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Xu S, Yu S, Mao B, Yang J, Jiang P, Wan S, Fu F. Cholinergic hyperintensity pathways are associated with cognitive performance in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2024; 241:108278. [PMID: 38631155 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2024.108278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine whether asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACS) induced cognitive impairments were related to the cholinergic hyperintensity pathway. METHODS This cross-sectional study included patients with moderate-to-severe ACS, who were categorized into mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and normal cognition groups on the basis of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. The cholinergic pathway hyperintensity scale (CHIPS), Fazekas, and medial temporal atrophy (MTA) scores were assessed. SPSS software was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS A total of 117 ACS patients (70.89 ± 8.81 years) and 105 controls (67.87 ± 9.49 years) were evaluated (t = 2.46, p = 0.015). The ACS group showed a worse median Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score (z = -2.41, p = 0.016) and MoCA score (z = -3.51, p < 0.001), and a significantly higher median total CHIPS score (z = 4.88, p < 0.001) and mean Fazekas score (t = 2.39, p = 0.018). In the correlation analysis, the MoCA score showed a significant negative correlation with the CHIPS score (ρ = -0.41, p < 0.001) and Fazekas score (ρ = -0.31, p < 0.001) in ACS group. Logistic regression analyses suggested that CHIPS scores were risk factors for MCI in patients with ACS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]1.01-1.13 and controls (OR = 1.09, 95%CI 1.01-1.17), while the MTA and Fazekas scores showed no predictive power. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the area under the curve of the CHIPS score for predicting MCI was 0.71 in ACS group, but was only 0.57 in controls. CONCLUSIONS Patients with ACS showed poorer cognitive performance and higher CHIPS and Fazekas scores. CHIPS, but not Fazekas, scores were risk factors for cognitive impairment and were a valuable factor to predict MCI in patients with ACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanhu Xu
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Precision Medicine in Cerebrovascular Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Susu Yu
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Baojie Mao
- Department of Brain Centre, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiahu Yang
- Department of Radiology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peiyi Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shu Wan
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Precision Medicine in Cerebrovascular Diseases, Hangzhou, China; Department of Brain Centre, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Fengli Fu
- Department of Radiology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China.
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Madaudo C, Coppola G, Parlati ALM, Corrado E. Discovering Inflammation in Atherosclerosis: Insights from Pathogenic Pathways to Clinical Practice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6016. [PMID: 38892201 PMCID: PMC11173271 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review explores the various scenarios of atherosclerosis, a systemic and chronic arterial disease that underlies most cardiovascular disorders. Starting from an overview of its insidious development, often asymptomatic until it reaches advanced stages, the review delves into the pathophysiological evolution of atherosclerotic lesions, highlighting the central role of inflammation. Insights into clinical manifestations, including heart attacks and strokes, highlight the disease's significant burden on global health. Emphasis is placed on carotid atherosclerosis, clarifying its epidemiology, clinical implications, and association with cognitive decline. Prevention strategies, lifestyle modifications, risk factor management, and nuanced antithrombotic treatment considerations are critical to managing cardiovascular complications, thus addressing a crucial aspect of cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Madaudo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Cardiology Unit, University of Palermo, University Hospital P. Giaccone, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Coppola
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Cardiology Unit, University of Palermo, University Hospital P. Giaccone, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.)
| | | | - Egle Corrado
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Cardiology Unit, University of Palermo, University Hospital P. Giaccone, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.)
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Cui Z, Xu S, Miu J, Tang Y, Pan L, Cao X, Zhang J. Development and Validation of a Fusion Model Based on Carotid Plaques and White Matter Lesion Burden Imaging Characteristics to Evaluate Ischemic Stroke Severity in Symptomatic Patients. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024. [PMID: 38738856 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnostic value of carotid plaque characteristics based on higher-resolution vessel wall MRI (HRVW-MRI) combined with white matter lesion (WML) burden for the risk of ischemic stroke is unclear. PURPOSE To combine carotid plaque features and WML burden to construct a hybrid model for evaluating ischemic stroke severity and prognosis in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. STUDY TYPE Retrospective. SUBJECTS One hundred and ninty-three patients with least one confirmed carotid atherosclerotic stenosis ≥30% and cerebrovascular symptoms within the last 2 weeks (136 in the training cohort and 57 in the test cohort). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3.0T, T2-weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery (T2-FLAIR) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI); HRVW-MRI: 3D T1-weighted variable flip angle fast spin-echo sequences (VISTA), T2-weighted VISTA, simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage (SNAP), and contrast-enhanced T1-VISTA. ASSESSMENT The following features of the plaques or vessel wall were assessed by three MRI readers independently: calcification (CA), intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), ulceration, plaque enhancement (PE), maximum vessel diameter (Max VD), maximum wall thickness (Max WT), total vessel area (TVA), lumen area (LA), plaque volume, and lumen stenosis. WMLs were graded visually and categorized as absent-to-mild WMLs (Fazekas score 0-2) or moderate-severe WMLs (Fazekas score 3-6). WML volumes were quantified using a semiautomated volumetric analysis program. Modified Rankin scores (mRS) were assessed at 90 days, following an outpatient interview, or by telephone. STATISTICAL TESTS LASSO-logistic regression analysis was performed to construct a model. The performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, calibration curves, decision curve analyses, and clinical imaging curves. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to explore the associations between the hybrid model-derived score and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days. RESULTS The model was constructed using five selected features, including IPH, plaque enhancement, ulceration, NWI, and total Fazekas score in deep WMLs (DWMLs). The hybrid model yielded an area under the curve of 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87-0.97) in the training cohort and 0.88 (0.80-0.96) in the test cohort. Furthermore, the hybrid model-derived score (odds ratio = 1.28; 95% CI 1.06-1.53) was independently associated with the mRS score 90 days after stroke. DATA CONCLUSIONS The hybrid model constructed using MRI plaque characteristics and WML burden has potential to be an effective noninvasive method of assessing ischemic stroke severity. The model-derived score has promising utility in judging neurological function recovery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimeng Cui
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siting Xu
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiali Miu
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Tang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Pan
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Cao
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Center for Shanghai Intelligent Imaging for Critical Brain Diseases Engineering and Technology Reasearch, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Center for Shanghai Intelligent Imaging for Critical Brain Diseases Engineering and Technology Reasearch, Shanghai, China
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Li J, Tian Y, Shi Y, Cui Y, Lian J, Liu P. Association of vulnerable plaques with white matter hyperintensities on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2024; 14:3606-3618. [PMID: 38720851 PMCID: PMC11074730 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-1856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Background One of the widespread manifestations of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) of the brain parenchyma is white matter lesion, which appears as white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Previous studies have illustrated that large artery atherosclerosis is related to CSVD, but the precise progress of pathogenesis remains unknown. High-resolution MRI (HR-MRI) has the ability to delineate intracranial vascular walls, enabling a thorough exploration of the structure and composition of unstable plaques. This study aimed to apply HR-MRI to characterize the wall changes and plaque characteristics of middle cerebral arteries in patients with WMHs and to investigate the correlation between plaque vulnerability parameters and different degrees of WMHs. Methods In this study, 138 patients with acute ischemic stroke at Harbin Medical University's First Clinical Hospital (May 2021 to October 2023) were cross-sectionally reviewed and underwent conventional brain and HR-MRI using T1-weighted 3D volumetric isotropic turbo spin echo acquisition (T1W-3D-VISTA) of the unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA). According to Fazekas grade (0-6), the patients were divided into two groups: Fazekas score 0-2, no-or-mild WMHs; and Fazekas 3-6, moderate-to-severe WMHs. The intraplaque hemorrhage, plaque distribution, plaque enhancement, plaque load, remodeling pattern, and stenosis of the two groups were measured. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between vulnerable plaques and WMHs. Results Of the participants who were initially considered for inclusion, 71 were deemed eligible, among whom 34 were placed in the no-or-mild WMH group and 37 in the moderate-to-severe WMH group. Between the two groups, there were significant differences in intraplaque hemorrhage (P=0.01), a wide distribution (P=0.02), and plaque enhancement (P=0.02). Univariate analysis showed that WMHs were associated with age [odds ratio (OR) =1.080; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.020-1.144; P=0.008], hypertension (OR =3.500; 95% CI: 1.276-9.597; P=0.01), intraplaque hemorrhage (OR =3.955; 95% CI: 1.247-12.538; P=0.02), a wide distribution (OR =3.067; 95% CI: 1.159-8.115; P=0.02), and significant plaque enhancement (OR =4.372; 95% CI: 1.101-17.358; P=0.03); however, the multivariate results showed that the only independent factors associated with WMHs were age (OR =1.095; 95% CI: 1.019-1.176; P=0.01) and intraplaque hemorrhage (OR =5.88; 95% CI: 1.466-23.592; P=0.01). Conclusions Our findings suggest that age and intraplaque hemorrhage may be associated with more severe WMHs in patients with acute ischemic stroke, which may be helpful for further clinical examination and intervention treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Li
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yingzhe Cui
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | | | - Pengfei Liu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Kiernan MJ, Al Mukaddim R, Mitchell CC, Maybock J, Wilbrand SM, Dempsey RJ, Varghese T. Lumen segmentation using a Mask R-CNN in carotid arteries with stenotic atherosclerotic plaque. ULTRASONICS 2024; 137:107193. [PMID: 37952384 PMCID: PMC10841729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2023.107193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
In patients at high risk for ischemic stroke, clinical carotid ultrasound is often used to grade stenosis, determine plaque burden and assess stroke risk. Analysis currently requires a trained sonographer to manually identify vessel and plaque regions, which is time and labor intensive. We present a method for automatically determining bounding boxes and lumen segmentation using a Mask R-CNN network trained on sonographer assisted ground-truth carotid lumen segmentations. Automatic lumen segmentation also lays the groundwork for developing methods for accurate plaque segmentation, and wall thickness measurements in cases with no plaque. Different training schemes are used to identify the Mask R-CNN model with the highest accuracy. Utilizing a single-channel B-mode training input, our model produces a mean bounding box intersection over union (IoU) of 0.81 and a mean lumen segmentation IoU of 0.75. However, we encountered errors in prediction when the jugular vein is the most prominently visualized vessel in the B-mode image. This was due to the fact that our dataset has limited instances of B-mode images with both the jugular vein and carotid artery where the vein is dominantly visualized. Additional training datasets are anticipated to mitigate this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell J Kiernan
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UW-SMPH), United States.
| | - Rashid Al Mukaddim
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UW-SMPH), United States
| | | | - Jenna Maybock
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UW-SMPH. Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Robert J Dempsey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UW-SMPH. Madison, WI, United States
| | - Tomy Varghese
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UW-SMPH), United States.
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Yin L, Zhao XX, Gao SL, Yuan WL, Wu K, Qian WD, Li QQ. Analysis of the correlations between the extracranial internal carotid artery and extracranial vertebral artery and mild cognitive impairment. Technol Health Care 2024; 32:467-479. [PMID: 37840510 DOI: 10.3233/thc-230677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular tortuosity is a prevalent morphological change that frequently occurs in arteries across different parts of the body. OBJECTIVE To analyze the relationship between the tortuosities of the extracranial internal carotid artery (EICA) and extracranial vertebral artery (EVA) with mild cognitive impairment. METHODS The tortuosity index (TI), vascular deviation degree, tortuosity degree, and angle number of the EICA and EVA were retrospectively analyzed and calculated in 160 patients who underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) in this study's department, and the Montreal cognitive assessment was adopted to evaluate the cognitive function of the patients. RESULTS The differences in age, gender, arterial hypertension (AH), and diabetes mellitus (DM) between the normal group and the mild cognitive impairment group were statistically significant (p< 0.01). The TI was negatively correlated with the score of cognitive function. The tortuosities of the EICA and EVA were correlated with mild cognitive impairment (p< 0.05). The reduction in visual-spatial ability was correlated with the right EICA tortuosity, and the reduction in memory was correlated with the EVA tortuosity. Age, gender, HP, DM, and coronary heart disease (CHD) were potential risk factors for carotid tortuosity (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION There was a significant correlation observed between the TIs of both the EICA and EVA and the presence of mild cognitive impairment. Advanced age, female, HP, DM, and CHD were independent risk factors for EICA and EVA tortuosities.
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Sun CK, Guo F, Ou YN, Zhang MZ, Tan L, Tan MS. Association Between Carotid Plaque and Alzheimer's Disease Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers and Cognitive Function in Cognitively Intact Adults: The CABLE Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 100:207-217. [PMID: 38848186 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Background The association between carotid plaque and cognitive decline has recently been reported. However, the current research evidence is insufficient, and the possible causes of cognitive changes are unknown. Objective This study aims to explore the relationships between carotid plaque and cognition functions, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers in cognitively intact adults, and try to study the underlying mechanisms. Methods We enrolled 165 cognitively normal participants from the Chinese Alzheimer's Biomarker and LifestylE (CABLE) study, who had CSF AD biomarker measurements and carotid ultrasound. Linear modeling was used to assess the association of carotid plaque with CSF biomarkers and cognition. Additionally, mediation analysis was conducted through 10,000 bootstrapped iterations to explore potential links between carotid plaque, AD pathology, and cognition. Results We found that carotid plaque exhibited significant correlations with Aβ42 (β = -1.173, p = 0.022), Aβ42/Aβ40 (β = -0.092, p < 0.001), P-tau/Aβ42 (β = 0.110, p = 0.045), and T-tau/Aβ42 (β = 0.451, p = 0.010). A significant correlation between carotid plaque and cognition decline was also found in men (β = -0.129, p = 0.021), and mediation analyses revealed that the effect of carotid plaque on cognitive function could be mediated by Aβ42/Aβ40 (proportion of mediation = 55.8%), P-tau/Aβ42 (proportion of mediation = 51.6%, p = 0.015) and T-tau/Aβ42 (proportion of mediation = 43.8%, p = 0.015) mediated. Conclusions This study demonstrated the link between carotid plaque and CSF AD biomarkers in cognitively intact adults, and the important role that AD pathology may play in the correlation between carotid plaque and cognitive changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Kun Sun
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fan Guo
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya-Nan Ou
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ming-Zhan Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Lan Tan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Qingdao, China
| | - Meng-Shan Tan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Qingdao, China
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Zhang R, Peng L, Cai Q, Xu Y, Liu Z, Liu Y. Development and validation of a predictive model for white matter lesions in young- and middle-aged people. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1257795. [PMID: 37928162 PMCID: PMC10622790 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1257795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background White matter lesion (WML) is an age-related disorder associated with stroke and cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors and build a predictive model of WML in young- and middle-aged people. Methods We performed a second analysis of the data from the Dryad Digital Repository. We selected those people who are <60 years old and randomly divided them into the training group and the validation group. We investigated the risk factors of WML in the training group with logistic regression analysis and built a prediction nomogram based on multivariate logistic regression analysis; finally, the performance of the prediction nomogram was evaluated for discrimination, accuracy, and clinical utility. Results There were 308 people in the training group and 723 people in the validation group. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the age (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.31-1.70), diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.03), carotid plaque score (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.14-1.50), female gender (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.56-3.30), and metabolic syndrome (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.22-3.70) were significantly associated with white matter lesions. The area under the curve value (AUC) of the receiver operating curve (ROC) was 0.734 for the training group and 0.642 for the validation group. The calibration curve and clinical impact curve showed that the prediction nomogram has good accuracy and clinical application value. Conclusion Age, diastolic blood pressure, carotid plaque score, female gender, and metabolic syndrome were risk factors in young- and middle-aged people <60 years old with WML, and the nomogram based on these risk factors showed good discrimination, accuracy, and clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renwei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Peng
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi Cai
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Xu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenxing Liu
- Department of Neurology, Yiling Hospital of Yichang, Yichang, China
| | - Yumin Liu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Koueik J, Wesley UV, Dempsey RJ. Pathophysiology, cellular and molecular mechanisms of large and small vessel diseases. Neurochem Int 2023; 164:105499. [PMID: 36746322 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is the second most common cause of cognitive impairment and dementia in aged population. CVD presents in a myriad number of clinical ways based on the functional location of pathology. While primary clinical emphasis has been placed on motor, speech and visual deficits, vascular cognitive decline is a vastly under recognized and devastating condition afflicting millions of Americans. CVD, a disease of the blood vessels that supply blood to brain involves an integration between small and large vessels. Cerebral large vessel diseases (LVD) are associated with atherosclerosis, artery-to-artery embolism, intracardiac embolism and a large vessel stroke leading to substantial functional disability. Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is critically involved in stroke, brain hemorrhages, cognitive decline and functional loss in elderly patients. An evolving understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms emphasizes that inflammatory vascular changes contribute to systemic pathologic conditions of the central nervous systems (CNS), with specific clinical presentations including, cognitive decline. Advances in an understanding of pathophysiology of disease processes and therapeutic interventions may help improve outcomes. This review will focus on large and small vessels diseases and their relationship to vascular cognitive decline, atherosclerosis, stroke, and inflammatory neurodegeneration. We will also emphasize the molecular and cellular mechanisms, as well as genetic and epigenetic factors associated with LVD and SVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Koueik
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Umadevi V Wesley
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Robert J Dempsey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
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Liu H, Yang S, He W, Liu X, Sun S, Wang S, Wang Y, Zhou X, Tang T, Xia J, Liu Y, Huang Q. Associations Among Diffusion Tensor Image Along the Perivascular Space (DTI-ALPS), Enlarged Perivascular Space (ePVS), and Cognitive Functions in Asymptomatic Patients With Carotid Plaque. Front Neurol 2022; 12:789918. [PMID: 35082748 PMCID: PMC8785797 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.789918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) is a common pathogenesis of cerebrovascular disease closely related to stroke and silent cerebrovascular disease (SCD), while the insufficient brain perfusion mechanism cannot quite explain the mechanism. The purpose of this study was to utilize diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) to evaluate the glymphatic system activity and correlated DTI-ALPS with enlarged perivascular spaces (ePVS), carotid intima-media thickening (CIMT), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), and serological indicator in individuals with carotid plaque. Methods: Routine MRI and diffusion tensor images scan of the brain, carotid ultrasound, and blood examination were conducted on 74 individuals (52 carotid plaque subjects, 22 non-carotid plaque subjects), whose demographic and clinical characteristics were also recorded. DTI-ALPS index between patients with carotid plaque and normal controls were acquired and the correlations with other variables were analyzed. Results: The values of ALPS-index in the carotid plaque group was significantly lower compared to normal controls (2.12 ± 0.39, 1.95 ± 0.28, respectively, p = 0.034). The ALPS-index was negatively correlated with the basal ganglia (BG)-ePVS score (r = -0.242, p = 0.038) while there was no significant difference in the centrum semiovale (CSO)-ePVS score. Further analysis showed that there are more high-grade ePVS in the BG compared to the carotid plaque group than in the non-carotid plaque group (84.6% vs. 40.9%, p = 0.001). Conclusions: ALPS-index reflects the glymphatic system of the brain, which is associated with early high-risk cerebrovascular diseases. There may be damage in the function of the glymphatic system which induces the expansion of the perivascular space (PVS) in the BG in individuals with carotid plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center for Cerebrovascular Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center for Cerebrovascular Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei He
- Hunan Clinical Research Center for Cerebrovascular Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Emergency, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- Hunan Clinical Research Center for Cerebrovascular Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Neurology, Stroke Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shanyi Sun
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Hunan Clinical Research Center for Cerebrovascular Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Integrated Traditional and Western, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoliang Zhou
- Hunan Clinical Research Center for Cerebrovascular Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Neurology, Stroke Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tao Tang
- Hunan Clinical Research Center for Cerebrovascular Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Integrated Traditional and Western, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Xia
- Hunan Clinical Research Center for Cerebrovascular Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Neurology, Stroke Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yunhai Liu
- Hunan Clinical Research Center for Cerebrovascular Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Neurology, Stroke Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qing Huang
- Hunan Clinical Research Center for Cerebrovascular Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Neurology, Stroke Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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11
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Rastogi A, Weissert R, Bhaskar SMM. Emerging role of white matter lesions in cerebrovascular disease. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:5531-5559. [PMID: 34233379 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
White matter lesions have been implicated in the setting of stroke, dementia, intracerebral haemorrhage, several other cerebrovascular conditions, migraine, various neuroimmunological diseases like multiple sclerosis, disorders of metabolism, mitochondrial diseases and others. While much is understood vis a vis neuroimmunological conditions, our knowledge of the pathophysiology of these lesions, and their role in, and implications to, management of cerebrovascular diseases or stroke, especially in the elderly, are limited. Several clinical assessment tools are available for delineating white matter lesions in clinical practice. However, their incorporation into clinical decision-making and specifically prognosis and management of patients is suboptimal for use in standards of care. This article sought to provide an overview of the current knowledge and recent advances on pathophysiology, as well as clinical and radiological assessment, of white matter lesions with a focus on its development, progression and clinical implications in cerebrovascular diseases. Key indications for clinical practice and recommendations on future areas of research are also discussed. Finally, a conceptual proposal on putative mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of white matter lesions in cerebrovascular disease has been presented. Understanding of pathophysiology of white matter lesions and how they mediate outcomes is important to develop therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarushi Rastogi
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.,Neurovascular Imaging Laboratory, Clinical Sciences Stream, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Weissert
- Department of Neurology, Regensburg University Hospital, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sonu Menachem Maimonides Bhaskar
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.,Neurovascular Imaging Laboratory, Clinical Sciences Stream, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,NSW Brain Clot Bank, NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Liverpool Hospital and South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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12
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Wan T, Wei P, Yao Y, Liu H, Li J. Association of Carotid Plaque and Serum Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 (LP-PLA2) with Postoperative Delirium in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Hip Replacement: A Prospective Cohort Study. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e927763. [PMID: 33188662 PMCID: PMC7673065 DOI: 10.12659/msm.927763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among carotid plaque (CP), serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase (LP-PLA2), and POD in elderly patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-two elderly patients undergoing hip replacement with spinal-epidural anesthesia were divided into CP and non-CP groups based on the preoperative presence or absence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques, as assessed by ultrasound. POD was diagnosed by means of the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). Blood samples were collected (preoperatively, postoperatively, and postoperative day 2) for the assessment of serum LP-PLA2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The CP group was further divided into POD and no-POD subgroups based on the occurrence of POD. RESULTS The incidence of POD was higher in the CP group than in the non-CP group (P0.05), it was higher in the CP group than in the non-CP group postoperatively and on postoperative day 2 (P0.05), but was significantly higher in the POD subgroup than in the no-POD subgroup on postoperative day 2 (P<0.05). Furthermore, the LP-PLA2 level on postoperative day 2 was an independent risk factor for POD (odds ratio: 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.07). CONCLUSIONS The preoperative presence of carotid plaque is closely associated with a higher incidence of POD. The potential mechanism may involve the increased expression of LP-PLA2 in the serum, which can lead to plaque destabilization and subsequent inflammatory cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Wan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Penghui Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), Qingdao, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Yong Yao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Jianjun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), Qingdao, Shandong, China (mainland)
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13
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Meshram NH, Jackson D, Mitchell CC, Wilbrand SM, Dempsey RJ, Hermann BP, Varghese T. Study of the Relationship Between Ultrasound Strain Indices and Cognitive Decline for Vulnerable Carotid Plaque. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020; 2020:2088-2091. [PMID: 33018417 DOI: 10.1109/embc44109.2020.9175911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A relationship between ultrasound strain indices in carotid plaque to cognitive domains of executive and language function are studied in 42 symptomatic and 34 asymptomatic patients. The mean and standard deviation of the percentage stenosis were 72.10 ± 15.19 and 77.41 ± 11.20 for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients respectively. Pearson's correlation between axial, lateral and shear strain indices versus executive and language composite scores was performed.. A significant inverse correlation for both executive and language function for symptomatic patients to strain indices was found. On the other hand, for asymptomatic patients only executive function was inversely correlated with the corresponding strain indices. Our hypothesis that microemboli from vulnerable plaque and possible 'silent strokes' may be responsible for decline in executive function for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients'. Strokes and transient ischemic attacks may be responsible for further cognitive decline in language function for symptomatic patients.
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14
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Mitchell CC, Wilbrand SM, Cook TD, Meshram NH, Steffel CN, Nye R, Varghese T, Hermann BP, Dempsey RJ. Carotid Plaque Strain Indices Were Correlated With Cognitive Performance in a Cohort With Advanced Atherosclerosis, and Traditional Doppler Measures Showed no Association. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2020; 39:2033-2042. [PMID: 32395885 PMCID: PMC7531894 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Traditional Doppler measures have been used to predict cognitive performance in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Novel measures, such as carotid plaque strain indices (CPSIs), have shown associations with cognitive performance. We hypothesized that lower mean middle cerebral artery (MCA) velocities, higher bulb-internal carotid artery (ICA) velocities, the MCA pulsatility index (PI), and CPSIs would be associated with poorer cognitive performance in individuals with advanced atherosclerosis. METHODS Neurocognitive testing, carotid ultrasound imaging, transcranial Doppler imaging, and carotid strain imaging were performed on 40 patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy. Kendall tau correlations were used to examine relationships between cognitive tests and the surgical-side maximum peak systolic velocity (PSV; from the bulb, proximal, mid, or distal ICA), mean MCA velocity and PI, and maximum CPSIs (axial, lateral, and shear strain indices used to characterize plaque deformations with arterial pulsation). Cognitive measures included age-adjusted indices of verbal fluency, verbal and visual learning/memory, psychomotor speed, auditory attention/working memory, visuospatial construction, and mental flexibility. RESULTS Participants had a median age of 71.0 (interquartile range, 9.75) years; 26 were male (65%), and 14 were female (35%). Traditional Doppler parameters, PSV, mean MCA velocity, and MCA PI did not predict cognitive performance (all P > .05). Maximum CPSIs were significantly associated with cognitive performance (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Traditional velocity measurements of the maximum bulb-ICA PSV, mean MCA velocity, and PI were not associated with cognitive performance in patients with advanced atherosclerotic disease; however, maximum CPSIs were associated with cognitive performance. These findings suggest that cognition may be associated with unstable plaque rather than blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol C. Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular
Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland
Avenue, Madison, WI, USA 53792
| | - Stephanie M. Wilbrand
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin
School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, USA
53792
| | - Thomas D. Cook
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics,
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 610 Walnut Street,
Madison WI, USA 53726
| | - Nirvedh H. Meshram
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin
School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland
Avenue, Madison, WI, USA 53705
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,
University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering
Drive, Madison, WI, USA 53706
- Corresponding Author: Carol C. Mitchell,
PhD, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, USA 53792, 608-262-0680,
| | - Catherine N. Steffel
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin
School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland
Avenue, Madison, WI, USA 53705
| | - Rebecca Nye
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular
Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland
Avenue, Madison, WI, USA 53792
| | - Tomy Varghese
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin
School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland
Avenue, Madison, WI, USA 53705
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,
University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering
Drive, Madison, WI, USA 53706
| | - Bruce P. Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of
Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI USA 53792
| | - Robert J. Dempsey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin
School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, USA
53792
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15
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Wang Y, Jiang C, Huang H, Liu N, Wang Y, Chen Z, Liang S, Wu M, Jiang Y, Wang X, Zhou T, Chen H, Zhang L, Li H. Correlation of Cerebral White Matter Lesions with Carotid Intraplaque Neovascularization assessed by Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 29:104928. [PMID: 32689582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.104928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Carotid atherosclerotic plaque is closely associated with cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs), while intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) contributes significantly to arterial remodeling and plaque vulnerability. In this study, we aim to evaluate the correlation of carotid IPN with cerebral WMLs. METHODS The presence of IPN and WMLs were assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and MRI respectively. IPN was evaluated utilizing semi-quantification visual grading scale and WMLs was divided according to Fazekas grading scale. We investigated the baseline data, Fazekas grades, and IPN grades among 269 participants. We explored the influences of each variable on Fazekas grades using ordinal logistic regression and evaluated the relationship between IPN grades and WMLs Fazekas grades. RESULTS Increased age (OR: 1.06, P<0.001), hypertension (OR: 2.17, P=0.002), cerebral infarction (OR: 1.74, P=0.046), and elevated carotid IPN grading were significantly associated with aggravated Fazekas grades (grade 2 or 3). To be specific, people having grade 3, 2, and 1 carotid IPN were 25.84 (P<0.001), 10.64 (P<0.001), and 5.96 (P=0.010) times as likely to have elevated Fazekas grades compared with those who having grade 0 carotid IPN. CONCLUSION Increased carotid IPN is independently correlated with aggravated cerebral WMLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; First Clinical Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Chao Jiang
- Department of Public Health, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Ultrasound, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Niu Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaoyao Chen
- Department of Neurology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sen Liang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minghua Wu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yajun Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- GCP Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; First Clinical Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hu Chen
- Department of Radiology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; First Clinical Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Neurology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; First Clinical Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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16
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Dempsey RJ, Bowman K. The past, present, and future of neurosurgery's role in stroke. J Neurosurg 2020; 133:260-266. [PMID: 32244210 DOI: 10.3171/2020.1.jns193043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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17
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Xu HM, Huo R, Xin RJ, Yang DD, Liu Y, Lang N, Zhao XH, Wang T, Yuan HS. Association of atherosclerotic plaque features with collateral circulation status in elderly patients with chronic carotid stenosis. J Geriatr Cardiol 2020; 17:202-209. [PMID: 32362918 PMCID: PMC7189263 DOI: 10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the association of carotid plaque features with collateral circulation status in elderly patients with moderate to severe carotid stenosis. METHODS Elderly patients (> 60 years) with moderate to severe carotid stenosis were recruited and categorized into good and poor collateral circulation groups, and underwent magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography imaging. The carotid plaque features including lipid-rich necrotic core, intraplaque hemorrhage, calcification, and fibrous cap rupture (FCR) were evaluated, and maximum wall thickness, normalized wall index (NWI), and luminal stenosis were measured. The association between these variables and collateral circulation status was analyzed. RESULTS Of the 97 patients (78 males, mean age: 69.0 ± 6.1 years), 19 (19.6%) had poor collaterals. The poor collateral group had a significantly higher NWI (93.7% ± 5.0% vs. 89.0% ± 7.9%, P = 0.011), a greater extent of stenosis (80.0% ± 11.4% vs. 75.3% ± 9.4%, P = 0.036) and FCR (84.2% vs. 55.1%, P = 0.020) compared with good collateral group. Carotid NWI (OR = 3.83, 95% CI: 1.36-10.82, P = 0.011) and more FCR (OR = 6.77, 95% CI: 1.35-33.85, P = 0.020) were associated with poor collateral circulation after adjustment for the confounding factors. The combination of NWI, FCR, systolic blood pressure, and triglycerides had the highest area-under-the-curve (AUC = 0.85) for detection of poor collaterals. CONCLUSIONS Carotid plaque features, specifically NWI and FCR, are independently associated with poor collateral circulation, and the combination of carotid plaque features and traditional risk factors has a stronger predictive value for poor collateral circulation than plaque features alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Min Xu
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Huo
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Jing Xin
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan-Dan Yang
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Lang
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xi-Hai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Shu Yuan
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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18
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Varghese T, Meshram NH, Mitchell CC, Wilbrand SM, Hermann BP, Dempsey RJ. Lagrangian carotid strain imaging indices normalized to blood pressure for vulnerable plaque. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2019; 47:477-485. [PMID: 31168787 PMCID: PMC6760247 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.22739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ultrasound Lagrangian carotid strain imaging (LCSI) utilizes physiological deformation caused by arterial pressure variations to generate strain tensor maps of the vessel walls and plaques. LCSI has been criticized for the lack of normalization of magnitude-based strain indices to physiological stimuli, namely blood pressure. We evaluated the impact of normalization of magnitude-based strain indices to blood pressure measured immediately after the acquisition of radiofrequency (RF) data loops for LCSI. MATERIALS AND METHODS A complete clinical ultrasound examination along with RF data loops for LCSI was performed on 50 patients (30 males and 20 females) who presented with >60% carotid stenosis and were scheduled for carotid endarterectomy. Cognition was assessed using the 60-minute neuropsychological test protocol. RESULTS For axial strains correlation of maximum accumulated strain indices (MASI), cognition scores were -0.46 for non-normalized and -0.45, -0.49, -0.37, and -0.48 for systolic, diastolic, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure normalized data, respectively. The corresponding area under the curve (AUC) values for classifiers designed using maximum likelihood estimation of a binormal distribution with a median-split of the executive function cognition scores were 0.73, 0.70, 0.71, 0.70, and 0.71, respectively. CONCLUSIONS No significant differences in the AUC estimates were obtained between normalized and non-normalized magnitude-based strain indices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomy Varghese
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Nirvedh H Meshram
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Carol C Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Stephanie M Wilbrand
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Bruce P Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Robert J Dempsey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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19
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Dempsey RJ, Jackson DC, Wilbrand SM, Mitchell CC, Berman SE, Johnson SC, Meshram NH, Varghese T, Hermann BP. The Preservation of Cognition 1 Year After Carotid Endarterectomy in Patients With Prior Cognitive Decline. Neurosurgery 2019; 82:322-328. [PMID: 28575478 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyx173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular cognitive decline is critically important in the course of atherosclerosis and stroke. OBJECTIVE To explore the hypothesis that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) by removing an unstable plaque may slow the course of vascular cognitive decline in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. METHODS Patients with clinically significant (>60%) carotid stenosis were studied preop and 1 yr post-CEA for clinical symptoms, vascular cognitive decline, instability of carotid plaque-presence of microemboli, brain white matter changes, and medical risk factors. RESULTS Forty-six percent were classically symptomatic. All patients showed vascular cognitive decline at presentation which correlated with degree of plaque instability. Significant white matter hyperintensity changes (48.7%) and cerebral emboli (25%) were also seen at baseline in both classically symptomatic and asymptomatic. One year after CEA, both groups showed no decline in cognitive function and significant improvement in 2 tests (P = .028 and P = .013). Brain white matter hyperintensities were unchanged. Microemboli were reduced but remained present (17.86%). Improvement was predicted by the presence of hypertension (P = .001), or less advanced cognitive decline preoperatively (P = .009). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the importance of vascular cognitive decline in atherosclerotic disease. This is a function of the degree of instability of the atherosclerotic plaque more than the presence of stroke symptoms. It further suggests that atherosclerotic vascular cognitive decline need not be inevitable, and may be modified by treating hypertension and removal of the unstable plaque. This highlights the need for continued research on the cognitive effects of cerebrovascular disease and the synergistic benefits of intensive medical and surgical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Dempsey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Daren C Jackson
- Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Stephanie M Wilbrand
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Carol C Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine Division, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Sara E Berman
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Sterling C Johnson
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Nirvedh H Meshram
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Tomy Varghese
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Bruce P Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Centennial Building, Madison, Wisconsin
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20
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Stefely JA, Theisen E, Hanewall C, Scholl L, Burkard ME, Huttenlocher A, Yu JPJ. A physician-scientist preceptorship in clinical and translational research enhances training and mentorship. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2019; 19:89. [PMID: 30917818 PMCID: PMC6438136 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-019-1523-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dual degree program MD/PhD candidates typically train extensively in basic science research and in clinical medicine, but often receive little formal experience or mentorship in clinical and translational research. METHODS To address this educational and curricular gap, the University of Wisconsin Medical Scientist Training Program partnered with the University of Wisconsin Institute for Clinical and Translational Research to create a new physician-scientist preceptorship in clinical and translational research. This six-week apprentice-style learning experience-guided by a physician-scientist faculty mentor-integrates both clinical work and a translational research project, providing early exposure and hands-on experience with clinically oriented research and the integrated career of a physician-scientist. Five years following implementation, we retrospectively surveyed students and faculty members to determine the outcomes of this preceptorship. RESULTS Over five years, 38 students and 36 faculty members participated in the physician-scientist preceptorship. Based on student self-assessments (n = 29, response rate 76%), the course enhanced competency in conducting translational research and understanding regulation of clinical research among other skills. Mentor assessments (n = 17, response rate 47%) supported the value of the preceptorship in these same areas. Based on work during the preceptorship, half of the students produced a peer-reviewed publication or a meeting abstract. At least eleven peer-reviewed manuscripts were generated. The preceptorship also provided a structure for physician-scientist mentorship in the students' clinical specialty of choice. CONCLUSION The physician-scientist preceptorship provides a new curricular model to address the gap of clinical research training and provides for mentorship of physician-scientists during medical school. Future work will assess the long-term impact of this course on physician-scientist career trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A. Stefely
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Erin Theisen
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Chelsea Hanewall
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Linda Scholl
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Mark E. Burkard
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, and the UW Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Anna Huttenlocher
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - John-Paul J. Yu
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI USA
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21
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Traenka C, Engelter ST, Brown MM, Dobson J, Frost C, Bonati LH. Silent brain infarcts on diffusion-weighted imaging after carotid revascularisation: A surrogate outcome measure for procedural stroke? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Stroke J 2019; 4:127-143. [PMID: 31259261 DOI: 10.1177/2396987318824491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate whether lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI+) after carotid artery stenting (CAS) or endarterectomy (CEA) might provide a surrogate outcome measure for procedural stroke. Materials and Methods Systematic MedLine® database search with selection of all studies published up to the end of 2016 in which DWI scans were obtained before and within seven days after CAS or CEA. The correlation between the underlying log odds of stroke and of DWI+ across all treatment groups (i.e. CAS or CEA groups) from included studies was estimated using a bivariate random effects logistic regression model. Relative risks of DWI+ and stroke in studies comparing CAS vs. CEA were estimated using fixed-effect Mantel-Haenszel models. Results We included data of 4871 CAS and 2099 CEA procedures (85 studies). Across all treatment groups (CAS and CEA), the log odds for DWI+ was significantly associated with the log odds for clinically manifest stroke (correlation coefficient 0.61 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.87), p = 0.0012). Across all carotid artery stenting groups, the correlation coefficient was 0.19 (p = 0.074). There were too few CEA groups to reliably estimate a correlation coefficient in this subset alone. In 19 studies comparing CAS vs. CEA, the relative risks (95% confidence intervals) of DWI+ and stroke were 3.83 (3.17-4.63, p < 0.00001) and 2.38 (1.44-3.94, p = 0.0007), respectively. Discussion This systematic meta-analysis demonstrates a correlation between the occurrence of silent brain infarcts on diffusion-weighted imaging and the risk of clinically manifest stroke in carotid revascularisation procedures. Conclusion Our findings strengthen the evidence base for the use of DWI as a surrogate outcome measure for procedural stroke in carotid revascularisation procedures. Further randomised studies comparing treatment effects on DWI lesions and clinical stroke are needed to fully establish surrogacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Traenka
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Basel and University Center for Medicine of Aging and Rehabilitation, Felix Platter Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan T Engelter
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Basel and University Center for Medicine of Aging and Rehabilitation, Felix Platter Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin M Brown
- Stroke Research Group, Department of Brain Repair & Rehabilitation, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Joanna Dobson
- Department of Medical Statistics, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Chris Frost
- Department of Medical Statistics, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Leo H Bonati
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Stroke Research Group, Department of Brain Repair & Rehabilitation, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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22
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Pang J, Peng J, Yang P, Kuai L, Chen L, Zhang JH, Jiang Y. White Matter Injury in Early Brain Injury after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Cell Transplant 2018; 28:26-35. [PMID: 30442028 PMCID: PMC6322133 DOI: 10.1177/0963689718812054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a major cause of high morbidity, disability, and mortality in the field of neurovascular disease. Most previous SAH studies have focused on improving cerebral blood flow, reducing cerebral vasospasm, reducing neuronal calcium overload, and other treatments. While these studies showed exciting findings in basic science, therapeutic strategies based on the findings have not significantly improved neurological outcomes in patients with SAH. Currently, the only drug proven to effectively reduce the neurological defects of SAH patients is nimodipine. Current advances in imaging technologies in the field of stroke have confirmed that white matter injury (WMI) plays an important role in the prognosis of types of stroke, and suggests that WMI protection is essential for functional recovery and poststroke rehabilitation. However, WMI injury in relation to SAH has remained obscure until recently. An increasing number of studies suggest that the current limitations for SAH treatment are probably linked to overlooked WMI in previous studies that focused only on neurons and gray matter. In this review, we discuss the biology and functions of white matter in the normal brain, and discuss the potential pathophysiology and mechanisms of early brain injury after SAH. Our review demonstrates that WMI encompasses multiple substrates, and, therefore, more than one pharmacological approach is necessary to preserve WMI and prevent neurobehavioral impairment after SAH. Strategies targeting both neuronal injury and WMI may potentially provide a novel future for SAH knowledge and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwei Pang
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianhua Peng
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Ping Yang
- 2 Department of Vasculocardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Kuai
- 3 Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Ligang Chen
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - John H Zhang
- 4 Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, CA, USA
| | - Yong Jiang
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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23
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Meshram NH, Varghese T. GPU Accelerated Multilevel Lagrangian Carotid Strain Imaging. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2018; 65:1370-1379. [PMID: 29993716 PMCID: PMC6128663 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2018.2841346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
A multilevel Lagrangian carotid strain imaging algorithm is analyzed to identify computational bottlenecks for implementation on a graphics processing unit (GPU). Displacement tracking including regularization was found to be the most computationally expensive aspect of this strain imaging algorithm taking about 2.2 h for an entire cardiac cycle. This intensive displacement tracking was essential to obtain Lagrangian strain tensors. However, most of the computational techniques used for displacement tracking are parallelizable, and hence GPU implementation is expected to be beneficial. A new scheme for subsample displacement estimation referred to as a multilevel global peak finder was also developed since the Nelder-Mead simplex optimization technique used in the CPU implementation was not suitable for GPU implementation. GPU optimizations to minimize thread divergence and utilization of shared and texture memories were also implemented. This enables efficient use of the GPU computational hardware and memory bandwidth. Overall, an application speedup of was obtained enabling the algorithm to finish in about 50 s for a cardiac cycle. Last, comparison of GPU and CPU implementations demonstrated no significant difference in the quality of displacement vector and strain tensor estimation with the two implementations up to a 5% interframe deformation. Hence, a GPU implementation is feasible for clinical adoption and opens opportunity for other computationally intensive techniques.
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24
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Chen WH, Jin W, Lyu PY, Liu Y, Li R, Hu M, Xiao XJ. Carotid Atherosclerosis and Cognitive Impairment in Nonstroke Patients. Chin Med J (Engl) 2018; 130:2375-2379. [PMID: 28937045 PMCID: PMC5634090 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.215331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: As a vascular risk factor, carotid atherosclerosis is crucial to cognitive impairment. While carotid intima-media thickness, carotid artery plaque, and carotid stenosis can reflect carotid atherosclerosis in different stages, this review aimed to explore researches on the role of carotid intima-media thickness, carotid artery plaque, and carotid stenosis in the progress of cognitive impairment in nonstroke patients and tried to illustrate the possible mechanisms. Data Sources: We searched the PubMed database for recently published research articles up to July 2017, with the key words of “carotid atherosclerosis,” “carotid intima-media thickness,” “carotid plaque,” “carotid stenosis,” “nonstroke,” and “cognitive impairment.” Study Selection: Articles were obtained and reviewed to analyze the role of carotid atherosclerosis such as carotid intima-thickness, carotid plaque, and carotid stenosis in the progress of cognitive impairment in nonstroke patients and the possible mechanisms. Results: In recent years, most studies proved that by evaluating carotid atherosclerosis with ultrasonography, carotid atherosclerosis accounts for the development of cognitive decline in nonstroke patients. Carotid atherosclerosis not only impairs the subtle general cognitive function but also decreases the specific domains of cognitive function, such as memory, motor function, visual perception, attention, and executive function. But, it is still controversial. The possible mechanisms of cognitive impairment in nonstroke patients with carotid atherosclerosis can be classified as systemic global cerebrovascular function, small-vessel diseases, and the mixed lesions. Conclusions: Carotid atherosclerosis can be used to predict the risk of cognitive impairment. Furthermore, diagnosing and treating carotid atherosclerosis at early stage might help clinicians prevent and treat vascular cognitive impairment in nonstroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hong Chen
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University; Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
| | - Wei Jin
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
| | - Pei-Yuan Lyu
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University; Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University; Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
| | - Rui Li
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University; Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
| | - Ming Hu
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
| | - Xiang-Jian Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
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25
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Mitchell CC, Wilbrand SM, Kundu B, Steffel CN, Varghese T, Meshram NH, Li G, Cook TD, Salamat MS, Dempsey RJ. Transcranial Doppler and Microemboli Detection: Relationships to Symptomatic Status and Histopathology Findings. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2017. [PMID: 28645797 PMCID: PMC5532746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between symptomatic status, transcranial Doppler (TCD) microemboli presence and plaque histopathology findings. TCD was performed on 60 patients (37 symptomatic, 23 asymptomatic) before undergoing clinically indicated carotid endarterectomy. The frequency of microemboli signals was not significantly different between symptomatic and asymptomatic subject groups (p = 0.88) and there were no differences observed in the macroscopic or histopathology scoring of these plaques (p-values all > 0.05). The presence of microemboli was associated with an ulceration score (regardless of symptomatic or asymptomatic status, p = 0.034), with a one-level increase in ulceration rating associated with an odds ratio of 5.86 (95% [CI] 1.55, 43.4). These findings suggest that both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients may have plaque with similar features of instability and ability to create emboli. Thus, identifying new ways to measure plaque instability may provide important information for optimizing treatment to prevent future stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol C Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine Division, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Stephanie M Wilbrand
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bornali Kundu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Catherine N Steffel
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine Division, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tomy Varghese
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nirvedh H Meshram
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Geng Li
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Thomas D Cook
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - M Shahriar Salamat
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Robert J Dempsey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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26
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Meshram NH, Varghese T, Mitchell CC, Jackson DC, Wilbrand SM, Hermann BP, Dempsey RJ. Quantification of carotid artery plaque stability with multiple region of interest based ultrasound strain indices and relationship with cognition. Phys Med Biol 2017; 62:6341-6360. [PMID: 28594333 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aa781f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vulnerability and instability in carotid artery plaque has been assessed based on strain variations using noninvasive ultrasound imaging. We previously demonstrated that carotid plaques with higher strain indices in a region of interest (ROI) correlated to patients with lower cognition, probably due to cerebrovascular emboli arising from these unstable plaques. This work attempts to characterize the strain distribution throughout the entire plaque region instead of being restricted to a single localized ROI. Multiple ROIs are selected within the entire plaque region, based on thresholds determined by the maximum and average strains in the entire plaque, enabling generation of additional relevant strain indices. Ultrasound strain imaging of carotid plaques, was performed on 60 human patients using an 18L6 transducer coupled to a Siemens Acuson S2000 system to acquire radiofrequency data over several cardiac cycles. Patients also underwent a battery of neuropsychological tests under a protocol based on National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and Canadian Stroke Network guidelines. Correlation of strain indices with composite cognitive index of executive function revealed a negative association relating high strain to poor cognition. Patients grouped into high and low cognition groups were then classified using these additional strain indices. One of our newer indices, namely the average L - 1 norm with plaque (AL1NWP) presented with significantly improved correlation with executive function when compared to our previously reported maximum accumulated strain indices. An optimal combination of three of the new indices generated classifiers of patient cognition with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.880, 0.921 and 0.905 for all (n = 60), symptomatic (n = 33) and asymptomatic patients (n = 27) whereas classifiers using maximum accumulated strain indices alone provided AUC values of 0.817, 0.815 and 0.813 respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- N H Meshram
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI-53706, United States of America. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI-53706, United States of America
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27
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Spence JD. Transcranial Doppler monitoring for microemboli: a marker of a high-risk carotid plaque. Semin Vasc Surg 2017; 30:62-66. [PMID: 28818260 DOI: 10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, 90% of carotid intervention is being performed for asymptomatic carotid stenosis, even though 90% of patients would be better treated with intensive medical therapy. This is being justified by comparing risks of stroke or death with medical therapy during clinical trials completed decades ago (approximately 2% per year) with risks of intervention with carotid artery stenting (CAS) versus carotid endarterectomy in recent trials that did not have a medical arm. Such extrapolations are, simply put, invalid. Even though the two most recent papers comparing carotid endarterectomy with CAS reported that the long-term risk (after first deducting periprocedural risks) is similar to that with medical therapy (approximately 0.5% per year), when the periprocedural risks are considered (approximately 3% with stenting v 1.5% with CAS), most patients would be better treated with intensive medical therapy. Furthermore, it must be recognized that the low risks observed in clinical trials with highly selected surgeons and interventionalists are much lower than in real-world practice. It is therefore necessary to have ways to identify, among patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis, the few (approximately 10% to 15%) who could benefit from intervention. Indicators of vulnerable plaque, such as ulceration, juxtaluminal lucent plaque, intraplaque hemorrhage on magnetic resonance imaging, and plaque inflammation on positron emission tomography/computed tomography are in development for that purpose. The best-validated approach is detection of microemboli on transcranial Doppler. A prospective single-center study of 468 patients showed that microemboli identified high-risk asymptomatic stenosis; this was validated by a prospective multicenter international study in 467 patients. Increased risk with microemboli persisted in the era of lower risks with intensive medical therapy. Patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis should not be offered CAS or carotid endarterectomy without first being identified as high risk; percent stenosis does not do so. Currently, the best way to improve the risk to benefit ratio for intervention is transcranial Doppler embolus detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- J David Spence
- Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, 1400 Western Road, London, Ontario, Canada N6G 2V4.
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28
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Dempsey RJ, Varghese T, Jackson DC, Wang X, Meshram NH, Mitchell CC, Hermann BP, Johnson SC, Berman SE, Wilbrand SM. Carotid atherosclerotic plaque instability and cognition determined by ultrasound-measured plaque strain in asymptomatic patients with significant stenosis. J Neurosurg 2017; 128:111-119. [PMID: 28298048 DOI: 10.3171/2016.10.jns161299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article describes the use of ultrasound measurements of physical strain within carotid atherosclerotic plaques as a measure of instability and the potential for vascular cognitive decline, microemboli, and white matter changes. METHODS Asymptomatic patients with significant (> 60%) carotid artery stenosis were studied for dynamic measures of plaque instability, presence of microemboli, white matter changes, and vascular cognitive decline in comparison with normative controls and premorbid state. RESULTS Although classically asymptomatic, these patients showed vascular cognitive decline. The degree of strain instability measured within the atherosclerotic plaque directly predicted vascular cognitive decline in these patients thought previously to be asymptomatic according to classic criteria. Furthermore, 26% of patients showed microemboli, and patients had twice as much white matter hyperintensity as controls. CONCLUSIONS These data show that physical measures of plaque instability are possible through interpretation of ultrasound strain data during pulsation, which may be more clinically relevant than solely measuring degree of stenosis. The data also highlight the importance of understanding that the definition of symptoms should not be limited to motor, speech, and vision function but underscore the role of vascular cognitive decline in the pathophysiology of carotid atherosclerotic disease. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT02476396 (clinicaltrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomy Varghese
- 2Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
| | - Daren C Jackson
- 3Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Xiao Wang
- 4Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Nirvedh H Meshram
- 2Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
| | | | - Bruce P Hermann
- 6Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; and
| | - Sterling C Johnson
- 7Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Waisman Laboratory for Brain Injury and Behavior, University of Wisconsin-Madison & Geriatric Research Education & Clinical Center, William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Sara E Berman
- 7Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Waisman Laboratory for Brain Injury and Behavior, University of Wisconsin-Madison & Geriatric Research Education & Clinical Center, William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin
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29
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Malojcic B, Giannakopoulos P, Sorond FA, Azevedo E, Diomedi M, Oblak JP, Carraro N, Boban M, Olah L, Schreiber SJ, Pavlovic A, Garami Z, Bornstein NM, Rosengarten B. Ultrasound and dynamic functional imaging in vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. BMC Med 2017; 15:27. [PMID: 28178960 PMCID: PMC5299782 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-017-0799-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vascular contributions to neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation may be assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (US). This review summarises the methodology for these widely available, safe and relatively low cost tools and analyses recent work highlighting their potential utility as biomarkers for differentiating subtypes of cognitive impairment and dementia, tracking disease progression and evaluating response to treatment in various neurocognitive disorders. METHODS At the 9th International Congress on Vascular Dementia (Ljubljana, Slovenia, October 2015) a writing group of experts was formed to review the evidence on the utility of US and arterial spin labelling (ASL) as neurophysiological markers of normal ageing, vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Original articles, systematic literature reviews, guidelines and expert opinions published until September 2016 were critically analysed to summarise existing evidence, indicate gaps in current knowledge and, when appropriate, suggest standards of use for the most widely used US and ASL applications. RESULTS Cerebral hypoperfusion has been linked to cognitive decline either as a risk or an aggravating factor. Hypoperfusion as a consequence of microangiopathy, macroangiopathy or cardiac dysfunction can promote or accelerate neurodegeneration, blood-brain barrier disruption and neuroinflammation. US can evaluate the cerebrovascular tree for pathological structure and functional changes contributing to cerebral hypoperfusion. Microvascular pathology and hypoperfusion at the level of capillaries and small arterioles can also be assessed by ASL, an MRI signal. Despite increasing evidence supporting the utility of these methods in detection of microvascular pathology, cerebral hypoperfusion, neurovascular unit dysfunction and, most importantly, disease progression, incomplete standardisation and missing validated cut-off values limit their use in daily routine. CONCLUSIONS US and ASL are promising tools with excellent temporal resolution, which will have a significant impact on our understanding of the vascular contributions to VCI and AD and may also be relevant for assessing future prevention and therapeutic strategies for these conditions. Our work provides recommendations regarding the use of non-invasive imaging techniques to investigate the functional consequences of vascular burden in dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branko Malojcic
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb School of Medicine, Kispaticeva 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | - Farzaneh A Sorond
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elsa Azevedo
- Department of Neurology, São João Hospital Center and Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marina Diomedi
- Cerebrovascular Disease Center, Stroke Unit, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Janja Pretnar Oblak
- Department of Vascular Neurology and Intensive Therapy, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nicola Carraro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Neurology-Stroke Unit, University Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marina Boban
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb School of Medicine, Kispaticeva 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Laszlo Olah
- Department of Neurology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Stephan J Schreiber
- Department of Neurology, Charite - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Aleksandra Pavlovic
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zsolt Garami
- Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nantan M Bornstein
- Neurology Department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre, Tel Aviv, Israel
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30
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Mitchell CC, Stein JH, Cook TD, Salamat S, Wang X, Varghese T, Jackson DC, Sandoval Garcia C, Wilbrand SM, Dempsey RJ. Histopathologic Validation of Grayscale Carotid Plaque Characteristics Related to Plaque Vulnerability. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2017; 43:129-137. [PMID: 27720278 PMCID: PMC5327497 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2016.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation and angiogenesis play major roles in carotid plaque vulnerability. The purpose of this study was to determine whether gray-scale features of carotid plaques are associated with histologic markers for inflammation. Thirty-eight individuals completed a dedicated research carotid ultrasound exam before carotid endarterectomy. Gray-scale analysis was performed on plaque images to measure plaque echogenicity (gray-scale median [GSM] pixel brightness), plaque area, presence of discrete white areas (DWAs) and the percent of black area near the lumen on any one component of the plaque. Plaques with higher ultrasound GSM had greater percent calcification (p = 0.013) on histopathology. Presence of an ultrasound DWA was associated with more plaque hemosiderin (p = 0.0005) and inflammation (p = 0.019) on histopathology examination. The percent of plaque black area in any one component was associated with a higher score for macroscopic ulceration (p = 0.028). Ultrasound plaque characteristics (GSM, DWAs and black areas) represent histopathologic markers associated with plaque vulnerability. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02476396.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol C Mitchell
- Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - James H Stein
- Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Thomas D Cook
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Shahriar Salamat
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tomy Varghese
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Daren C Jackson
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Carolina Sandoval Garcia
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Stephanie M Wilbrand
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Robert J Dempsey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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31
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Ding J, Wang X. Intra- and extracranial atherosclerotic disease: casting a new light on emerging trends. Neurol Res 2016; 38:937-41. [PMID: 27367590 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2016.1196871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Intra- and extracranial atherosclerotic stenosis has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of secondary stroke mortality. Advances in invasive and non-invasive imaging modalities have improved analysis of hemodynamic changes and allowed better delineation of the integrity of intracranial collateralization and plague morphology in patients with artery stenosis. This review focuses on new imaging modalities and clinical applications of currently available techniques, and provides significant insight into future directions in comprehensive analysis of intra- and extracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ding
- a Department of Neurology , Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Xin Wang
- a Department of Neurology , Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai , China.,b Institute of Brain Science State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology , Shanghai , China
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Wang X, Jackson DC, Mitchell CC, Varghese T, Wilbrand SM, Rocque BG, Hermann BP, Dempsey RJ. Classification of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients with and without Cognitive Decline Using Non-invasive Carotid Plaque Strain Indices as Biomarkers. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2016; 42:909-18. [PMID: 26778288 PMCID: PMC4775393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2015.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Vascular cognitive decline may be caused by micro-emboli generated by carotid plaque instability. We previously found that maximum strain indices in carotid plaque were significantly correlated with cognitive function. In the work described here, we examined these associations with a larger sample size, as well as evaluated the performance of these maximum strain indices in predicting cognitive impairment. Ultrasound-based strain imaging and cognition assessment were conducted on 75 human patients. Patients underwent one of two standardized cognitive test batteries, either the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) or the National Institute of Neurologic Disorder and Stroke-Canadian Stroke Network (NINDS-CSN) Vascular Cognitive Impairment Harmonization Standards (60 min). Scores were standardized within each battery to allow these data to be combined across all participants. Radiofrequency signals for ultrasound strain imaging were acquired on the carotid arteries using either a Siemens Antares with a VFX 13-5 linear array transducer or a Siemens S2000 with an 18 L6 linear array transducer. The same hierarchical block-matching motion tracking algorithm developed in our laboratory was used to estimate accumulated axial, lateral, and shear strain indices in carotid plaque, with inclusion of adventitia regardless of the ultrasound system and transducer used. Associations between cognitive z-scores and maximum strain indices were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficients. Maximum strain indices were also employed to predict cognitive impairment using receiver operating characteristic analysis. All correlations between maximum strain indices and total cognition were statistically significant (p < 0.05), indicating that these indices have good utility in predicting cognitive impairment. Maximum lateral strain indices provided an area under the curve of 0.85 for symptomatic patients and 0.68 for asymptomatic patients. Our results indicate the important relationship of maximum strain indices to cognitive function and the feasibility of using maximum strain indices to predict cognitive decline with inclusion of the adventitia layer into the segmentation of plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
| | - Daren C Jackson
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Carol C Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Tomy Varghese
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Stephanie M Wilbrand
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Brandon G Rocque
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Bruce P Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Robert J Dempsey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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