Ischemic brain lesions after carotid artery stenting increase future cerebrovascular risk

Association of Plaque Characteristics With New Ischemic Lesions After Carotid Artery Stenting

BACKGROUND

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a common treatment for carotid artery stenosis, but it can lead to new ischemic brain lesions on diffusion-weighted images (DWI) during the perioperative period. Identifying these lesions early is crucial to preventing recurrent ischemic strokes.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 47 patients who underwent CAS. Preoperative carotid PET/MR examinations and postoperative brain MRI were performed. Clinicians identified the responsible carotid artery based on symptoms and records. Vessel morphology, plaque characteristics, and inflammatory uptake were analyzed. The standardized uptake value and tissue-to-background ratio quantified 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose(18F-FDG) uptake. The symptomatic carotid atheroma inflammation lumen-stenosis(SCAIL) score assessed stenosis severity and inflammation. The primary outcome was the presence of new ischemic lesions on DWI.

RESULTS

Among the 47 patients (mean age, 65 ± 7 years; 44 males), 30 (63.8%) exhibited new ischemic lesions. These patients had a higher prevalence of AHA type VI plaques (50.0% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.028), higher PET uptake (43.3% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.026), and higher SCAIL scores (63.3% vs. 23.5%, p = 0.009). The most common distribution pattern of new ischemic lesions was located in the mixed (in and beyond of the treated artery) territory (36.2%). Of the 30 participants with new ischemic lesions, 15 (50%) had lesions located in both peripheral brain areas and deep brain areas. In the adjusted model, high PET uptake and SCAIL scores were independently associated with new ischemic lesions (aOR = 7.26, 95% CI: 1.22, 73.59; p = 0.049 and aOR = 7.06 [95% CI: 1.50, 44.18]; p = 0.020).

CONCLUSION

Carotid PET/MR-related indicators can effectively predict the risk of new ischemic lesions on DWI during the perioperative period after carotid artery stenting, providing important references for early identification of high-risk patients for recurrent ischemic stroke. Further large-scale randomized controlled studies are necessary to validate the clinical application value of these indicators.

Factors Associated With Silent Brain Infarcts After Middle Cerebral Artery Stenting or Balloon Angioplasty

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Silent brain infarcts (SBIs), which manifest as dot-like lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) after endovascular procedures, are associated with an increased risk of stroke, dementia, and cognitive decline. We aimed to identify the factors associated with SBIs following middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenting or balloon angioplasty.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent MCA stenting or balloon angioplasty, including those with symptomatic, atherosclerotic MCA stenosis of ≥50%. DWI scans were conducted before and after the procedure, and newly detected DWI lesions were classified as SBIs. We investigated the factors associated with the development of SBIs, and for patients with SBIs, we conducted a detailed analysis based on lesion location (cortex and perforator territory vs. cortex only vs. perforator territory only).

RESULTS

Among 120 patients, 64 (53.3%) exhibited SBIs postprocedure. Factors significantly associated with SBIs included smaller stenosis diameter (odd ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.03 [0.002-0.35], p = 0.006), longer stenosis length (1.24 [1.02-1.51], p = 0.033), higher MCA tortuosity (1.20 [1.07-1.34], p = 0.002), and diffuse involvement of MCA stenosis (3.99 [1.17-13.62], p = 0.027). Among the patients who exhibited SBIs, D-dimer (p = 0.002), C-reactive protein (p = 0.026), and hemoglobin A1c (p = 0.025) differed according to detailed mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS

Stenosis diameter, stenosis length, and MCA tortuosity were significantly associated with the development of SBIs following MCA stenting.

Anatomical predispositions for silent cerebral infarction postcarotid artery stenting: a retrospective cohort

BACKGROUND

Silent cerebral infarction (SCI) that manifests following carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been postulated to correlate with cognitive decline, the onset of dementia, and an increased risk of subsequent cerebrovascular events. This investigation aimed to thoroughly examine the potential anatomical predispositions that are linked to the occurrence of SCI post-CAS, and further develop a predictive nomogram that could accurately forecast the risk of SCI post-CAS.

METHODS

The present investigation conducted a retrospective examination of datasets from 250 individuals presenting with carotid artery stenosis who had been subjected to CAS within a tertiary healthcare institution from June 2020 to November 2021. Stratified by the procedural date, participants were allocated into a training cohort and a validation cohort. A nomogram was constructed predicated on salient prognostic determinants discerned via a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

An aggregate of 184 patients were incorporated into the study, of which 60 (32.6%) manifested SCI, whereas 124 (67.4%) did not. Within the training cohort ( n =123), age (OR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.16; P =0.034), aortic arch type (Type III vs. I: OR 10.79, 95% CI: 2.12-54.81; P =0.005), aortic arch variant (OR 47.71, 95% CI: 6.05-376.09; P <0.001), common carotid artery (CCA) ostium lesions (OR 6.93, 95% CI: 1.49-32.32; P =0.014), and proximal tortuosity index (TI) (OR 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02; P =0.029) were demarcated as standalone risk predispositions for SCI subsequent to CAS. The concordance index (C-index) for the training cohort's nomogram stood at 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84-0.95). Moreover, the said nomogram exhibited commendable efficacy within the validation cohort (C-index=0.94) as well as the entire participant base (C-index=0.90). Furthermore, the decision curve analysis illustrated the exemplary clinical applicability of the nomogram.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this inquiry underscore that age, aortic arch type, aortic arch variant, CCA ostium lesions, and proximal TI serve as independent determinants linked with SCI post-CAS. The formulated nomogram, predicated on these risk factors, possesses robust prognostic significance, and might serve as a valuable adjunct to inform clinical decision-making.

Current Status of Carotid Artery Stenting

In 2008, carotid artery stenting was formally approved in Japan. Since then, more than fourteen years have already passed. Much evidence concerning carotid artery stenting has already been published, and several new devices are available. Thus, indications and procedures for carotid artery stenting have changed. In this review, I describe the current status of carotid artery stenting by literature review with particular focus on the evidence regarding its effectiveness and safety, history with the transition of devices in Japan, and complications related to carotid artery stenting procedures. A recent topic (a new category of subtype of carotid stenosis) is also mentioned briefly.

Intraprocedural and Delayed Plaque Protrusion in Carotid Artery Stenting Using a Dual-Layer Metallic Stent

Background

Intravascular ultrasound-determined plaque protrusion (PP) during carotid artery stenting (CAS) using conventional stents is reported in 7.6% to 12% of cases and is associated with periprocedural cerebral embolism. The Casper/Roadsaver stent (CRS) is a dual-layer micromesh stent designed to reduce the risk of PP, with a mesh cell diameter 4-fold smaller size than that of conventional stents. This study investigated the incidence of PP with CRS CAS.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed 89 consecutive arteriosclerotic carotid artery stenoses in 82 patients (64 men; mean age, 76.8 years; 43 symptomatic) who underwent CAS with CRS under intravascular ultrasound. The main end points were the technical success rate, incidences of intraprocedural PP and at 1 week after CAS (delayed PP), incidence of new ipsilateral diffusion-weighted imaging lesion within 48 hours post CAS, and major adverse events (myocardial infarction, stroke, death) within 30 days. Secondary end points were the rate of in-stent restenosis and ipsilateral stroke at 30 days and 12 months.

Results

The technical success rate was 100%. Intraprocedural PP occurred in 2 patients (2.2%). Delayed PP occurred in 3 additional patients (3.4%). Diffusion-weighted imaging positivity was 24.7%. Major adverse events (minor stroke) occurred in 1 patient (1.1%). In-stent restenosis occurred in 5 patients (6.0%) by 12 months. No ipsilateral stroke occurred during the follow-up.

Conclusions

The incidence of intraprocedural PP with CRS CAS was 2.2%, indicating a significant reduction compared to conventional stents. However, at 7 days new PP had occurred in 3.4% of patients, indicating that patients with CRS should be followed up for delayed PP.

New Ischemic Cerebral Lesions in Postprocedural Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Carotid Artery Stenting Versus Carotid Endarterectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated similar outcomes in terms of ischemic stroke incidence after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) in asymptomatic carotid disease, while CEA seems to be the first option for symptomatic carotid disease. The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the incidence of silent cerebral microembolization detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) following these procedures.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, including comparative studies involving symptomatic or asymptomatic patients undergoing either CEA or CAS and reporting on new cerebral ischemic lesions in postoperative MRI. The primary outcome was the newly detected cerebral ischemic lesions. Pooled effect estimates for all outcomes were calculated using the random-effects model. Prespecified random effects metaregression and subgroup analysis were conducted to examine the impact of moderator variables on the presence of new cerebral ischemic lesions.

RESULTS

25 studies reporting on a total of 1827 CEA and 1500 CAS interventions fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The incidence of new cerebral ischemic lesions was significantly lower after CEA compared to CAS, regardless of the time of MRI assessment (first 24 hours; OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.17-0.64, P < 0.001), (the first 72 hours, OR: 0.25, 95% CI 0.18-0.36, P < 0.001), (generally within a week after the operation; OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.17-0.34, P < 0.001). Also, the rate of stroke (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.23-0.63, P < 0.001) and the presence of contralateral new cerebral ischemic lesions (OR: 0.16, 95% CI 0.08-0.32, P < 0.001) were less frequent after CEA. Subgroup analysis based on the study design and the use of embolic protection device during CAS showed consistently lower rates of new lesions after CEA.

CONCLUSIONS

CEA demonstrates significant lower rates of new silent cerebral microembolization, as detected by MRI in postoperative period compared with CAS.

Hematological predictors of silent new cerebral ischemic lesions in carotid artery stenting: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Silent new cerebral ischemic lesions (sNCIL) are a common complication of carotid artery stenting (CAS) that can lead to an increase in morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate the impact of hematological parameters on sNCIL in patients undergoing CAS.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 103 patients who underwent CAS, with a mean age of 70.5 ± 6.7 years, and 31 (20.1 %) of whom were female. Stents were placed for internal carotid artery revascularization. The presence of new hyperintense lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) without neurological symptoms was considered as sNCIL in cases without apparent neurological findings. Patients were categorized into two groups based on DWI results: positive (29) and negative (74).

RESULTS

In the study population, sNCIL was observed in 29 patients (28.2 %). The DWI-positive group exhibited significantly higher Plateletcrit (PCT) levels, advanced age, and a lack of embolic protection device usage compared to the DWI-negative group. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis identified a PCT value of 0.26 as the optimal threshold, detecting the development of sNCIL with a sensitivity of 75.9 % and specificity of 59.1 % (AUC: 0.700; 95 % CI: 0.594-0.806, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

To be determined by a simple blood parameter, PCT can predict the risk of sNCIL before CAS and holds clinical value in the treatment of patients with carotid artery stenosis.

Distal normal vessel diameter might be associated with silent brain infarcts after stenting for symptomatic carotid stenosis

BACKGROUND

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been the standard treatment for carotid stenosis because it is less invasive; however, the risk of periprocedural thromboembolism is high. We investigated the predictors for silent brain infarcts (SBIs), focusing on embolic protection in CAS.

METHODS

This study was single-center retrospective study, and we obtained baseline demographics and clinical, laboratory, and periprocedural variables of patients who underwent CAS. Also, methods used for embolic protection (no EPD, distal EPD, or proximal balloon guiding catheter) during CAS were obtained. Distal normal vessel diameter was defined as the diameter of cervical internal carotid artery where the artery wall becomes parallel. Diffusion-weighted imaging was performed before and after procedure to detect SBIs. The primary outcome was stented territory SBIs, and the secondary outcomes were any territories SBIs and stented territory SBIs in cases with EPD.

RESULTS

A total of 196 CAS procedures with mean age 69.1 ± 9.9 years were included. After CAS, stented territory SBIs occurred in 53 (27.0 %) cases and any territories SBIs in 60 (30.6 %) cases. Univariable analyses revealed that distal normal vessel diameter (odds ratio = 1.71, 95 % confidence interval = 1.20-2.43, P = 0.003) was associated with the occurrence of stented territory SBIs after CAS. After adjusting for potential variables, larger distal normal vessel diameter (1.61 [1.10-2.36], P = 0.014) increased the occurrence of SBIs after CAS. Consistent results were obtained when the outcome was any territories SBIs or stented territory SBIs in cases with EPD.

CONCLUSIONS

Distal normal vessel diameter was a predictor for the occurrence of SBI after CAS. The passable pore size of EPDs may vary depending on vessel diameter, and may impact the occurrence of SBIs.

Antithrombotic Therapy in Carotid Artery and Intracranial Artery Stent

Optimal platelet inhibition is critical in patients with carotid and intracranial artery stenosis undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS) and intracranial artery stenting (ICS). Many reports have highlighted the importance of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in reducing adverse neurological outcomes without a significant increase in bleeding complications during CAS. DAPT has commonly used CAS and ICS, typically with aspirin and clopidogrel, but clopidogrel resistance occurs in approximately 20% of Japanese and other Asian populations. One solution to clopidogrel resistance is using adjunctive cilostazol to suppress the frequency of stroke events and in-stent restenosis after CAS. Other antiplatelet agents such as prasugrel, ticagrelor, cangrelor, and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors are under investigation. The duration of DAPT after CAS remains controversial, as a longer duration of DAPT after CAS is associated with lower rates of readmission for stroke, but increased risk of hemorrhagic complications. Regarding antithrombotic therapy in CAS with concomitant atrial fibrillation, the use of direct oral anticoagulants plus a P2Y12 inhibitor may be suggested for the optimal safety and efficacy of antithrombotic management. For emergent CAS in acute ischemic stroke (AIS), intraprocedural DAPT loading and GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, as necessary, may improve stent patency without increasing the risk of intracranial hemorrhage. In ICS, aggressive antiplatelet therapy based on an assessment of platelet aggregation is also important to improve clinical outcomes. In addition, rescue stenting for AIS caused by intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis-related large vessel occlusion is gaining attention. GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors have shown promise, but are not approved in Japan. In conclusion, DAPT is essential for the perioperative management of CAS and ICS. Specific perioperative antithrombotic management remains unclear, but the potential benefits of antithrombotic agents must be weighed against the corresponding increased risk of bleeding complications.

An international, multispecialty, expert-based Delphi Consensus document on controversial issues in the management of patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid stenosis

OBJECTIVE

Despite the publication of various national/international guidelines, several questions concerning the management of patients with asymptomatic (AsxCS) and symptomatic (SxCS) carotid stenosis remain unanswered. The aim of this international, multi-specialty, expert-based Delphi Consensus document was to address these issues to help clinicians make decisions when guidelines are unclear.

METHODS

Fourteen controversial topics were identified. A three-round Delphi Consensus process was performed including 61 experts. The aim of Round 1 was to investigate the differing views and opinions regarding these unresolved topics. In Round 2, clarifications were asked from each participant. In Round 3, the questionnaire was resent to all participants for their final vote. Consensus was reached when ≥75% of experts agreed on a specific response.

RESULTS

Most experts agreed that: (1) the current periprocedural/in-hospital stroke/death thresholds for performing a carotid intervention should be lowered from 6% to 4% in patients with SxCS and from 3% to 2% in patients with AsxCS; (2) the time threshold for a patient being considered "recently symptomatic" should be reduced from the current definition of "6 months" to 3 months or less; (3) 80% to 99% AsxCS carries a higher risk of stroke compared with 60% to 79% AsxCS; (4) factors beyond the grade of stenosis and symptoms should be added to the indications for revascularization in AsxCS patients (eg, plaque features of vulnerability and silent infarctions on brain computed tomography scans); and (5) shunting should be used selectively, rather than always or never. Consensus could not be reached on the remaining topics due to conflicting, inadequate, or controversial evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

The present international, multi-specialty expert-based Delphi Consensus document attempted to provide responses to several unanswered/unresolved issues. However, consensus could not be achieved on some topics, highlighting areas requiring future research.

Perioperative stroke

Ischaemic or haemorrhagic perioperative stroke (that is, stroke occurring during or within 30 days following surgery) can be a devastating complication following surgery. Incidence is reported in the 0.1-0.7% range in adults undergoing non-cardiac and non-neurological surgery, in the 1-5% range in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and in the 1-10% range following neurological surgery. However, higher rates have been reported when patients are actively assessed and in high-risk populations. Prognosis is significantly worse than stroke occurring in the community, with double the 30-day mortality, greater disability and diminished quality of life among survivors. Considering the annual volume of surgeries performed worldwide, perioperative stroke represents a substantial burden. Despite notable differences in aetiology, patient populations and clinical settings, existing clinical recommendations for perioperative stroke are extrapolated mainly from stroke in the community. Perioperative in-hospital stroke is unique with respect to the stroke occurring in other settings, and it is essential to apply evidence from other settings with caution and to identify existing knowledge gaps in order to effectively guide patient care and future research.

Prospective evaluation of acute cerebral injury by DW-MRI following transcarotid artery revascularization using a double-layer micromesh stent

BACKGROUND

Transcervical carotid artery revascularization (TCAR) has demonstrated a low overall stroke rate in carotid artery stenting (CAS). Furthermore, the use of a double-layer micromesh stent is expected to reduce embolization and plaque prolapse. The combination of TCAR and the double layer stent may lead to improved results compared to previously reported outcomes. The objective of this study is to present the findings of a prospective study including patients treated with the Roadsaver stent and TCAR.

METHODS

Between January 2017 and May 2022, 85 patients were enrolled. Every patient underwent TCAR with the Roadsaver stent. As per our protocol, a neurological examination and an ultrasound were performed within 24 hours before and after the procedure, and again 30 days after. A diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) was conducted 24 hours before the procedure and 48-72 hours after the procedure. The primary endpoint was the detection of new ischemic lesions on postoperative DW-MRI. The secondary endpoint was a composite of all strokes, death, and myocardial infarction within 30 days.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients (75.29%) were symptomatic, out of which 25 were treated within 14 days of the onset of the symptoms. Pre and postprocedural DW-MRI were performed in 83 patients. Postprocedural lesions were found in nine patients (10.84%). There were no strokes or death within 30 days, but two patients experienced a myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that the use of TCAR and the Roadsaver stent could be a safe alternative to carotid endarterectomy because it entails a low incidence of cerebral embolization, even in recently symptomatic and elderly patients.

Long-Term Stroke Risk in Patients With New Ischemic Brain Lesions on MRI After Carotid Revascularization

BACKGROUND

Carotid artery revascularization can result in new ischemic brain lesions on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between periprocedural ischemic diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions after carotid artery revascularization and recurrent long-term cerebrovascular events.

METHODS

A secondary observational prospective cohort analysis of existing clinical trial data was performed on 162 patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis that were previously randomized to carotid artery stenting or carotid endarterectomy in the ICSS (International Carotid Stenting Study) and included in the magnetic resonance imaging substudy. Magnetic resonance imagings were performed 1 to 7 days before and 1 to 3 days after treatment. The primary composite clinical outcome was the time to any stroke or transient ischemic attack during follow-up. Patients with new diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions on posttreatment magnetic resonance imaging scan (DWI+) were compared with patients without new lesions (DWI-).

RESULTS

The median time of follow-up was 8.6 years (interquartile range, 5.0-12.5). Kaplan-Meier cumulative incidence for the primary outcome after 12.5-year follow-up was 35.3% (SE, 8.9%) in DWI+ patients and 31.1% (SE, 5.6%) in DWI- patients. Uni- and multivariable regression analyses did not show significant differences (hazard ratio, 1.50 [95% CI, 0.76-2.94] and hazard ratio, 1.30 [95% CI, 0.10-1.02], respectively). Higher event rate of the primary outcome in DWI+ patients in the overall cohort was mainly caused by events in the carotid artery stenting group.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our outcome analysis within the ICSS magnetic resonance imaging substudy, DWI lesions following carotid revascularization did not seem to have a relationship with long-term stroke risk.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: ISRCTN 25337470.

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy or Antiplatelet Plus Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients with Peripheral and Chronic Coronary Artery Disease: An Updated Review

Despite evidence-based therapies, patients presenting with atherosclerosis involving more than one vascular bed, such as those with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD), constitute a particularly vulnerable group characterized by enhanced residual long-term risk for major adverse cardiac events (MACE), as well as major adverse limb events (MALE). The latter are progressively emerging as a difficult outcome to target, being correlated with increased mortality. Antithrombotic therapy is the mainstay of secondary prevention in both patients with PAD or CAD; however, the optimal intensity of such therapy is still a topic of debate, particularly in the post-acute and long-term setting. Recent well-powered randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have provided data in favor of a more intense antithrombotic therapy, such as prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor or a therapy with aspirin combined with an anticoagulant drug. Both approaches increase bleeding and selection of patients is a key issue. The aim of this review is, therefore, to discuss and summarize the most up-to-date available evidence for different strategies of anti-thrombotic therapies in patients with chronic PAD and CAD, particularly focusing on studies enrolling patients with both types of atherosclerotic disease and comparing a higher- versus a lower-intensity antithrombotic strategy. The final objective is to identify the optimal tailored approach in this setting, to achieve the greatest cardiovascular benefit and improve precision medicine.

A Propensity-Matched Comparison of Ischemic Brain Lesions on Postprocedural MRI in Endovascular versus Open Carotid Artery Reconstruction

(1) Study purpose: The aim of our prospective single-center, matched case-control study was to compare the number and volume of acute ischemic brain lesions following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) versus carotid artery stenting (CAS) using a propensity-matched design. (2) Methods: Carotid bifurcation plaques were analyzed by using VascuCAP software on CT angiography (CTA) images. The number and volume of acute and chronic ischemic brain lesions were assessed on MRI scans taken 12-48 h after the procedures. Propensity score-based matching was performed at a 1:1 ratio to compare the ischemic lesions on postinterventional MR. (3) Results: A total of 107 patients (CAS, N = 33; CEA, N = 74) were included in the study. There were significant differences in smoking (p = 0.003), total calcification plaque volume (p = 0.004), and lengths of the lesion (p = 0.045) between the CAS and CEA groups. Propensity score matching resulted in 21 matched pairs of patients. Acute ischemic brain lesions were detected in ten patients (47.6%) of the matched CAS group and in three patients (14.2%) in the matched CEA group (p = 0.02). The volume of acute ischemic brain lesions was significantly larger (p = 0.04) in the CAS group than in the CEA group. New ischemic brain lesions were not associated with neurological symptoms in either group. (4) Conclusions: Procedure-related new acute ischemic brain lesions occurred significantly more frequently in the propensity-matched CAS group.

Evaluation of the association between silent ischemic lesions and stent design in carotid stenting applications

OBJECTIVE

Minor ischemic events and silent ischemic lesions are more common in carotid stenting than in endarterectomy. These silent ischemic lesions are also associated with stroke risk and cognitive impairment, so it is important to understand the factors that increase the risk and develop strategies to reduce the risk. We aimed to evaluate the association between carotid stent design and silent ischemic lesion development.

METHODS

The files of the patients who underwent carotid stenting between January 2020 and April 2022 were scanned. Patients with diffusion MR images taken within the postoperative 24 h were included in the study, while those undergoing acute stent placement were excluded. The patients were divided into two groups: those with open-cell stents and those with closed-cell stents.

RESULTS

A total of 65 patients, including 39 patients undergoing open-cell stenting and 26 patients undergoing closed-cell stenting, were included in the study. There was no significant difference in demographic data and vascular risk factors between the groups. New ischemic lesions were detected in 29 (74.4%) patients in the open-cell stent group and 10 (38.4%) patients in the closed-cell stent group and were significantly higher in the open-cell group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of major and minor ischemic events and stent restenosis at the 3-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The rate of new ischemic lesion development was found to be significantly higher in carotid stent procedures performed with an open-cell Protégé stent than in those performed with a closed-cell Wallstent stent.

Evolving Diagnostic and Management Advances in Coronary Heart Disease

Despite considerable improvement in diagnostic modalities and therapeutic options over the last few decades, the global burden of ischemic heart disease is steadily rising, remaining a major cause of death worldwide. Thus, new strategies are needed to lessen cardiovascular events. Researchers in different areas such as biotechnology and tissue engineering have developed novel therapeutic strategies such as stem cells, nanotechnology, and robotic surgery, among others (3D printing and drugs). In addition, advances in bioengineering have led to the emergence of new diagnostic and prognostic techniques, such as quantitative flow ratio (QFR), and biomarkers for atherosclerosis. In this review, we explore novel diagnostic invasive and noninvasive modalities that allow a more detailed characterization of coronary disease. We delve into new technological revascularization procedures and pharmacological agents that target several residual cardiovascular risks, including inflammatory, thrombotic, and metabolic pathways.

Silent brain infarcts after carotid or vertebrobasilar artery stenting

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Stenting is an important treatment for preventing stroke. However, the effect of vertebrobasilar stenting (VBS) might be limited because of relatively high periprocedural risks. Silent brain infarcts (SBIs) are known as a predictor for future stroke. Because of anatomical differences, factors for SBIs might be different between carotid artery stenting (CAS) and VBS. We compared the characteristics of SBIs between VBS and CAS.

METHODS

We included patients who underwent elective VBS or CAS. Diffusion-weighted imaging was performed pre- and post-procedure to detect new SBIs. Clinical variables, occurrence of SBIs, and procedure-related factors were compared between CAS and VBS. Moreover, we investigated predictors of SBIs in each group separately.

RESULTS

Ninety-two (34.2%) out of 269 patients had SBIs. SBIs were more frequently observed in VBS (29 [56.6%] vs. 63 [28.9%], p<.001). The risk of SBIs outside the stent-inserted vascular territory was higher in VBS compared to CAS (14 [48.3%] vs. 8 [12.7%], p<.001). Larger-diameter stents (odds ratio: 1.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.54, p = .012) and prolonged procedure time (1.01, [1.00-1.03], p = .026) increased the risk of SBIs in CAS, whereas only age increased the risk of SBIs in VBS (1.08 [1.01-1.16], p = .036).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to CAS, VBS was associated with longer procedure time, more residual stenosis, and more SBIs, especially outside the stent-inserted vascular territory. The risk of SBIs after CAS was associated with stent size and procedural difficulty. Only age was associated with SBIs in VBS. The pathomechanism of SBIs after VBS and CAS may be different.

Clopidogrel Resistance and Ticagrelor Replacement in Dual Antiplatelet Therapy for Carotid Artery Stenting

BACKGROUNDS

Resistance to the pharmacological effect of clopidogrel in patients undergoing dual antiplatelet therapy for carotid stenting may increase the risk of periprocedural neurological events. The purpose of the study was to describe the phenomenon of clopidogrel resistance in a series of patients undergoing carotid stenting.

METHODS

Data of patients who consecutively underwent carotid stenting from November 2016 to December 2020 for a significant stenosis and who underwent a dual antiplatelet therapy using acetyl-salicylic acid and clopidogrel were prospectively collected. Patients who were already taking a different thienopyridine were excluded. The effectiveness of antiplatelet drugs was assessed by the impedance aggregometry test. Primary endpoint was to evaluate the incidence of clopidogrel resistance and the effectiveness of ticagrelor as alternative therapy. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Two-hundred patients (80 females, 40%) underwent stenting for carotid stenosis (94% asymptomatic). The phenomenon of clopidogrel resistance was observed in 38 patients (19%), in whom clopidogrel was replaced by ticagrelor (90 mg/bis in die) with 100% effectiveness at aggregometry test. Platelet counts was associated to clopidogrel resistance (P = 0.001). There was no stent thrombosis at 30 days, neither major hemorrhagic events; a total of 12/200 major adverse cardiovascular events occurred (6%), including 1 in the group of patients who took ticagrelor and 11 in group of patients under clopidogrel (2.6% versus 6.7%, P = 0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

Clopidogrel was ineffective in 19% of patients undergoing carotid stenting. Platelet count seemed to affect this phenomenon. In these patients, clopidogrel was effectively replaced by ticagrelor.

A single-center pilot randomized controlled trial of atorvastatin loading for preventing ischemic brain damage after carotid artery stenting

Objective

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) performed perioperatively with high-dose atorvastatin may reduce the incidence of new ischemic brain lesions, but more high-level evidence is needed. Furthermore, the optimal dose and course of perioperative statin therapy remain uncertain.

Methods

A single-center, prospective, parallel controlled, pilot randomized clinical trial was conducted at Beijing Hospital. The study includes a total of 130 patients with CAS. The patients were randomly assigned to receive a high-dose of 80 mg/day atorvastatin (n = 65) or a standard-dose of 20 mg/day atorvastatin (n = 65) 3 days before and 3 days after planned CAS. The primary endpoint event was the cumulative incidence of silent new ischemic cerebral lesions (sNICL) on post-CAS cerebral diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI), transient ischemic attack (TIA), or ischemic stroke within 30 days after CAS.

Results

Among the 130 patients, 123 completed the study, of which 63 were in the high-dose group and 60 were in the standard-dose group. The incidence of major endpoint events was 69.8% (44 cases) and 78.3% (46 cases) in the high-dose and standard-dose groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (HR, 0.705; 95% CI, 0.315-1.576; p = 0.393). According to the stratified analysis results, the sNICL incidence was significantly different between the two groups in the symptomatic patients (HR, 0.263; 95% CI, 0.70-0.984; p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Among patients with CAS, a periprocedural high-dose of atorvastatin did not reduce the rate of periprocedural ischemic brain damage. However, high-dose statins can reduce the incidence of sNICL after CAS in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis.

Clinical Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT03079115.

Prediction of new cerebral ischemic lesion after carotid artery stenting: a high-resolution vessel wall MRI-based radiomics analysis

OBJECTIVES

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an established treatment for local stenosis. The most common complication is new ipsilateral ischemic lesions (NIILs). This study aimed to develop models considering lesion morphological and compositional features, and radiomics to predict NIILs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and forty-six patients who underwent brain MRI and high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging (hrVWI) before and after CAS were retrospectively recruited. Lumen and outer wall boundaries were segmented on hrVWI as well as atherosclerotic components. A traditional model was constructed with patient clinical information, and lesion morphological and compositional features. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm was performed to determine key radiomics features for reconstructing a radiomics model. The model in predicting NIILs was trained and its performance was tested.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients were NIIL-positive and eighty-five negative. Volume percentage of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) and patients' clinical presentation (symptomatic/asymptomatic) were risk factors of NIILs. The traditional model considering these two features achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.778 and 0.777 in the training and test cohorts, respectively. Twenty-two key radiomics features were identified and the model based on these features achieved an AUC of 0.885 and 0.801 in the two cohorts. The AUCs of the combined model considering IPH volume percentage, clinical presentation, and radiomics features were 0.893 and 0.842 in the training and test cohort respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with traditional features (clinical and compositional features), the combination of traditional and radiomics features improved the power in predicting NIILs after CAS.

KEY POINTS

• Volume percentage of IPH and symptomatic events were independent risk factors of new ipsilateral ischemic lesions (NIILs). • Radiomics features derived from carotid artery high-resolution vessel wall imaging had great potential in predicting NIILs after CAS. • The combination model with radiomics and traditional features further improved the diagnostic performance than traditional features alone.

Advances in Noninvasive Carotid Wall Imaging with Ultrasound: A Narrative Review

Carotid atherosclerosis is a major cause for stroke, with significant associated disease burden morbidity and mortality in Western societies. Diagnosis, grading and follow-up of carotid atherosclerotic disease relies on imaging, specifically ultrasound (US) as the initial modality of choice. Traditionally, the degree of carotid lumen stenosis was considered the sole risk factor to predict brain ischemia. However, modern research has shown that a variety of other imaging biomarkers, such as plaque echogenicity, surface morphology, intraplaque neovascularization and vasa vasorum contribute to the risk for rupture of carotid atheromas with subsequent cerebrovascular events. Furthermore, the majority of embolic strokes of undetermined origin are probably arteriogenic and are associated with nonstenosing atheromas. Therefore, a state-of-the-art US scan of the carotid arteries should take advantage of recent technical developments and should provide detailed information about potential thrombogenic (/) and emboligenic arterial wall features. This manuscript reviews recent advances in ultrasonographic assessment of vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic plaques and highlights the fields of future development in multiparametric arterial wall imaging, in an attempt to convey the most important take-home messages for clinicians performing carotid ultrasound.

Prediction of risk factors for intraoperative hypotension during general anesthesia undergoing carotid endarterectomy

Objective

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been considered as “gold standard” treatment for patients with significant carotid stenosis Intra-operative hypotension was a risk factor for post-operative complications in patients undergoing CEA. This study aimed to investigate the predictors for intra-operative hypotension during CEA.

Methods

This retrospective study included consecutive patients underwent CEA from June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021 in the neurosurgery department of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University. The intraoperative hypotension was defined as blood pressure (BP) of 20% below standard value for longer than 5 min. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify the prediction of risk factors for intraoperative hypotension.

Results

Overall, 367 patients were included, and 143 (39.0%) patients had hypotension during CEA procedure. Univariate analysis indicated Grade 3 hypertension (P = 0.002), peripheral artery disease (P = 0.006) and shunting (P = 0.049) were associated with occurrence of intraoperative hypotension during CEA procedure. On multivariable analysis, Grade 3 hypertension (P = 0.005), peripheral artery disease (P = 0.009), and shunting (P = 0.034) were all found to be independent predicting factors of hypotension during the CEA process.

Conclusion

Intraoperative hypotension is a dynamic phenomenon may be affected by patients with grade 3 hypertension, peripheral artery disease and intra-operative shunting. It is necessary to pay special attention to these patients, both intraoperatively and postoperatively, to improve the final clinical outcome.

Absence of the Anterior Communicating Artery on Selective MRA is Associated with New Ischemic Lesions on MRI after Carotid Revascularization

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

ICA-selective MRA using a pencil beam presaturation pulse can accurately visualize anterior communicating artery flow. We evaluated the impact of anterior communicating artery flow on the perioperative hemodynamic status and new ischemic lesions after carotid revascularization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-three patients with carotid artery stenosis were included. We assessed anterior communicating artery flow using ICA-selective MRA. The preoperative hemodynamic status was measured using SPECT. We also measured the change in regional cerebral oxygen saturation after temporary ICA occlusion. New ischemic lesions were evaluated by DWI on the day after treatment.

RESULTS

Anterior communicating artery flow was detected in 61 patients, but it was not detected in 22 patients. Preoperative cerebrovascular reactivity was significantly higher in patients with (versus without) anterior communicating artery flow with a mean peak systolic velocity of ≥200 cm/s (39.6% [SD, 23.8%] versus 25.2% [SD, 16.4%]; P = .030). The decrease in mean regional cerebral oxygen saturation was significantly greater in patients without (versus with) anterior communicating artery flow (8.5% [SD, 5.6%] versus 3.7% [SD, 3.8%]; P = .002). New ischemic lesions after the procedure were observed in 23 patients. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that anterior communicating artery flow (OR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.012-0.45; P = .005) was associated with new ischemic lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

The absence of anterior communicating artery flow influenced the perioperative hemodynamic status in patients with carotid stenosis and was associated with an increased incidence of new ischemic lesions after carotid revascularization.

Carotid Artery Stenting for Near Occlusion with Full Collapse

OBJECTIVE

Carotid near occlusions show a lower risk of stroke than other types of severe stenosis. However, emerging evidence suggests that near occlusion with full collapse differs from that without full collapse. The results of treatment with carotid artery stenting for near occlusion with full collapse are presented.

METHODS

Between March 2007 and December 2020, 18 of 477 carotid artery stenting procedures were performed in patients with near occlusion with full collapse (3.8%). A total of 17 men and one woman with a mean age of 76.1 years were included. Eleven patients (61%) were symptomatic. The technical success rate, incidence of symptomatic stroke within 30 days, new ipsilateral ischemic lesions on diffusion tensor imaging within 48 hours after carotid artery stenting, and follow-up results (ipsilateral stroke rate and restenosis rate) were retrospectively assessed.

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 100%. All carotid artery stenting procedures were performed using embolic protection devices. No symptomatic stroke occurred within 30 days. New ipsilateral ischemic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging were observed in 16.7% (3/18) of patients. Asymptomatic minor cerebral hemorrhage occurred in 2 patients (11.1%) with cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome. The median follow-up period was 77 months. Asymptomatic restenosis of 50% occurred in one patient (5.5%), and asymptomatic occlusion occurred in one patient (5.5%). During follow-up, no patients experienced ipsilateral stroke. Three patients (16.7%) died from nonneurological causes.

CONCLUSIONS

Carotid artery stenting for near occlusion with full collapse seems to be a feasible and safe procedure that can be performed by an experienced neuro-interventional team.

Revacept, an Inhibitor of Platelet Adhesion in Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis: A Multicenter Randomized Phase II Trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis are at high risk of recurrent ischemic stroke and require early interventional treatment and antiplatelet therapy. Increased bleeding rates might counterbalance the periprocedural efficacy of intensified platelet inhibition. We aim to investigate, whether Revacept, a competitive antagonist of glycoprotein VI, adjunct to standard antiplatelet therapy reduces the occurrence of ischemic lesions in patients with symptomatic ICA stenosis.

METHODS

International, multicenter (16 sites), 3-arm, randomized (1:1:1), double-blind, and placebo-controlled study with parallel groups, including patients with symptomatic ICA stenosis. A single infusion over 20 minutes of either placebo, 40 mg or 120 mg Revacept in addition to guideline-conform antiplatelet therapy was evaluated with regard to the exploratory efficacy end point: Number of new ischemic lesions on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging after treatment initiation. Main clinical outcome was the combined safety and efficacy end point including any stroke or death, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, coronary intervention, and bleeding complications during follow-up.

RESULTS

Out of 160 randomized patients, 158 patients (68±10.1 years, 24% female) received study medication (51 patients placebo, 54 patients 40 mg Revacept and 53 patients 120 mg Revacept) and were followed for 11.2±2.3 months. A total of 1.16 (95% CI, 0.88-1.53)/1.05 (95% CI, 0.78-1.42; P=0.629)/0.63 (95% CI, 0.43-0.93) new diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging lesions per patient were detected in the placebo/40 mg/120 mg Revacept groups, without statistical evidence of a difference. A reduction of the combined safety and efficacy end point during the study period was observed in patients who received 120 mg (HR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.21-0.99]; P=0.047), but not 40 mg Revacept compared with placebo (HR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.37-1.42]; P=0.343).

CONCLUSIONS

Revacept 120 mg reduced the combined safety and efficacy end point in patients with symptomatic ICA stenosis.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique Identifier: NCT01645306.

The Association of Arterial Stiffness With Significant Carotid Atherosclerosis and Carotid Plaque Vulnerability

Arterial stiffness and its valid index, the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), have emerged as predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We investigated the relationship of the CAVI with significant carotid stenosis (> 50%) and the related cerebrovascular symptoms or carotid plaque echogenicity, assessed by ultrasound gray-scale median (GSM) score, at baseline and after carotid artery stenting (CAS). We prospectively enrolled 113 patients with carotid stenosis (70-99% for asymptomatic and > 50% for symptomatic participants) eligible for CAS. Age- and sex-matched individuals (n = 38) served as controls (CON). Clinical data, CAVI, and biochemical profile were obtained at baseline. Clinical assessment and CAVI measurement were performed 6 months after CAS. Compared with the CON group, the CAS group had a higher incidence of co-morbidities (diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia), higher CAVI values (9.94 ± 2.14 vs 7.85 ± .97 m/sec, P < .001), but a better lipid profile due to increased prescription of statins. The symptomatic CAS subgroup showed higher CAVI ( P < .001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( P = .048), and osteoprotegerin ( P = .002) levels than the asymptomatic one. In multivariate analysis, CAVI at baseline was independently associated with the presence of significant carotid atherosclerosis (β = .695, P < .001), cerebrovascular events (β = .474, P < .001), and GSM score (β = −.275, P = .042). Raised CAVI values were independently associated with significant carotid stenosis and plaque vulnerability.

Gradual Expansion of a Stent to Prevent Periprocedural Complications after Carotid Artery Stenting for Vulnerable Severe Stenotic Lesions with Intraplaque Hemorrhages: A Retrospective Observational Study

Vulnerable lesions with intraplaque hemorrhages are associated with a high incidence of complications following carotid artery stenting (CAS). CAS for vulnerable lesions has not been established; therefore, we gradually expand stents in such patients. This study aimed to compare the incidences of complications between gradual-expansion CAS for vulnerable lesions and standard CAS for non-vulnerable lesions. For gradual-expansion CAS, we used 3.0 or 4.0 mm balloons for minimal luminal diameters (MLDs) <2.0 or ≥2.0 mm, respectively, for pre-stenting angioplasty (SA) and did not overinflate them. By contrast, for standard CAS, we used a 4.0 mm balloon and overinflated it to 4.23 mm. A closed-cell stent was deployed, and post-SA was not performed in both groups. We evaluated the MLD before and minimal stent diameter (MSD) immediately after CAS, as well as periprocedural complications of combined stroke, death, and myocardial infarction within 30 days after CAS. In the vulnerable and non-vulnerable groups, 30 and 38 patients were analyzed, the MLDs were 0.76 and 0.96 mm before CAS, the MSDs were 2.97 mm and 3.58 mm after CAS, and the numbers of complications were 0 and 1, respectively. Gradual-expansion CAS for vulnerable lesions was as safe as standard CAS for non-vulnerable lesions.

ANALYSIS OF SPIN IN VASCULAR SURGERY RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS WITH NONSIGNIFICANT OUTCOMES

OBJECTIVES

Spin is the manipulation of language that distorts the interpretation of objective findings. The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics of spin found in statistically nonsignificant randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) to carotid artery stenting (CAS) for carotid stenosis (CS), and endovascular repair (EVAR) to open repair (OR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

METHODS

A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials was performed in June 2020 for studies published describing AAA or CS. All phase three RCTs with nonsignificant primary outcomes comparing OR to EVAR or CEA to CAS were included. Studies were appraised for the characteristics and severity of spin using a validated tool. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the association of spin grade to (1) funding source (commercial vs non-commercial) and (2) the publishing journal's impact factor.

RESULTS

Thirty-one of 355 articles captured were included for analysis. Spin was identified in nine abstracts (9/18) and 13 main texts (13/18) of AAA articles and seven abstracts (7/13) and ten main texts (10/13) of CS articles. For both AAA and CS articles, spin was most commonly found in the manuscript discussion section, with the most commonly employed strategy being the interpretation of statistically nonsignificant primary results to show treatment equivalence or rule out adverse treatment effects. Increasing journal impact factor was associated with a statistically significant lower likelihood of spin in the study title or abstract conclusion (βOR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94 - 0.98, p < 0.01) while no significant association could be found with funding source (βOR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.30-5.92, p = 0.71).

CONCLUSIONS

A large proportion of statistically nonsignificant RCTs contain interpretations that are inconsistent with their results. These findings should prompt authors and readers to appraise study findings independently and to limit the use of spin in study interpretations.

A narrative review of plaque and brain imaging biomarkers for stroke risk stratification in patients with atherosclerotic carotid artery disease

Objective

In this narrative review, we aim to review imaging biomarkers that carry the potential to non-invasively guide stroke risk stratification for treatment optimization.

Background

Carotid atherosclerosis plays a fundamental part in the occurrence of ischemic stroke. International guidelines select the optimal treatment strategy still mainly based on the presence of clinical symptoms and the degree of stenosis for stroke prevention in patients with atherosclerotic carotid plaques. These guidelines, based on randomized controlled trials that were conducted three decades ago, recommend carotid revascularization in symptomatic patients with high degree of stenosis versus a conservative approach for most asymptomatic patients. Due to optimization of best medical therapy and risk factor control, it is suggested that a subgroup of symptomatic patients is at lower risk of stroke and may not benefit from revascularization, whereas a selective subgroup of high-risk asymptomatic patients would benefit from this procedure.

Methods

A literature search was performed for articles published up to December 2020 using PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus. Based on the literature found, change in stenosis degree and volume, plaque echolucency, plaque surface, intraplaque haemorrhage, lipid-rich necrotic core, thin fibrous cap, inflammation, neovascularization, microembolic signals, cerebrovascular reserve, intracranial collaterals, silent brain infarcts, diffusion weighted imaging lesions and white matters lesions have the potential to predict stroke risk.

Conclusions

The applicability of imaging biomarkers needs to be further improved before the potential synergistic prognostic ability of imaging biomarkers can be verified on top of the clinical biomarkers. In the future, the routine and combined assessment of both plaque and brain imaging biomarkers might help to improve optimization of treatment strategies in individual patients with atherosclerotic carotid artery disease.

Risk factors for new ischemic cerebral lesions after carotid artery stenting: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

New ischemic cerebral lesions (NICL) are commonly occur after carotid artery stenting (CAS) with an incidence rate ranging from 18-58% and are detected by diffusion-weighted imaging-magnetic resonance imaging (DWI-MRI). Numerous studies have reported that NICL could increase the risk of future cerebrovascular events and cognitive impairment. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify risk factors for NICL after CAS.

METHODS

Relevant literature reporting risk factors for NICL after CAS were searched. Randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, or cohort studies were included in accordance with the pre-specified eligibility criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria and the quality of evidence was assessed with the corresponding scale. Data were analyzed using the RevMan V. 5.3 analysis software.

RESULTS

The final analyses included a total of 21 studies and 1907 participants, including 764 NICL-positives and 1143 NICL-negatives. Determinants for NICL-positivity were age (mean deviation (MD): 2.60; 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.53-3.68]), symptomatic carotid lesions (odds ratio (OR): 1.77; 95% CI: [1.39-2.25]) and smoking (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: [0.58-0.94]). For symptomatic patients, risk factors for NICL-positive included diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: [1.09-2.82]), but smoking (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: [0.31-0.93]) was a protective factor. Risk factors for centers with high NICL incidence were age (MD: 2.05; 95% CI: [0.93-3.17]) and symptomatic carotid lesions (OR: 1.77; 95% CI: [1.29-2.45]).

CONCLUSIONS

Older age and symptomatic carotid lesions are associated with an increased risk of post-CAS NICL whereas smoking is associated with a decreased risk. Risk factors for NICL in symptomatic patients is diabetes mellitus, while those for patients at centers with high incidence are age and symptomatic carotid lesions. Systematic review registration: CRD42019121129.

Serum glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100 calcium-binding protein B correlates cerebral vessel reactivity following carotid artery stenting

Using detection markers in serum has the advantages of simplicity, repeatability and the capability. This study combined the use of serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100B protein (S100B) with imaging tools to confirm the role of serum biomarkers in evaluating the cerebral vessel reactivity after carotid artery stenting (CAS). After CAS, the serum concentrations of GFAP and S100B increased to the peak at 24 h after operation, and then gradually decreased. The mean flow velocity (MFV) (pre-operation, post-operation, 30 days follow-up: 47.65 ± 17.24 cm/s, 62.37 ± 18.25 cm/s, 70.29 ± 16.89 cm/s; P < 0.05) and pulsatility index (PI) (pre-operation, post-operation, 30 days follow-up: 0.78 ± 0.21, 0.98 ± 0.19, 1.02 ± 0.20; P < 0.05) increased significantly in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery after CAS. At the 30-day follow-up, the cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) (post-operation, 30 days follow-up: 27.47 ± 12.13 cm/s, 31.92 ± 10.94 cm/s; P < 0.05) improved significantly. In patients with different degrees of stenosis, the more severe the stenosis in the carotid artery, the more obvious the improvement of CVR at the 30 days of follow-up (CVR changes: 11.08 ± 7.95 cm/s, Kendall’s tau-b = 0.645, P < 0.001). And the serum concentrations of GFAP (r = − 0.629, P < 0.0001) and S100B (r = − 0.604, P < 0.0001) correlated negatively with CVR at 30 days after CAS. Therefore, we recommend using the biomarkers GFAP and S100B associated with imaging tools such as transcranial Doppler (TCD) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the cerebral vessel reactivity following CAS.

Circumferential degree of carotid calcification is associated with new ischemic brain lesions after carotid artery stenting

Background

The relationship between plaque calcification and new ischemic brain lesions after carotid artery stenting (CAS) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine if the circumferential degree of carotid calcification is associated with new ischemic brain lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) after CAS.

Methods

A total of 96 patients with carotid stenosis of ≥50% who underwent CAS were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent preoperative carotid computed tomography (CT), and preoperative and postoperative brain MRI. The brain MRI sequences included T1WI, T2WI, T2-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and DWI. The location, circumferential degree, volume, percentage volume, maximum density, mean density, Agatston score of carotid calcification, and total plaque volume were assessed and compared between patients with and without new ischemic brain lesions after CAS. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate predictors of new ischemic brain lesions.

Results

All of the 96 patients (67.8±6.8 years of age, 83.3% men) were included in the analysis. New ischemic brain lesions on DWI were observed in 40 patients (41.7%). Patients with new ischemic brain lesions after CAS had a larger circumferential degree of calcification than those without new ischemic brain lesions (P<0.001). There was only a possible trend toward significance for the percentage volume of calcification between the two groups with and without new brain ischemic lesions (P=0.07). No significant differences were found regarding the location (P=0.18), volume (P=0.37), maximum density (P=0.44), mean density (P=0.39), Agatston score (P=0.28), and total plaque volume (P=0.33) of carotid calcification between the DWI+ and DWI- groups. In the multivariate analysis, an increased risk of new ischemic brain lesions was observed in patients with a high score for the circumferential degree of calcification [score 3; odds ratio (OR): 10.7, P<0.001; score 4, OR: 11.7, P=0.038].

Conclusions

The circumferential degree of carotid calcification was associated with new ischemic brain lesions after CAS. CAS should be avoided if possible for carotid stenosis with large circumferential calcified plaques.

New-onset lesions on MRI-DWI and cerebral blood flow changes on 3D-pCASL after carotid artery stenting

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the new-onset hyperintense lesions on diffusion-weighted images (DWI) and the changes of cerebral blood flow (CBF) before and after carotid artery stenting (CAS) in patients with symptomatic unilateral carotid artery stenosis. Twenty-four patients with symptomatic unilateral carotid stenosis (50-99%) were enrolled. Routine head magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling were taken 7 days before the surgery and for four consecutive days post CAS. While the incidence of new DWI lesions were high (17/24, 70.8%) and 176 lesions were observed among the 17 cases, there was only one subject showing the symptoms. The majority of the lesions were located at the cortex/subcortex of the ipsilateral frontal and parietal lobes (60.8%) with 92.6% of the lesions size being less than 3 mm. The CBFs in this area were significantly higher than that of the temporal lobe on the first 3 days post stenting (p < 0.05). No periprocedural CBF differences were observed between the two groups, however, the micro-embolism group presented decreased relative CBF in frontal and parietal lobes prior to stenting compared with the non-embolism group. The systolic blood pressure in the micro-embolism group at discharge was significantly lower than that at admission. The high incidence rate of micro-embolism in patients receiving CAS may not be the result of direct changes of hemodynamics in the brain but rather the loss of CBF regulation due to long-term hypoperfusion prior to the stenting.

Perioperative Neurological Evaluation and Management to Lower the Risk of Acute Stroke in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac, Nonneurological Surgery: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

Perioperative stroke is a potentially devastating complication in patients undergoing noncardiac, nonneurological surgery. This scientific statement summarizes established risk factors for perioperative stroke, preoperative and intraoperative strategies to mitigate the risk of stroke, suggestions for postoperative assessments, and treatment approaches for minimizing permanent neurological dysfunction in patients who experience a perioperative stroke. The first section focuses on preoperative optimization, including the role of preoperative carotid revascularization in patients with high-grade carotid stenosis and delaying surgery in patients with recent strokes. The second section reviews intraoperative strategies to reduce the risk of stroke, focusing on blood pressure control, perioperative goal-directed therapy, blood transfusion, and anesthetic technique. Finally, this statement presents strategies for the evaluation and treatment of patients with suspected postoperative strokes and, in particular, highlights the value of rapid recognition of strokes and the early use of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical embolectomy in appropriate patients.

The predictive value of CHADS2 score for subclinical cerebral ischemia after carotid artery stenting (from the PREVENT-CAS trial)

BACKGROUND

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is being increasingly used as an alternative revascularization procedure to carotid endarterectomy; however, subclinical ischemic cerebral lesions after CAS remain as a matter of concern. Hence, we aimed to assess the clinical utility of the CHADS₂ score in predicting subclinical ischemic events after CAS.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 107 patients (mean age: 70.4 ± 6.6 years, male:77) who underwent CAS for carotid artery revascularization. The patients having symptomatic transient ischemic attack or stroke after CAS were excluded. The presence of new hyperintense lesion on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) without any neurological findings was considered as silent ischemia. Patients were classified into two groups as DWI-positive and DWI-negative patients.

RESULTS

Among study population, 28 patients (26.2%) had subclinical embolism. The DWI-positive group had a significantly higher CHADS2 scores, older age, more frequent history of stroke, higher proportion of type III aortic arch, and longer fluoroscopy time than the DWI-negative group. Increased CHADS₂ score was identified as one of the independent predictors of silent embolism (OR = 5.584; 95%CI: 1.516-20.566; p = .010), and CHADS₂ score higher than 2.5 predicted subclinical cerebral ischemia with a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 71% (AUC: 0.793; 95% CI: 0.696 - 0.890; p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

CHADS₂ score was able to predict the risk of periprocedural subclinical ischemic events in CAS and might be of clinical value in the management of patients with carotid artery stenosis.

Predictors of Ipsilateral New Ischemic Lesions on Diffusion-Weighted Imaging after Carotid Artery Stenting in Asymptomatic Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study with Conventional Multicontrast MRI

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to identify the independent risk factors for ipsilateral new ischemic lesions (NILs) during carotid artery stenting (CAS).

METHODS

In patients treated with CAS, the association between postoperative ipsilateral NILs on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and patient demographics, intraoperative factors, the presence of plaque components, the semiquantitative grading of component size on multicontrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Ipsilateral NILs on DWI were detected in 85 (39.2%) patients. The debris was observed on the surface embolic protection devices in 70.97% of patients. Univariate analysis showed that different stages of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) (along with lipid-rich necrotic core [LRNC]) (P < 0.001), size of IPH (P < 0.001), calcification (CA) (P = 0.045), and LRNC (without IPH) (P < 0.001) as well as postdilation (P < 0.001)), stent type (P = 0.001), and aortic arch ulcer (P = 0.004) were associated with postoperative ipsilateral NILs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the acute and recent IPH (along with LRNC) (odds ratio [OR]: 5.77, P < 0.002 and OR: 28.66, P < 0.001, respectively), LRNC size in Grade 2 (OR: 6.10, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for ipsilateral NILs. Aortic arch ulcer (OR: 3.44, P = 0.002), postdilation (OR: 4.72, P = 0.04) and open cell stent (OR: 2.88, P < 0.016) were also significantly related to ipsilateral NILs on DWI after CAS. There was a significant correlation between IPH at different stages and their grade of size (correlation coefficient: 0.89; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The IPH and larger LRNC along with the aortic arch ulcer, postdilation and open cell stent are associated with increased risk of ipsilateral NILs on DWI after CAS procedure. Preoperative staging of IPH and semiquantitative grading of size of plaque components based on multi-contrast MRI may be useful for predicting ipsilateral cerebral ischemic events after CAS.

Effectiveness and safety of dual-layer stents in carotid artery disease: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in atherosclerotic carotid artery disease, even though the risk for procedural stroke after CAS remains significantly higher. Recently, in order to reduce embolic cerebral events after CAS, a new generation of dual-layer stents (DLS) has been developed. This review aimed to perform a detailed analysis of the available evidence on safety and efficacy of DLS in both symptomatic and asymptomatic atherosclerotic carotid artery stenosis.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review was conducted according to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The primary endpoint was the 30-day rate of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and death. Secondary outcomes included rate and timing of stent occlusion/restenosis.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 20 articles with 1193 patients were included. Thirty-day MI ranged from 0-5%, 30-day stroke ranged from 0-10.5% and 30-day mortality ranged from 0-10%. Stent occlusion rate ranged from 0-52.4%, the majority of which occurred intraprocedurally (N.=50; 61.7%), in emergency treated patients. The incidence of new ipsilateral cerebral ischemic lesions after CAS with DLS was reported in five studies, ranging from 5.5-37%.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the theoretic advantage of reducing the risk for procedural embolic events when compared to conventional stents, high quality evidence is scarce. Also, safety issues regarding DLS in the emergency setting have been raised, particularly for thrombotic complications. Additional data from well-designed Randomized Controlled Trials are needed to assert the true value of DLS.

Revacept, an Inhibitor of Platelet Adhesion in Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: Design and Rationale of a Randomized Phase II Clinical Trial

Patients with stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and internal carotid artery stenosis harbor an increased risk of recurrent stroke especially within 2 weeks after the first event. In addition, the revascularization procedure itself (carotid endarterectomy [CEA] or carotid artery stenting [CAS]) is associated with both clinically apparent and silent brain infarctions, mainly caused by the embolic nature of the ruptured carotid plaque. The glycoprotein VI (GPVI) fusion protein Revacept is a highly specific antithrombotic drug without direct inhibition of systemic platelet function that might reduce periprocedural distal embolization from the vulnerable ruptured plaque located at the internal carotid artery. By shielding collagen at the site of vascular injury, Revacept inhibits plaque-mediated platelet adhesion and aggregation, while not directly affecting systemic hemostasis. In this phase II study, 158 patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis with recent TIA or stroke were randomized to receive a single dose of either Revacept (40 or 120 mg) or placebo. All patients were on standard secondary preventive therapy (statins and platelet inhibition) and underwent CEA, CAS, or best medical therapy according to current guidelines. The efficacy of Revacept was evaluated by exploratory assessment of new diffusion-weighted imaging lesions on magnetic resonance imaging after the revascularization procedure; a combination of cardiovascular events (ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, TIA, myocardial infarction, or coronary intervention) and bleeding complications served to assess clinically critical patients' outcome and safety. This exploratory phase II randomized, double-blind clinical trial provides valuable insights on the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of Revacept in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

New ischemic lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging in patients with blunt traumatic cerebrovascular injury

BACKGROUND

Patients with blunt cerebrovascular injuries are at risk of thromboembolic stroke. Although primary prevention with antithrombotic therapy is widely used in this setting, its effectiveness is not well defined and requires further investigation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected ischemic brain lesions as a possible future outcome for randomized clinical trials in this patient population.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included 20 adult blunt trauma patients admitted to a level I trauma center with a screening neck CTA showing extracranial carotid or vertebral artery injury. All subjects lacked initial evidence of an ischemic stroke and were managed with antithrombotic therapy and observation and then underwent brain MRI within 30 days of the injury to assess for ischemic lesions. The MRI scans included diffusion, susceptibility, and Fluid-attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) sequences, and were reviewed by two neuroradiologists blinded to the computed tomography angiography (CTA) findings.

RESULTS

Eleven CTAs were done in the emergency department upon admission. There were 12 carotid artery dissections and 11 unilateral or bilateral vertebral artery injuries. Median interval between injury and MRI scan was 4 days (range, 0.1-14; interquartile range, 3-7 days). Diffusion-weighted imaging evidence of new ischemic lesions was present in 10 (43%) of 23 of the injured artery territories. In those injuries with ischemic lesions, the median number was 8 (range, 2-25; interquartile range, 5-8). None of the lesions were symptomatic. Blunt cerebrovascular injury was associated with a higher mean ischemic lesion count (mean count of 3.17 vs. 0.14, p < 0.0001), with the association remaining after adjusting for injury severity score (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In asymptomatic blunt trauma patients with CTA evidence of extracranial cerebrovascular injury and treated with antithrombotic therapy, nearly half of arterial injuries are associated with ischemic lesions on MRI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/care management, level IV.

Effects of High Dose of Atorvastatin for Preventing Periprocedural Ischemic Brain Damage in Patients Undergoing Carotid Artery Stenting (PICAS) in China: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Research conducted in Western countries has suggested that high-dose statin therapy can lead to the regression of carotid atherosclerotic plaques and can reduce periprocedural ischemic complication rates in individuals undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS). However, whether this same therapeutic approach is of value in patients of Chinese ethnicity is not as well-established. Methods: This is a single-center, prospective, parallel-controlled, intervention-based efficacy study that will enroll a total of 130 Chinese patients with cervical carotid stenosis who are scheduled to undergo CAS. These patients will be randomly divided into a routine treatment group and a high-dose atorvastatin group. Individuals in the routine treatment group will be administered standard of care 20 mg/day atorvastatin treatment. Individuals in the high-dose atorvastatin group will be administered 80 mg/day atorvastatin for 3 days prior to and following CAS. The primary outcome of this study will be the cumulative incidence of new cerebral ischemic lesions on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) within 5 days following CAS, and of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or ischemic stroke within 30 days after CAS. Discussion: This study is the first to assess whether high-dose atorvastatin treatment is capable of reducing the incidence of perioperative cerebral ischemic injury in patients of Chinese ethnicity undergoing CAS. These results will offer evidence regarding which statin treatment regimens are more appropriate when treating Chinese patients undergoing CAS in an effort to minimize their risk of any perioperative cerebral ischemic injury. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03079115; registered March 14, 2017.

Hemodynamic changes between different anatomically designed stents after carotid stenting: a prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the dynamic changes and risk factors of hemodynamic depression (HD) between straight and tapered carotid stenting (SCS and TCS, respectively).

METHODS

A total of 148 and 167 patients were included in TCS and SCS groups in this study, respectively. All clinical data were collected and analyzed for differences in HD and primary endpoint events at 12 months.

RESULTS

The SCS procedure had a lower predilation rate and a higher incidence of intra- and postprocedure HD; furthermore, the decline in heart rate in the SCS procedure was higher in patients with intra- and postprocedure HD (P < 0.05). Right stenosis [odds ratio (OR) 1.67] and stent type (ev3) (OR 2.31) were confirmed as risk factors, and older age (> 70 years) was accompanied by a lower risk (OR 0.58; P < 0.05). The SCS procedure had a higher incidence of bradycardia and hypotension after 24 h and a longer duration of hypotension (P < 0.05). Stenosis (> 80%) (OR 1.68), the SCS procedure (OR 1.72), and alcohol intake (OR 2.38) were defined as risk factors. There was no difference in the complications or clinical endpoint events in either procedure, and the restenosis rate was lower in the TCS procedure (1.35% vs 5.42%).

CONCLUSION

Our results reveal that TCS has a lower incidence of HD and that intra- and postprocedure HD have different manifestations and risk factors.

Age and the risk of new ischemic lesions on diffusion weighted imaging after carotid artery stenting: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to show the association between age and the risk of new ischemic lesions on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) after carotid artery stenting in patients with carotid artery stenosis. We searched PubMed and EMBASE from their dates of inception to March 14, 2019 for eligible studies. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to evaluate the association between age and new DWI lesions. Sensitivity analysis was performed to detect the possible source of heterogeneity. Twenty-three studies enrolling 2127 patients were included. The incidence of new DWI lesions was 62% in older patients and 41% in younger patient (OR 2.44, 95%CI 1.57-3.79; p < 0.0001). The patients with new DWI lesions were older than those without (SMD 0.24, 95% CI 0.08-0.39; p = 0.003). The risk of new DWI lesions increased by 1.07 per added year (95%CI 1.04-1.11, p < 0.0001). The results remained stable in sensitivity analyses and after adjusting for publication bias. It was concluded that older age was at higher risk of new DWI lesions after stenting in patients with carotid artery stenosis.

Gadolinium Enhancement of the Aneurysm Wall in Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The natural history and optimal treatment of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms are unknown. Gadolinium enhancement of the aneurysm wall may reflect aneurysm wall inflammation and instability. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of extracranial carotid artery aneurysm wall imaging and explored a potential relationship of aneurysm wall enhancement with aneurysm growth and the presence of (silent) brain infarcts and white matter lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen conservatively treated patients with 15 asymptomatic extracranial carotid artery aneurysms underwent gadolinium-enhanced 3T MR imaging at 2 time points with a 12-month interval. Primary outcome was growth of the aneurysm sac (≥2.0 mm); secondary outcomes were the presence of (silent) brain infarcts and white matter lesions at baseline and follow-up. MR images were reviewed by 2 independent observers, and inter- and intraobserver reproducibility was assessed.

RESULTS

Seven (50%) patients were men; the median age was 55 years (range, 40-69 years). Eleven extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (73%) were saccular (median size, 11 mm; range, 5.0-38.5 mm), and 4 were fusiform (median size, 21.5 mm; range, 10.0-40.0 mm). Eleven of 15 aneurysms (73%) exhibited gadolinium enhancement at baseline. Four aneurysms (27%) showed growth at follow-up imaging, 2 gadolinium-positive (+) and 2 gadolinium-negative (-) (P = .245). Three patients (21%) had ipsilateral brain infarcts at baseline; 1 of them showed a new silent brain infarct at follow-up imaging (gadolinium+). Nine patients (64%) showed bilateral white matter lesions at baseline. In 3 patients, increased white matter lesion severity was observed at follow-up (2 gadolinium+). All observations showed excellent inter- and intraobserver reproducibility.

CONCLUSIONS

In this explorative study, we demonstrated that extracranial carotid artery aneurysm wall imaging was feasible. Future well-powered studies are needed to investigate whether extracranial carotid artery aneurysm gadolinium enhancement predicts aneurysm growth and thromboembolic complications.