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Pakizer D, Kozel J, Taffé P, Elmers J, Feber J, Michel P, Školoudík D, Sirimarco G. Diagnostic accuracy of carotid plaque instability by noninvasive imaging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2024:jeae144. [PMID: 38953552 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeae144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS There is increasing evidence that plaque instability in the extracranial carotid artery may lead to an increased stroke risk independently of the degree of stenosis. We aimed to determine diagnostic accuracy of vulnerable and stable plaque using noninvasive imaging modalities when compared to histology in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Medline Ovid, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive imaging modalities (CT, MRI, US) in the detection of 1) vulnerable/stable plaque, and 2) vulnerable/stable plaque characteristics, compared to histology. The quality of included studies was assessed by QUADAS-2 and univariate and bivariate random-effect meta-analyses were performed. We included 36 vulnerable and 5 stable plaque studies in the meta-analysis, and out of 211 plaque characteristics from remaining studies, we classified 169 as vulnerable and 42 as stable characteristics (28 CT, 120 MRI, 104 US characteristics). We found that MRI had high accuracy [90% (95% CI: 82-95%)] in the detection of vulnerable plaque, similar to CT [86% (95% CI: 76-92%); P > 0.05], whereas US showed less accuracy [80% (95% CI: 75-84%); P = 0.013]. CT showed high diagnostic accuracy in visualizing characteristics of vulnerable or stable plaques (89% and 90%) similar to MRI (86% and 89%; P > 0.05); however, US had lower accuracy (77%, P < 0.001 and 82%, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION CT and MRI have a similar, high performance in detecting vulnerable carotid plaques, whereas US showed significantly less diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, MRI visualized all vulnerable plaque characteristics allowing for a better stroke risk assessment. REGISTRATION PROSPERO ID CRD42022329690.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pakizer
- Centre for Health Research, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Syllabova 19, 703 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Kozel
- Centre for Health Research, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Syllabova 19, 703 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Patrick Taffé
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health, Division of Biostatistics, University of Lausanne, Route de la Corniche 10, 1010, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jolanda Elmers
- Medical Library, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Janusz Feber
- Centre for Health Research, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Syllabova 19, 703 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, 401 Smyth Road, ON K1H8L1 Ottawa, Canada
| | - Patrik Michel
- Stroke Center, Service of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Školoudík
- Centre for Health Research, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Syllabova 19, 703 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Gaia Sirimarco
- Stroke Center, Service of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Neurology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Riviera Chablais Hospital, Route du Vieux-Séquoia 20, 1847 Rennaz, Switzerland
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Martins JVD, Mendes R, Lopes JM, Tenório PP. Análise da Razão Neutrófilo-Linfócito como Marcador de Aterosclerose da Aorta Abdominal. Arq Bras Cardiol 2022; 119:813-814. [DOI: 10.36660/abc.20220145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Advances in Noninvasive Carotid Wall Imaging with Ultrasound: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206196. [PMID: 36294515 PMCID: PMC9604731 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotid atherosclerosis is a major cause for stroke, with significant associated disease burden morbidity and mortality in Western societies. Diagnosis, grading and follow-up of carotid atherosclerotic disease relies on imaging, specifically ultrasound (US) as the initial modality of choice. Traditionally, the degree of carotid lumen stenosis was considered the sole risk factor to predict brain ischemia. However, modern research has shown that a variety of other imaging biomarkers, such as plaque echogenicity, surface morphology, intraplaque neovascularization and vasa vasorum contribute to the risk for rupture of carotid atheromas with subsequent cerebrovascular events. Furthermore, the majority of embolic strokes of undetermined origin are probably arteriogenic and are associated with nonstenosing atheromas. Therefore, a state-of-the-art US scan of the carotid arteries should take advantage of recent technical developments and should provide detailed information about potential thrombogenic (/) and emboligenic arterial wall features. This manuscript reviews recent advances in ultrasonographic assessment of vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic plaques and highlights the fields of future development in multiparametric arterial wall imaging, in an attempt to convey the most important take-home messages for clinicians performing carotid ultrasound.
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Zhang Y, Cao J, Zhou J, Zhang C, Li Q, Chen S, Feinstein S, Grayburn PA, Huang P. Plaque Elasticity and Intraplaque Neovascularisation on Carotid Artery Ultrasound: A Comparative Histological Study. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2021; 62:358-366. [PMID: 34266763 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2021.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Plaque elasticity and intraplaque neovascularisation are strongly suggestive of vulnerable plaque. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between intraplaque neovascularisation and plaque elasticity, and to compare the ultrasound findings with histopathological changes. METHODS Patients enrolled in this study presented with symptomatic carotid stenosis (> 70%) and later underwent both pre-operative ultrasonography and endarterectomy. Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and shear wave elastography (SWE) were used to measure the neovascularisation and elasticity of the plaque, respectively. After removal, plaques were histologically assessed to determine the microvessel density (MVD), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression, and type I/type III collagen ratio using immunohistochemistry staining and morphometry. A correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship among the aforementioned quantitative parameters. Inter- and intra-observer consistency evaluations were performed using the intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS Ninety-four symptomatic patients with 98 plaques were included. The area under the curve (AUC) of the carotid plaque detected using CEUS correlated with its shear wave velocity (SWV) (r = -.714; p < .001), MVD (r = .842; p < .001), collagen type I/III ratio (r = -.833; p < .001), and MMP-9 (r = .738; p < .001). SWE was positively correlated with the type I/III collagen ratio (r = .805; p < .001). The overall interexaminer consistency of the SWE was acceptable (r = .638; p < .001). The interobserver correlation coefficient of the AUC, time to peak (TP), mean transit time (MTT), and SWV were .719, .756, .733, and .686, respectively. The intra-observer variability values of the AUC, TP, MTT, and SWV were .826, .845, .633, and .748, respectively. CONCLUSION SWE and CEUS can comprehensively evaluate the vulnerability of the carotid plaque by assessing the elasticity of the plaque and neovascularisation within it. The negative correlation between the intraplaque neovascularisation and elasticity, further validated by histological findings, suggests that the more abundant the neovascularisation, the less elasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingyi Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qunying Li
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuyuan Chen
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Steven Feinstein
- Echocardiography Section of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Centre, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Paul A Grayburn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Institute, Baylor University Medical Centre, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Pintong Huang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China.
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Cismaru G, Serban T, Tirpe A. Ultrasound Methods in the Evaluation of Atherosclerosis: From Pathophysiology to Clinic. Biomedicines 2021; 9:418. [PMID: 33924492 PMCID: PMC8070406 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a key pathological process that causes a plethora of pathologies, including coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and ischemic stroke. The silent progression of the atherosclerotic disease prompts for new surveillance tools that can visualize, characterize, and provide a risk evaluation of the atherosclerotic plaque. Conventional ultrasound methods-bright (B)-mode US plus Doppler mode-provide a rapid, cost-efficient way to visualize an established plaque and give a rapid risk stratification of the patient through the Gray-Weale standardization-echolucent plaques with ≥50% stenosis have a significantly greater risk of ipsilateral stroke. Although rather disputed, the measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) may prove useful in identifying subclinical atherosclerosis. In addition, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) allows for a better image resolution and the visualization and quantification of plaque neovascularization, which has been correlated with future cardiovascular events. Newly emerging elastography techniques such as strain elastography and shear-wave elastography add a new dimension to this evaluation-the biomechanics of the arterial wall, which is altered in atherosclerosis. The invasive counterpart, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), enables an individualized assessment of the anti-atherosclerotic therapies, as well as a direct risk assessment of these lesions through virtual histology IVUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Cismaru
- Fifth Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology-Rehabilitation, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Teodora Serban
- Medical Imaging Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Tirpe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Marinescu Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Jiang W, Xu D, Zhang X, Wu M, Wu K. Colored Doppler Ultrasound Diagnosis and Pathological Analysis of Superficial Organ and Vascular Diseases. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL IMAGING AND HEALTH INFORMATICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1166/jmihi.2021.3333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper proposes a fully digital signal processing scheme for ultrasonic Doppler endoscope imaging. 200 patients with superficial tissue lumps were randomly divided into two groups: the control group and the experimental group. These two groups used conventional ultrasound examination
and colored Doppler ultrasound imaging technology, respectively, to observe and compare the test method and the surgical pathological examination results. Compared with the results of the two groups, the diagnostic compliance rate of the patients in the experimental group was 99.0% significantly
higher than the diagnostic compliance rate of 86.0%. At the same time, 300 patients with surgery and pathologically confirmed superficial organ lesions were selected in the hospital, and all patients were diagnosed by ultrasound to observe the diagnosis. The clinical effects of colored Doppler
ultrasound to diagnose vascular lesions in the lower extremities of diabetes were discussed. The rate of arteriosclerosis in the lower extremities of the observation group was 92.32%. The more than 50% vascular stenosis rate was 45.16%. The vascular blocking rate was 16. 13% and thrombosis
rate 6.45% were significantly higher than the control group 12.90%, 8.06%, 0.00%, 0.00%. In the diagnosis of superficial tissue lesions, the resolution of colored Doppler ultrasound imaging technology is relatively high, which can significantly improve the clinical diagnosis rate and has clinical
application value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, Fujian, 363000, China
| | - Duxing Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, Fujian, 363000, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, Fujian, 363000, China
| | - Mingyuan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, Fujian, 363000, China
| | - Kunbin Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, Fujian, 363000, China
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Collins GC, Jing B, Lindsey BD. High contrast power Doppler imaging in side-viewing intravascular ultrasound imaging via angular compounding. ULTRASONICS 2020; 108:106200. [PMID: 32521337 PMCID: PMC7502537 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2020.106200] [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: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The ability to assess likelihood of plaque rupture can determine the course of treatment in coronary artery disease. One indicator of plaque vulnerability is the development of blood vessels within the plaque, or intraplaque neovascularization. In order to visualize these vessels with increased sensitivity in the cardiac catheterization lab, a new approach for imaging blood flow in small vessels using side-viewing intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is proposed. This approach based on compounding adjacent angular acquisitions was evaluated in tissue mimicking phantoms and ex vivo vessels. In phantom studies, the Doppler CNR increased from 3.3 ± 1.0 to 13 ± 2.6 (conventional clutter filtering) and from 1.9 ± 0.15 to 7.5 ± 1.1 (SVD filtering) as a result of applying angular compounding. When imaging flow at a rate of 5.6 mm/s in 200 µm tubes adjacent to the lumen of ex vivo porcine arteries, the Doppler CNR increased from 5.3 ± 0.95 to 7.2 ± 1.3 (conventional filtering) and from 23 ± 3.3 to 32 ± 6.7 (SVD filtering). Applying these strategies could allow increased sensitivity to slow flow in side-viewing intravascular ultrasound imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham C Collins
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States.
| | - Bowen Jing
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States
| | - Brooks D Lindsey
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States
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Dynamic carotid plaque imaging using ultrasonography. J Vasc Surg 2020; 73:1630-1638. [PMID: 33091515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2020.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dynamic image analysis of carotid plaques has demonstrated that during systole and early diastole, all plaque components will move in the same direction (concordant motion) in some plaques. However, in others, different parts of the plaque will move in different directions (discordant motion). The aim of our study was (1) to determine the prevalence of discordant motion in symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques, (2) to develop a measurement of the severity of discordant motion, and (3) to determine the correlation between the severity of discordant motion and symptom prevalence. METHODS A total of 200 patients with 204 plaques resulting in 50% to 99% stenosis (112 asymptomatic and 92 symptomatic plaques) had video recordings available of the plaque motion during 10 cardiac cycles. Video tracking was performed using Farneback's method, which relies on frame comparisons. In our study, these were performed at 0.1-second intervals. The maximum angular spread (MAS) of the motion vectors at 10-pixel intervals in the plaque area was measured in degrees. Plaques were classified as concordant (MAS, <70°), moderately discordant (MAS, 70°-120°), and discordant (MAS, >120°). RESULTS Motion was discordant in 89.1% of the symptomatic plaques but only in 17.9% of asymptomatic plaques (P < .001). The prevalence of symptoms increased with increasing MAS. For a MAS >120°, the hazard ratio for the presence of symptoms was 47.7 (95% confidence interval, 18.1-125.6) compared with the rest of the plaques after adjustment for the degree of stenosis and mean pixel motion. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the prediction of the presence of symptoms using the MAS was 0.876 (95% confidence interval, 0.823-0.929). The use of the median MAS (120°) as a cutoff point classified 86% of the plaques correctly (sensitivity, 81.4%; specificity, 91.2%; positive predictive value, 90.2%; and negative predictive value, 83.0%). CONCLUSIONS The use of the MAS value to identify asymptomatic plaques at increased risk of developing symptoms and, in particular, stroke should be tested in prospective studies.
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Fekkes S, Hansen HHG, Menssen J, Saris AECM, de Korte CL. 3-D Strain Imaging of the Carotid Bifurcation: Methods and in-Human Feasibility. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2019; 45:1675-1690. [PMID: 31005369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2019.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic plaque development in the carotid artery bifurcation elevates the risk for stroke, which is often initiated by plaque rupture. The risk-to-rupture of a plaque is related to its composition. Two-dimensional non-invasive carotid elastography studies have found a correlation between wall strain and plaque composition. This study introduces a technique to perform non-invasive volumetric elastography in vivo. Three-dimensional ultrasound data of carotid artery bifurcations were acquired in four asymptomatic individuals using an electrocardiogram-triggered multislice acquisition device that scanned over a length of 35 mm (350 slices) using a linear transducer (L11-3, fc = 9 MHz). For each slice, three-angle ultrasound plane wave data were acquired and beamformed. A correction for breathing-induced motion was applied to spatially align the slices, enabling 3-D cross-correlation-based compound displacement, distensibility and strain estimation. Distensibility values matched with previously published values, while the corresponding volumetric principal strain maps revealed locally elevated compressive and tensile strains. This study presents for the first time 3-D elastography of carotid arteries in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stein Fekkes
- Medical Ultrasound Imaging Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Hendrik H G Hansen
- Medical Ultrasound Imaging Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Menssen
- Medical Ultrasound Imaging Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne E C M Saris
- Medical Ultrasound Imaging Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Chris L de Korte
- Medical Ultrasound Imaging Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Zhang H, Song M, Ruan L, Zhang F, Zhang A, Siedlecki AM, Wan M. Von Mises Strain as a Risk Marker for Vulnerability of Carotid Plaque: Preliminary Clinical Evaluation of Cerebral Infarction. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2019; 45:1221-1233. [PMID: 30824309 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive assessment of carotid artery plaque vulnerability is a key issue for cerebrovascular disease. This study investigates Von Mises strain imaging in patients by relating Von Mises strain to cerebral infarction presentation. Ultrasonography was performed in patients evaluated for carotid artery stenosis. Strains were estimated by a flow-driven diffusion method and least-squares regression applying Kalman filtering. Von Mises strains ɛVMsys and ɛVMdia were calculated by averaging four or five cardiac cycles in systole and diastole, respectively. Von Mises strain (peak, coefficient of variance, skewness and kurtosis) in patients with cerebral infarction was compared with that in the control group. Higher Von Mises peak strain localized to echolucent areas on B-mode imaging. Higher peak strain was found in patients with cerebral infarction compared with the control group (p = 0.02 for ɛVMdia and p = 0.001 for ɛVMsys). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for peak ɛVMsys was 0.761 (p = 0.001) with high sensitivity and specificity. Peak strain also correlated with homocysteine (r = 0.345, p = 0.007, for ɛVMdia; r = 0.287, p = 0.036, for ɛVMsys) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (r = 0.399, p = 0.043, for ɛVMdia; r = 0.195, p = 0.034, for ɛVMsys) levels. The coefficient of variance, skewness and kurtosis of ɛVMdia or ɛVMsys were also associated with homocysteine levels. In conclusion, this study indicates that peak Von Mises strain is a potential clinical risk marker for carotid plaque vulnerability and cerebral infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China.
| | - Manman Song
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Litao Ruan
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Furong Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Aifeng Zhang
- Divisions of Genetics and Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew M Siedlecki
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Mingxi Wan
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China.
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Roy-Cardinal MH, Destrempes F, Soulez G, Cloutier G. Assessment of Carotid Artery Plaque Components With Machine Learning Classification Using Homodyned-K Parametric Maps and Elastograms. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2019; 66:493-504. [PMID: 29994706 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2018.2851846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) imaging methods, including elastography, echogenicity analysis, and speckle statistical modeling, are available from a single ultrasound (US) radio-frequency data acquisition. Since these US imaging methods provide complementary quantitative tissue information, characterization of carotid artery plaques may gain from their combination. Sixty-six patients with symptomatic ( n = 26 ) and asymptomatic ( n = 40 ) carotid atherosclerotic plaques were included in the study. Of these, 31 underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to characterize plaque vulnerability and quantify plaque components. US radio-frequency data sequence acquisitions were performed on all patients and were used to compute noninvasive vascular US elastography and other QUS features. Additional QUS features were computed from three types of images: homodyned-K (HK) parametric maps, Nakagami parametric maps, and log-compressed B-mode images. The following six classification tasks were performed: detection of 1) a small area of lipid; 2) a large area of lipid; 3) a large area of calcification; 4) the presence of a ruptured fibrous cap; 5) differentiation of MRI-based classification of nonvulnerable carotid plaques from neovascularized or vulnerable ones; and 6) confirmation of symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients. Feature selection was first applied to reduce the number of QUS parameters to a maximum of three per classification task. A random forest machine learning algorithm was then used to perform classifications. Areas under receiver-operating curves (AUCs) were computed with a bootstrap method. For all tasks, statistically significant higher AUCs were achieved with features based on elastography, HK parametric maps, and B-mode gray levels, when compared to elastography alone or other QUS alone ( ). For detection of a large area of lipid, the combination yielding the highest AUC (0.90, 95% CI 0.80-0.92, ) was based on elastography, HK, and B-mode gray-level features. To detect a large area of calcification, the highest AUC (0.95, 95% CI 0.94-0.96, ) was based on HK and B-mode gray level features. For other tasks, AUCs varied between 0.79 and 0.97. None of the best combinations contained Nakagami features. This study shows the added value of combining different features computed from a single US acquisition with machine learning to characterize carotid artery plaques.
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Campo A, McGarry MD, Panis T, Dirckx J, Konofagou E. Effect of Local Neck Anatomy on Localized One-Dimensional Measurements of Arterial Stiffness: A Finite-Element Model Study. J Biomech Eng 2019; 141:2720656. [PMID: 30702744 DOI: 10.1115/1.4042435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most prevalent cause of death in the Western World, and their prevalence is only expected to rise. Several screening modalities aim at detecting CVD at the early stages. A common target for early screening is common carotid artery (CCA) stiffness, as reflected in the pulse wave velocity (PWV). For assessing the CCA stiffness using ultrasound (US), one-dimensional (1D) measurements along the CCA axis are typically used, ignoring possible boundary conditions of neck anatomy and the US probe itself. In this study, the effect of stresses and deformations induced by the US probe, and the effect of anatomy surrounding CCA on a simulated 1D stiffness measurement (PWVus) is compared with the ground truth stiffness (PWVgt) in 60 finite-element models (FEM) derived from anatomical computed tomography (CT) scans of ten healthy male volunteers. Based on prior knowledge from the literature, and from results in this study, we conclude that it is safe to approximate arterial stiffness using 1D measurements of compliance or pulse wave velocity, regardless of boundary conditions emerging from the anatomy or from the measurement procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriaan Campo
- Ultrasound Elasticity Imaging Laboratory, Columbia University, Columbia University Medical Campus, 630 West 168th Street, Physicians & Surgeons 19-418, New York, NY 10032.,Laboratory of Biomedical Physics, Antwerp University, Campus Groenenborger, Groenenborgerlaan 171 G.U.339, Antwerp 2020, Belgium e-mail:
| | - Matthew D McGarry
- Thayer School of Engineering Dartmouth, 14 Engineering Drive, Hanover, NH 03755 e-mail:
| | - Thomas Panis
- Radiology Department, University Hospital of Brussels, UZ Brussel, Campus Jette, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels B-1090, Belgium e-mail:
| | - Joris Dirckx
- Laboratory of Biomedical Physics, Antwerp University, Campus Groenenborger, Groenenborgerlaan 171 G.U.342, Antwerp 2020, Belgium e-mail:
| | - Elisa Konofagou
- Ultrasound Elasticity Imaging Laboratory, Columbia University, Columbia University Medical Campus, 630 West 168th Street, Physicians & Surgeons 19-418, New York, NY 10032 e-mail:
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Marlevi D, Maksuti E, Urban MW, Winter R, Larsson M. Plaque characterization using shear wave elastography—evaluation of differentiability and accuracy using a combined ex vivo and in vitro setup. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 63:235008. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aaec2b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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14
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Fekkes S, Saris AECM, Nillesen MM, Menssen J, Hansen HHG, de Korte CL. Simultaneous Vascular Strain and Blood Vector Velocity Imaging Using High-Frequency Versus Conventional-Frequency Plane Wave Ultrasound: A Phantom Study. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2018; 65:1166-1181. [PMID: 29993371 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2018.2834724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Plaque strain and blood vector velocity imaging of stenosed arteries are expected to aid in diagnosis and prevention of cerebrovascular disease. Ultrafast plane wave imaging enables simultaneous strain and velocity estimation. Multiple ultrasound vendors are introducing high-frequency ultrasound probes and systems. This paper investigates whether the use of high-frequency ultrafast ultrasound is beneficial for assessing blood velocities and strain in arteries. The performance of strain and blood flow velocity estimation was compared between a high-frequency transducer (MS250, fc = 21 MHz) and a clinically utilized transducer (L12-5, fc = 9 MHz). Quantitative analysis based on straight tube phantom experiments revealed that the MS250 outperformed the L12-5 in the superficial region: low velocities near the wall were more accurately estimated and wall strains were better resolved. At greater than 2-cm echo depth, the L12-5 performed better due to the high attenuation of the MS250 probe. Qualitative comparison using a perfused patient-specific carotid bifurcation phantom confirmed these findings. Thus, in conclusion, for strain and blood velocity estimation for depths up to ~2 cm, a high-frequency probe is recommended.
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Carotid Artery Plaque Vulnerability Assessment Using Noninvasive Ultrasound Elastography: Validation With MRI. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2017. [PMID: 28639927 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.16.17176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vulnerable and nonvulnerable carotid artery plaques have different tissue morphology and composition that may affect plaque biomechanics. The objective of this study is to evaluate plaque vulnerability with the use of ultrasound noninvasive vascular elastography (NIVE). MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-one patients (mean [± SD] age, 69 ± 7 years) with stenosis of the internal carotid artery of 50% or greater were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Elastography parameters quantifying axial strain, shear strain, and translation motion were used to characterize carotid artery plaques as nonvulnerable, neovascularized, and vulnerable. Maximum axial strain, cumulated axial strain, mean shear strain, cumulated shear strain, cumulated axial translation, and cumulated lateral translations were measured. Cumulated measurements were summed over a cardiac cycle. The ratio of cumulated axial strain to cumulated axial translation was also evaluated. The reference method used to characterize plaques was high-resolution MRI. RESULTS According to MRI, seven plaques were vulnerable, 12 were nonvulnerable without neovascularity, and 12 were nonvulnerable with neovascularity (a precursor of vulnerability). The two parameters cumulated axial translation and the ratio of cumulated axial strain to cumulated axial translation could discriminate between nonvulnerable plaques and vulnerable plaques or determine the presence of neovascularity in nonvulnerable plaques (which was also possible with the mean shear strain parameter). All parameters differed between the non-vulnerable plaque group and the group that combined vulnerable plaques and plaques with neovascularity. The most discriminating parameter for the detection of vulnerable neovascularized plaques was the ratio of cumulated axial strain to cumulated axial translation (expressed as percentage per millimeter) (mean ratio, 39.30%/mm ± 12.80%/mm for nonvulnerable plaques without neovascularity vs 63.79%/mm ± 17.59%/mm for vulnerable plaques and nonvulnerable plaques with neovascularity, p = 0.002), giving an AUC value of 0.886. CONCLUSION The imaging parameters cumulated axial translation and the ratio of cumulated axial strain to cumulated axial translation, as computed using NIVE, were able to discriminate vulnerable carotid artery plaques characterized by MRI from nonvulnerable carotid artery plaques. Consideration of neovascularized plaques improved the performance of NIVE. NIVE may be a valuable alternative to MRI for carotid artery plaque assessment.
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Lou Z, Yang J, Tang L, Jin Y, Zhang J, Liu C, Li Q. Shear Wave Elastography Imaging for the Features of Symptomatic Carotid Plaques: A Feasibility Study. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2017; 36:1213-1223. [PMID: 28218798 DOI: 10.7863/ultra.16.04073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Shear wave elastography (SWE) was performed to evaluate the Young's modulus of carotid plaques in patients presenting with cerebrovascular incidents, to estimate the clinical value and feasibility of this approach. METHODS Sixty-one patients (mean age, 65 years; 45 men) underwent common duplex ultrasonic examination and SWE evaluation. The patients were divided into the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups based on the presence of unilateral focal neurological symptoms. Elasticity and echogenicity of the carotid plaque was assessed by Young's modulus and Gray-Weale classification, respectively. RESULTS A total of 271 carotid plaques were assessed through duplex ultrasonic examination and SWE imaging. The Bland-Altman test revealed a perfect reproducibility of Young's modulus measurement using SWE. The interframe coefficient of variation was 16% within the 271 plaques. In the 61 representative plaques, significant correlations were found between Gray-Weale classification and mean Young's modulus (r = 0.728, P < .01) when the confounding factors were controlled. The mean Young's modulus of representative plaques in symptomatic group was lower than those in asymptomatic groups (mean Young's modulus: 81 kPa versus 115 kPa; P < .01). Logistic regression combined with receiver operating characteristic analysis suggested increased sensitivity and specificity for the identification of symptomatic carotid plaques when the mean Young's modulus was combined with stenosis rate. CONCLUSIONS Shear wave elastography can evaluate the Young's modulus of carotid plaque stably, and could serve as an additional method for the detection of symptomatic carotid plaques, which, in combination with common ultrasound, can promote the efficiency of differentiating symptomatic carotid plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Lou
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Youhe Jin
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiaobei Li
- Department of Abdominal Ultrasonic Diagnosis, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Maessen MFH, Eijsvogels TMH, Grotens A, Hopman MTE, Thijssen DHJ, Hansen HHG. Feasibility and relevance of compound strain imaging in non-stenotic arteries: comparison between individuals with cardiovascular diseases and healthy controls. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2017; 15:13. [PMID: 28521772 PMCID: PMC5437491 DOI: 10.1186/s12947-017-0104-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compound strain imaging is a novel method to noninvasively evaluate arterial wall deformation which has recently shown to enable differentiation between fibrous and (fibro-)atheromatous plaques in patients with severe stenosis. We tested the hypothesis that compound strain imaging is feasible in non-stenotic arteries and provides incremental discriminative power to traditional measures of vascular health (i.e., distensibility coefficient (DC), central pulse wave velocity [cPWV], and intima-media thickness [IMT]) for differentiating between participants with and without a history of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). METHODS Seventy two participants (60 ± 7 years) with non-stenotic arteries (IMT < 1.1 mm) were categorized in healthy participants (CON, n = 36) and CVD patients (n = 36) based on CVD history. Participants underwent standardised ultrasound-based assessment (DC, cPWV, and IMT) and compound strain imaging (radial [RS] and circumferential [CS] strain) in left common carotid artery. Area under receiver operating characteristics (AROC)-curve was used to determine the discriminatory power between CVD and CON of the various measures. RESULTS CON had a significantly (P < 0.05) smaller carotid IMT (0.68 [0.58 to 0.76] mm) than CVD patients (0.76 [0.68 to 0.80] mm). DC, cPWV, RS, and CS did not significantly differ between groups (P > 0.05). A higher CS or RS was associated with a higher DC (CS: r = -0.32;p < 0.05 and RS: r = 0.24;p < 0.05) and lower cPWV (CS: r = 0.24;p < 0.05 and RS: r = -0.25;p < 0.05). IMT could identify CVD (AROC: 0.66, 95%-CI: 0.53 to 0.79), whilst the other measurements, alone or in combination, did not significantly increase the discriminatory power compared to IMT. CONCLUSIONS In non-stenotic arteries, compound strain imaging is feasible, but does not seem to provide incremental discriminative power to traditional measures of vascular health for differentiation between individuals with and without a history of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn F H Maessen
- Department of Physiology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs M H Eijsvogels
- Department of Physiology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Research Institute for Sports and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ayla Grotens
- Department of Physiology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maria T E Hopman
- Department of Physiology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dick H J Thijssen
- Department of Physiology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Research Institute for Sports and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hendrik H G Hansen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud university medical center, Medical UltraSound Imaging Center (MUSIC), P.O. Box 9101 (766), 6500, HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Mahmood B, Ewertsen C, Carlsen J, Nielsen MB. Ultrasound Vascular Elastography as a Tool for Assessing Atherosclerotic Plaques - A Systematic Literature Review. Ultrasound Int Open 2016; 2:E106-E112. [PMID: 27896334 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-115564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a widespread disease that accounts for nearly 3-quarters of deaths due to cardiovascular disease. Ultrasound elastography might be able to reliably identify characteristics associated with vulnerable plaques. There is a need for the evaluation of elastography and its ability to distinguish between vulnerable and stable plaques. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature on vascular elastography. A systematic search of the available literature for studies using elastography for assessing atherosclerotic plaques was conducted using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. A standardized template was used to extract relevant data following the PRISMA 2009 checklist. 20 articles were included in this paper. The studies were heterogeneous. All studies reported that elastography was a feasible technique and provided additional information compared to B-mode ultrasound alone. Most studies reported higher strain values for vulnerable plaques. Ultrasound elastography has potential as a clinical tool in the assessment of atherosclerotic plaques. Elastography is able to distinguish between different plaque types, but there is considerable methodological variation between studies. There is a need for larger studies in a clinical setting to determine the full potential of elastography.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Mahmood
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - C Ewertsen
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - J Carlsen
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - M B Nielsen
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
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de Korte CL, Fekkes S, Nederveen AJ, Manniesing R, Hansen HRHG. Review: Mechanical Characterization of Carotid Arteries and Atherosclerotic Plaques. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2016; 63:1613-1623. [PMID: 27249826 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2016.2572260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death and is in the majority of cases due to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in arteries. Initially, thickening of the inner layer of the arterial wall occurs. Continuation of this process leads to plaque formation. The risk of a plaque to rupture and thus to induce an ischemic event is directly related to its composition. Consequently, characterization of the plaque composition and its proneness to rupture are of crucial importance for risk assessment and treatment strategies. The carotid is an excellent artery to be imaged with ultrasound because of its superficial position. In this review, ultrasound-based methods for characterizing the mechanical properties of the carotid wall and atherosclerotic plaque are discussed. Using conventional echography, the intima media thickness (IMT) can be quantified. There is a wealth of studies describing the relation between IMT and the risk for myocardial infarction and stroke. Also the carotid distensibility can be quantified with ultrasound, providing a surrogate marker for the cross-sectional mechanical properties. Although all these parameters are associated with CVD, they do not easily translate to individual patient risk. Another technique is pulse wave velocity (PWV) assessment, which measures the propagation of the pressure pulse over the arterial bed. PWV has proven to be a marker for global arterial stiffness. Recently, an ultrasound-based method to estimate the local PWV has been introduced, but the clinical effectiveness still needs to be established. Other techniques focus on characterization of plaques. With ultrasound elastography, the strain in the plaque due to the pulsatile pressure can be quantified. This technique was initially developed using intravascular catheters to image coronaries, but recently noninvasive methods were successfully developed. A high correlation between the measured strain and the risk for rupture was established. Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging also provides characterization of local plaque components based on mechanical properties. However, both elastography and ARFI provide an indirect measure of the elastic modulus of tissue. With shear wave imaging, the elastic modulus can be quantified, although the carotid artery is one of the most challenging tissues for this technique due to its size and geometry. Prospective studies still have to establish the predictive value of these techniques for the individual patient. Validation of ultrasound-based mechanical characterization of arteries and plaques remains challenging. Magnetic resonance imaging is often used as the "gold" standard for plaque characterization, but its limited resolution renders only global characterization of the plaque. CT provides information on the vascular tree, the degree of stenosis, and the presence of calcified plaque, while soft plaque characterization remains limited. Histology still is the gold standard, but is available only if tissue is excised. In conclusion, elastographic ultrasound techniques are well suited to characterize the different stages of vascular disease.
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20
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Effect of rosuvastatin on atherosclerotic plaque stability: An intravascular ultrasound elastography study. Atherosclerosis 2016; 248:27-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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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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