contribute to higher NICI activity compared to England where physicians are salaried. Reimbursement arrangements for the performance of the test may contribute to the higher proportion of nuclear cardiac imaging out of the total NICI activity. Differences in CPG recommendations appear not to explain the variation in NICI activity between the US and England.

Development and Internal Validation of a Risk Score to Detect Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis

OBJECTIVE

Asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) is associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Risk scores have been developed to detect individuals at high risk of ACS, thereby enabling targeted screening, but previous external validation showed scope for refinement of prediction by adding additional predictors. The aim of this study was to develop a novel risk score in a large contemporary screened population.

METHODS

A prediction model was developed for moderate (≥50%) and severe (≥70%) ACS using data from 596 469 individuals who attended screening clinics. Variables that predicted the presence of ≥50% and ≥70% ACS independently were determined using multivariable logistic regression. Internal validation was performed using bootstrapping techniques. Discrimination was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) and agreement between predicted and observed cases using calibration plots.

RESULTS

Predictors of ≥50% and ≥70% ACS were age, sex, current smoking, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke/transient ischaemic attack, coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, blood pressure, and blood lipids. Models discriminated between participants with and without ACS reliably, with an AUROC of 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-0.78) for ≥ 50% ACS and 0.82 (95% CI 0.81-0.82) for ≥ 70% ACS. The number needed to screen in the highest decile of predicted risk to detect one case with ≥50% ACS was 13 and that of ≥70% ACS was 58. Targeted screening of the highest decile identified 41% of cases with ≥50% ACS and 51% with ≥70% ACS.

CONCLUSION

The novel risk model predicted the prevalence of ACS reliably and performed better than previous models. Targeted screening among the highest decile of predicted risk identified around 40% of all cases with ≥50% ACS. Initiation or intensification of cardiovascular risk management in detected cases might help to reduce both carotid related ischaemic strokes and myocardial infarctions.

The Proportion of Women Authors and the Inclusion of Sex and Gender Content Among the American College of Cardiology Clinical Practice Guidelines, 2008-2018

Background: Sex and gender, two important factors affecting health care, should be routinely taken into consideration in clinical practice. Members of the Sex and Gender Health Collaborative Scholarship Committee reviewed clinical guidelines published by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) from 2008 to 2018 to determine if the number of women authors on the writing committee influenced the presence of sex- and gender-specific content and recommendations in each guideline. Methods: We reviewed 33 ACC clinical guidelines from 2008 to 2018 and determined the number of women authors on the writing committee for each guideline. We then reviewed each guideline to identify specific content on sex and/or gender differences as it pertained to the guideline's subject cardiac condition. Results: The median proportion of women authors among the 33 ACC guidelines was 22.2% (interquartile range 4.4-81.1). Only two guidelines (6%) had writing committees with >50% women authors. Overall, 25 of 33 guidelines (75.8%) contained sex and gender content; however, the depth and detail of the sex and gender content varied widely among guidelines. The proportion of women authors was not associated with the presence of sex- and gender-specific content. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate continued gender disparities in authorship, and changes should be made to increase the inclusion of women in clinical practice guideline writing committees. We propose selecting a sex and gender champion for guideline writing committees and/or including a specific section on sex- and gender-related content in each guideline to ensure inclusion of sex- and gender-specific recommendations in clinical guidelines.

Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis is associated with cerebral hypoperfusion

OBJECTIVE

We have shown that almost 50% of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) will demonstrate cognitive impairment. Recent evidence has suggested that cerebral hypoperfusion is an important cause of cognitive impairment. Carotid stenosis can restrict blood flow to the brain, with consequent cerebral hypoperfusion. In contrast, cross-hemispheric collateral compensation through the Circle of Willis, and cerebrovascular vasodilation can also mitigate the effects of flow restriction. It is, therefore, critical to develop a clinically relevant measure of net brain perfusion in patients with ACS that could help in risk stratification and in determining the appropriate treatment. To determine whether ACS results in cerebral hypoperfusion, we developed a novel approach to quantify interhemispheric cerebral perfusion differences, measured as the time to peak (TTP) and mean transit time (MTT) delays using perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (PWI) of the whole brain. To evaluate the utility of using clinical duplex ultrasonography (DUS) to infer brain perfusion, we also assessed the relationship between the PWI findings and ultrasound-based peak systolic velocity (PSV).

METHODS

Structural and PWI of the brain and magnetic resonance angiography of the carotid arteries were performed in 20 patients with ≥70% ACS. DUS provided the PSV, and magnetic resonance angiography provided plaque geometric measures at the stenosis. Volumetric perfusion maps of the entire brain from PWI were analyzed to obtain the mean interhemispheric differences for the TTP and MTT delays. In addition, the proportion of brain volume that demonstrated a delay in TTP and MTT was also measured. These proportions were measured for increasing severity of perfusion delays (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 seconds). Finally, perfusion asymmetries on PWI were correlated with the PSV and stenosis features on DUS using Pearson's correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

Of the 20 patients, 18 had unilateral stenosis (8 right and 10 left) and 2 had bilateral stenoses. The interhemispheric (left-right) TTP delays measured for the whole brain volume identified impaired perfusion in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the stenosis in 16 of the 18 patients. More than 45% of the patients had had ischemia in at least one half of their brain volume, with a TTP delay >0.5 second. The TTP and MTT delays showed strong correlations with PSV. In contrast, the correlations with the percentage of stenosis were weaker. The correlations for the PSV were strongest with the perfusion deficits (TTP and MTT delays) measured for the whole brain using our proposed algorithm (r = 0.80 and r = 0.74, respectively) rather than when measured on a single magnetic resonance angiography slice as performed in current clinical protocols (r = 0.31 and r = 0.58, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Interhemispheric TTP and MTT delay measured for the whole brain using PWI has provided a new tool for assessing cerebral perfusion deficits in patients with ACS. Carotid stenosis was associated with a detectable reduction in ipsilateral brain perfusion compared with the opposite hemisphere in >80% of patients. The PSV measured at the carotid stenosis using ultrasonography correlated with TTP and MTT delays and might serve as a clinically useful surrogate to brain hypoperfusion in these patients.

Brain imaging biomarkers of carotid artery disease

Extracranial carotid artery atherosclerotic disease is a major contributor to ischemic stroke. Carotid atherosclerotic disease can present with a spectrum of findings ranging from mild carotid intima-media thickness to high-risk vulnerable carotid plaque features and carotid stenosis. Before leading to clinically overt stroke or transient ischemic attack, there may be other markers of downstream ischemia secondary to carotid atherosclerotic disease. In this review article, we will review some of the imaging findings that may be seen downstream to carotid artery disease on various imaging modalities, including hemodynamic and perfusional abnormalities which may be seen on CT, MR, or using other advanced imaging techniques, white matter hyperintensities on brain imaging, silent or covert brain infarctions, cerebral microbleeds, and regional and generalized cerebral volume loss. Many of these imaging findings are seen routinely on brain magnetic resonance imaging in patients without overt clinical symptoms. Despite frequently being asymptomatic, many of these imaging findings are also strongly associated with increased risk of future stroke, cognitive impairment, and even mortality. We will review the existing evidence underpinning the associations between these frequently encountered imaging findings and carotid artery atherosclerotic disease. Future validation of these imaging findings could lead to them being powerful biomarkers of cerebrovascular health.

Multiple reader comparison of 2D TOF, 3D TOF, and CEMRA in screening of the carotid bifurcations: Time to reconsider routine contrast use?

Background and purpose

MR contrast-enhanced techniques are undergoing increased scrutiny since the FDA applied a warning for gadolinium-based MR contrast agents due to gadolinium deposition within multiple organ systems. While CE-MRA provides excellent image quality, is it required in a screening carotid study? This study compares 2D TOF and 3D TOF MRA vs. CE-MRA in defining carotid stenosis in a large clinical patient population, and with multiple readers with varying experience.

Materials and methods

200 consecutive patients had their carotid bifurcations evaluated with 2D TOF, 3D TOF and CE-MRA sequences by 6 board-certified neuroradiologists. Stenosis and quality of examinations were defined for each study. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using two-way random effects intraclass correlation coefficients. Intra-reader reliability was computed via weighted Cohen’s κ. Weighted Cohen’s κ were also computed to assess agreement in stenosis ratings between enhanced images and unenhanced images.

Results

Agreement between unenhanced and enhanced ratings was substantial with a pooled weighted κ of 0.733 (0.628–0.811). For 5 of the 6 readers, the combination of unenhanced 2D TOF and 3D TOF showed better agreement with contrast-enhanced than either 2D TOF or 3D TOF alone. Intra-reader reliability was substantial.

Conclusions

The combination of 2D TOF and 3D TOF MRA showed substantial agreement with CE-MRA regarding degree of carotid stenosis in this large outpatient population across multiple readers of varying experience. Given the scrutiny that GBCA are undergoing due to concerns regarding CNS and soft tissue deposition, it seems prudent to reserve CE-MRA for cases which are not satisfactorily answered by the nonenhanced study or other noninvasive examinations.

Antithrombotic Therapy to Prevent Recurrent Strokes in Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease: JACC Scientific Expert Panel

Stroke survivors carry a high risk of recurrence. Antithrombotic medications are paramount for secondary prevention and thus crucial to reduce the overall stroke burden. Appropriate antithrombotic agent selection should be based on the best understanding of the physiopathological mechanism that led to the initial ischemic injury. Antiplatelet therapy is preferred for lesions characterized by atherosclerosis and endothelial injury, whereas anticoagulant agents are favored for cardiogenic embolism and highly thrombophilic conditions. Large randomized controlled trials have provided new data to support recommendations for the evidence-based use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulant agents after stroke. In this review, the authors cover recent trials that have altered clinical practice, cite systematic reviews and meta-analyses, review evidence-based recommendations based on older landmark trials, and indicate where there are still evidence-gaps and new trials being conducted.

Surgical procedures including carotid-carotid crossover bypass and ring-stripping hybrid operation for Rile's type 1A common carotid artery occlusion: an experience of 6 cases

Background

At present, there is no consensus on the treatment of common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO). We explored the surgical indications and observed the therapeutic effects of carotid-carotid crossover bypass and ring-stripping hybrid operation for treatment of Rile’s type 1A CCAO.

Methods

The imaging data, clinical manifestations, surgical complications and postoperative ischemic events were retrospectively collected from the 6 cases with Rile’s type 1A CCAO that underwent surgery in our department from 2011 to 2018. Of the 6 cases, 4 received carotid-carotid crossover bypass and 2 ring-stripping hybrid operation.

Results

Of the 6 cases, 4 were male and 2 females, with a mean age of 62.7 years. All cases had the left CCAO combined with decreased computed tomography perfusion (CTP) in the left internal carotid artery blood supply area. In the 4 cases receiving carotid-carotid crossover bypass, the mean operation time was 186±13 min, the mean hospital stay was 17±1 d, postoperative CTP improved, one case had swallowing foreign body sensation, synthetic vascular grafts were patent and no ischemic events occurred during the mean follow-up of 62.3±26.3 months. In the 2 cases receiving ring-stripping hybrid operation, the mean operation time was 118±11 min, the mean hospital stay was 5.5±0.7 d, postoperative CTP improved, and the opened common carotid arteries (CCA) were patent and no ischemic events occurred during the mean follow-up of 17.5±3.5 months.

Conclusions

Rile’s type 1A CCAO with related symptoms and decreased CTP should be treated by revascularization. The carotid-carotid crossover bypass is a good choice in bypass schemes because of its easy operation and good long-term patency. The ring-stripping hybrid operation may be an ideal surgical scheme for Rile’s type 1A CCAO.

A case report and experience of endovascular treatment for a patient with hemophilia who had a hyperacute ischemic stroke

No previous study has reported endovascular treatment (EVT) in a patient with hemophilia who had an acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Herein, we report the case of a patient with hemophilia A who presented with hyperacute stroke due to a near occlusion of the proximal internal carotid artery (ICA). A 54-year-old man was admitted to our emergency department with a sudden onset of left-sided weakness that occurred 4 hours prior to admission. He had been diagnosed with congenital hemophilia A during his childhood. Although brain computed tomography revealed no evidence of hemorrhage, we did not consider intravenous thrombolysis because of his bleeding-prone condition. Diffusion-weighted imaging revealed a restricted diffusion in the right anterior and middle cerebral artery territories. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed that the right proximal ICA was nearly occluded and had a residual stump. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a near occlusion of the right proximal ICA with a thread-like lumen. Balloon angioplasty was performed in the proximal ICA, and distal flow was restored, but residual stenosis was observed. Stepwise revascularization by carotid endarterectomy (CEA) was planned instead of immediate carotid stenting. He underwent CEA with preoperative and postoperative coverage of factor VIII and recovered without any bleeding complication.

Perioperative Stroke

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review overviews perioperative stroke as it pertains to specific surgical procedures.

RECENT FINDINGS

As awareness of perioperative stroke increases, so does the opportunity to potentially improve outcomes for these patients by early stroke recognition and intervention. Perioperative stroke is defined to be any stroke that occurs within 30 days of the initial surgical procedure. The incidence of perioperative stroke varies and is dependent on the specific type of surgery performed. This chapter overviews the risks, mechanisms, and acute evaluation and management of perioperative stroke in four surgical populations: cardiac surgery, carotid endarterectomy, neurosurgery, and non-cardiac/non-carotid/non-neurological surgeries.

Type III Arch Configuration as a Risk Factor for Carotid Artery Stenting: A Systematic Review of Contemporary Guidelines on Management of Carotid Artery Stenosis

BACKGROUND

Type III arch configuration is frequently reported as a stroke risk factor for carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS). We reviewed contemporary guidelines on management of carotid artery stenosis to assess the clinical relevance attributed to this anatomic feature in current clinical practice.

METHODS

The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. The PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify all guidelines on extracranial carotid disease published between January 2008 and March 2020. A total of 435 articles were screened. For multiple guidelines from the same writing group, only the most recent updated version was considered. Eighteen documents were identified for qualitative analysis.

RESULTS

Four guidelines specifically reported type III arch as a predictive factor of periprocedural complications after CAS. Two of them also provided a low level of evidence of their recommendation. None of the documents indicated the exact criteria for aortic arch classification. Three different methods to describe type III arch configuration were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Type III arch configuration is inconsistently included among stroke risk factors for CAS in contemporary guidelines, and variably defined. Further studies on the level of concordance between the 3 existing definition criteria are warranted.

Validation of Risk Prediction Models to Detect Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis

Background Significant asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) is associated with higher risk of strokes. While the prevalence of moderate and severe ACS is low in the general population, prediction models may allow identification of individuals at increased risk, thereby enabling targeted screening. We identified established prediction models for ACS and externally validated them in a large screening population. Methods and Results Prediction models for prevalent cases with ≥50% ACS were identified in a systematic review (975 studies reviewed and 6 prediction models identified [3 for moderate and 3 for severe ACS]) and then validated using data from 596 469 individuals who attended commercial vascular screening clinics in the United States and United Kingdom. We assessed discrimination and calibration. In the validation cohort, 11 178 (1.87%) participants had ≥50% ACS and 2033 (0.34%) had ≥70% ACS. The best model included age, sex, smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, vascular and cerebrovascular disease, measured blood pressure, and blood lipids. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for this model was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.74-0.75) for ≥50% ACS and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.77-0.79) for ≥70% ACS. The prevalence of ≥50% ACS in the highest decile of risk was 6.51%, and 1.42% for ≥70% ACS. Targeted screening of the 10% highest risk identified 35% of cases with ≥50% ACS and 42% of cases with ≥70% ACS. Conclusions Individuals at high risk of significant ACS can be selected reliably using a prediction model. The best-performing prediction models identified over one third of all cases by targeted screening of individuals in the highest decile of risk only.

Can Emergency Physicians Perform Carotid Artery Point-of-Care Ultrasound to Detect Stenosis in Patients with TIA and Stroke? A Pilot Study

Introduction

Patients with severe, symptomatic carotid stenosis can have their subsequent stroke risk reduced by surgical intervention if performed soon after a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke. Patients presenting to an emergency department (ED) without computed tomography angiography (CTA) with TIA/stroke, may require transfer to another hospital for imaging to rule out carotid artery stenosis. The objective of this study was to determine the test characteristics of carotid artery point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in detecting greater than 50% stenosis in patients presenting with TIA/stroke.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study on a convenience sample of adult patients presenting to a comprehensive stroke centre with TIA or stroke between June–October 2017. Carotid POCUS was performed. Primary outcome measure, stenosis ≥ 50%, was determined by the final radiology report of CTA. A blinded POCUS expert separately reviewed the archived carotid POCUS scans. We calculated sensitivity and specificity for stenosis ≥ 50%.

Results

We conducted POCUS on 75 patients, of which 70 were included in our analyses. Of those 70, 14.3% were diagnosed with greater than 50% stenosis. Carotid POCUS performed as follows: sensitivity 70.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 34.8%–93.3%); specificity 86.7% (95% CI, 75.4%–94.1%); positive likelihood ratio (LR +) 5.3 (95% CI, 1.2–9.3); negative likelihood ratio (LR−) 0.4 (95% CI, 0.0–0.7). The inter-rater reliability between POCUS performer interpretation and expert interpretation had moderate agreement (k = 0.68). Scans took a mean 6.2 ± 2.2 minutes to complete.

Conclusion

Carotid POCUS has low to moderate association with CTA for detection of carotid artery stenosis ≥ 50%. Further research and investigation is needed prior to widespread use of carotid POCUS in patients with acute cerebral ischemia. Additionally, external validity is likely affected by availability of training, maintenance of competency, and experience in more rural centres.

Carotid Artery Stenting in Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: JACC Review Topic of the Week

The advance of therapies to reduce the stroke impact of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis has proved difficult over the last decade. Disagreement concerning the underlying randomized control trials has limited entry into the care arena of endovascular therapies. Recently, advances in percutaneous therapies for carotid artery disease have been reported and provide a substantial database supporting the further incorporation of endovascular-based therapies in patients who need revascularization and meet selection criteria. With a second randomized control trial now published, it is time for a re-evaluation of endovascular therapy as a component of carotid artery care. This review describes the advances in the field in the last 5 years, clarifying the current position of these therapies in the care of the patient with asymptomatic carotid artery disease.

Does contralateral carotid artery occlusion affect the clinical and long-term outcomes of carotid artery stenting?

Introduction

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been used with increasing frequency in recent years as an alternative to surgery. Contralateral carotid occlusion (CCO) is present in approximately 2.3% to 25% of cases of revascularised carotid atherosclerotic stenosis. We aimed to compare the outcomes of 30-day, 6-month and 1-year stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), death and myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with and without CCO who underwent CAS in our clinic.

Material and methods

The study was conducted with 288 consecutive patients who underwent CAS between September 2010 and June 2018. Patients with carotid stenting were divided into two groups: with (48 patients) and without CCO (240 patients).

Results

Total mortality (2.08% vs. 2.08% p = 1), stroke (2.08% vs. 0.83%, p = 0.43), TIA (0% vs. 0.83%, p = 0.52), MI (0% vs. 0%), and composite outcome (4.17% vs. 3.33%, p = 0.77) at 30 days were not significantly different between CCO and non-CCO groups. Also there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the 6-month and 1-year outcomes (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

There was no difference between 30-day, 6-month and 1-year non-fatal MI, TIA, ischaemic stroke and mortality in the comparison of patients with and without CCO who underwent CAS. The outcomes were similar in terms of age and symptoms, and these data should be supported by prospective multicenter studies.

Transcarotid Artery Revascularization Results in Low Rates of Periprocedural Neurologic Events, Myocardial Infarction, and Death

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) is a novel hybrid procedure that reverses carotid flow and places a stent using surgical access of the carotid artery in the neck under local anesthesia. We discuss the indications for carotid revascularization, the clinical rationale for TCAR, and evidence for its potential role in the management of carotid stenosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Results from pre-clinical studies, prospective single-arm studies, and comparative analyses of registry data indicate that TCAR results in low amounts of periprocedural microembolization, cerebral lesions detectable on magnetic resonance imaging, and neurologic events, myocardial infarctions (MIs), and death. Non-randomized comparisons suggest that TCAR may offer a novel solution to reducing periprocedural stroke, death, and MI in patients with carotid stenosis. A state of equipoise appears to have been reached with TCAR versus the traditional carotid revascularization procedures and a well-controlled randomized trial with careful oversight should be prioritized to obtain level 1 evidence.