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Garg PK, Bhatia HS, Allen TS, Grainger T, Pouncey AL, Dichek D, Virmani R, Golledge J, Allison MA, Powell JT. Assessment of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Asymptomatic People In Vivo: Measurements Suitable for Biomarker and Mendelian Randomization Studies. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:24-47. [PMID: 38150519 PMCID: PMC10753091 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One strategy to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease is the early detection and treatment of atherosclerosis. This has led to significant interest in studies of subclinical atherosclerosis, using different phenotypes, not all of which are accurate reflections of the presence of asymptomatic atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of part 2 of this series is to provide a review of the existing literature on purported measures of subclinical disease and recommendations concerning which tests may be appropriate in the prevention of incident cardiovascular disease. METHODS We conducted a critical review of measurements used to infer the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in the major conduit arteries and focused on the predictive value of these tests for future cardiovascular events, independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors, in asymptomatic people. The emphasis was on studies with >10 000 person-years of follow-up, with meta-analysis of results reporting adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs. The arterial territories were limited to carotid, coronary, aorta, and lower limb arteries. RESULTS In the carotid arteries, the presence of plaque (8 studies) was independently associated with future stroke (pooled HR, 1.89 [1.04-3.44]) and cardiac events (7 studies), with a pooled HR, 1.77 (1.19-2.62). Increased coronary artery calcium (5 studies) was associated with the risk of coronary heart disease events, pooled HR, 1.54 (1.07-2.07) and increasing severity of calcification (by Agaston score) was associated with escalation of risk (13 studies). An ankle/brachial index (ABI) of <0.9, the pooled HR for cardiovascular death from 7 studies was 2.01 (1.43-2.81). There were insufficient studies of either, thoracic or aortic calcium, aortic diameter, or femoral plaque to synthesize the data based on consistent reporting of these measures. CONCLUSIONS The presence of carotid plaque, coronary artery calcium, or abnormal ankle pressures seems to be a valid indicator of the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis and may be considered for use in biomarker, Mendelian randomization and similar studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parveen K Garg
- Division of Cardiology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles (G.P.)
| | - Harpreet S Bhatia
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California San Diego (B.H., A.T., A.M.A.)
| | - Tara S Allen
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California San Diego (B.H., A.T., A.M.A.)
| | - Tabitha Grainger
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London (G.T., P.A.-L., P.J.T.)
| | - Anna L Pouncey
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London (G.T., P.A.-L., P.J.T.)
| | - David Dichek
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle (D.D.)
| | | | - Jonathan Golledge
- Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, James Cook University and Townsville University Hospital, Australia (G.J.)
| | - Matthew A Allison
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California San Diego (B.H., A.T., A.M.A.)
| | - Janet T Powell
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London (G.T., P.A.-L., P.J.T.)
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Dimas GG, Zilakaki M, Giannopoulos A, Daios S, Kakaletsis N, Kaiafa G, Didangelos T, Savopoulos C, Ktenidis K, Tegos T. Assessment of Atherosclerosis in Ischemic Stroke by means of Ultrasound of Extracranial/Intracranial Circulation and Serum, Urine, and Tissue Biomarkers. Curr Med Chem 2023; 30:1107-1121. [PMID: 35980067 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220817123442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
It is a common practice to take into consideration age, diabetes, smoking, treated and untreated systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol for the prediction of atherosclerosis and stroke. There are, however, ultrasound markers in use for the assessment of atherosclerosis and the evaluation of stroke risk. Two areas of investigation are of interest: the carotid artery and the intracranial arterial circulation. Again, within the domain of the carotid artery, two ultrasonic markers have attracted our attention: intima media thickness of the carotid artery and the presence of carotid plaque with its various focal characteristics. In the domain of intracranial circulation, the presence of arterial stenosis and the recruitment of collaterals are considered significant ultrasonic markers for the above-mentioned purpose. On the other hand, a series of serum, urine, and tissue biomarkers are found to be related to atherosclerotic disease. Future studies might address the issue of whether the addition of proven ultrasonic carotid indices to the aforementioned serum, urine, and tissue biomarkers could provide the vascular specialist with a better assessment of the atherosclerotic load and solidify their position as surrogate markers for the evaluation of atherosclerosis and stroke risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios G Dimas
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Zilakaki
- First Neurology Department, Medical School, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54636, Greece
| | - Argyrios Giannopoulos
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stylianos Daios
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kakaletsis
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgia Kaiafa
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital of Thessaloniki ,Greece
| | - Triantafyllos Didangelos
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos Savopoulos
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Ktenidis
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Thomas Tegos
- First Neurology Department, Medical School, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54636, Greece
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Association between large artery stenosis, cerebral small vessel disease and risk of ischemic stroke. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 64:1473-1480. [PMID: 33439457 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1849-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to assess the associations of large artery stenosis (LAS) and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) with the risk of ischemic stroke and to investigate their respective and combined contributions. In the prospective population-based Shunyi Study, 1,082 stroke-free participants aged 55.9±9.1 years were included. Participants were followed for incident stroke throughout the study period (2013-2019). Total small vessel disease score was used to measure CSVD burden. Cervico-cerebral large artery stenosis was evaluated via brain magnetic resonance angiography and carotid ultrasound. We estimated the risk of ischemic stroke in relation to LAS and CSVD with Cox regression models. During a mean follow-up of 4.2 years, 34 participants (3.1%) experienced at least one ischemic stroke. Severe LAS (≥50% stenosis versus no stenosis: HR=3.27 (95% CI: 1.31-8.18)) and high CSVD burden (total small vessel disease score 2-4 versus 0 point: HR=12.73 (4.83-33.53)) were associated with increased stroke risk independently. In multivariate models, CSVD burden (7.72%) explained a larger portion of the variation in stroke risk than severity of LAS (3.49%). Our findings identified that both LAS and CSVD were associated with future ischemic stroke in asymptomatic subjects, while those with high CSVD burden deserve more attention in primary prevention of stroke.
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Decreased bone mineral density and osteoporotic fractures are associated with the development of echogenic plaques in the carotid arteries over a 10-year follow-up period: The Japanese Population-based Osteoporosis (JPOS) Cohort Study. Maturitas 2019; 131:40-47. [PMID: 31787146 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether low bone mineral density (BMD) and history of fracture at baseline are associated with the development of echogenic carotid plaques over a 10-year follow-up period. STUDY DESIGN A prospective cohort study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Development of echogenic plaques identified by ultrasonography of the carotid arteries. METHODS Among 1048 women aged 40 or more who completed the baseline survey of the Japanese Population-based Osteoporosis (JPOS) cohort study, 500 women who completed the first decade of follow-up and 267 women who completed the second decade of follow-up were included. We identified history and incidence of clinical osteoporotic fracture during the follow-up through medical interviews, and determined vertebral fractures by morphometry of absorptiometric images. RESULTS We identified 67 (13.4%) and 31 (11.6%) women with echogenic plaques at the end of first and second decade of follow-up, respectively. Participants with echogenic plaques were significantly older, exhibited lower spine BMD, and had a higher prevalence of osteoporotic fracture, diabetes, and hypertension. A generalized estimating equation analysis was used to combine the participants from the two follow-up periods into a single cohort, and showed that osteoporotic BMD and osteoporotic fractures were significantly associated with the development of echogenic plaques, after adjusting for atherosclerosis risk factors (odds ratio (OR): 2.15, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.04, 4.44; OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.28, respectively). CONCLUSION Osteoporotic BMD and osteoporotic fracture history were significantly, and independently, associated with an increased occurrence of echogenic plaques. Ultrasonographic screening of the carotid artery may benefit patients with osteoporosis.
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Jujić A, Östling G, Persson M, Engström G, Nilsson PM, Melander O, Magnusson M. Skin autofluorescence as a measure of advanced glycation end product levels is associated with carotid atherosclerotic plaque burden in an elderly population. Diab Vasc Dis Res 2019; 16:466-473. [PMID: 31064217 DOI: 10.1177/1479164119845319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced glycation end product is an established risk marker in diabetic vascular disease, but its possible associations with atherosclerosis in a general population are yet to be investigated. We studied the degree of carotid atherosclerosis and its association with skin autofluorescence in an elderly population. METHODS Carotid ultrasound and skin autofluorescence measurements were performed in a subpopulation within the 'Malmö Diet and Cancer Cardiovascular Cohort' re-examination study (n = 523). Total plaque area including all prevalent plaques in the right carotid artery was calculated. Complete data on all variables were available for 496 subjects (mean age 72 years). RESULTS Each 1 standard deviation increment of skin autofluorescence was associated with increased risk of prevalent large plaques (odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.66; p = 0.018) independently of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors. The top versus bottom tertile of the skin autofluorescence was associated with an approximately twofold risk of being in the population with the highest plaque burden [top quartile with total plaque area ⩾ 35 mm2 (odds ratio, 1.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-3.39; p for trend = 0.027)] in fully adjusted analysis. CONCLUSION In an elderly population, skin autofluorescence was associated with increasing degree of carotid atherosclerosis measured as total plaque area, independently of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amra Jujić
- 1 Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- 2 Department of Cardiology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Gerd Östling
- 1 Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Margaretha Persson
- 1 Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Engström
- 1 Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Peter M Nilsson
- 1 Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Olle Melander
- 1 Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Martin Magnusson
- 1 Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- 2 Department of Cardiology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- 4 Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Seyman EE, Bornstein N, Auriel E, Cohen O, Nissel T, Hallevi H. Assessment of carotid artery ultrasonography in the presence of an acoustic shadow artifact. BMC Neurol 2019; 19:178. [PMID: 31357950 PMCID: PMC6664737 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-019-1405-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background B-mode and Color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) are the methods of choice for screening and determining the degree of Carotid artery stenosis. The evaluation of stenosis with calcification may be hampered by a common CDUS artifact known as acoustic shadow (AS). Our objective was to assess the change in reliability of CDUS readings in the presence of an AS artifact. Methods Single center retrospective observational study. Included were patients with either an AS artifact or high-grade stenosis (defined by peak systolic velocity (PSV) > 240 cm/s) demonstrated in CDUS, and had a CT angiography (CTA) done within 6 months of the sonographic exam. All subjects were identified through the Tel-Aviv Sorasky medical center (TASMC) CDUS unit registry from which clinical information was extracted. CDUS images were manually reviewed grading AS magnitude. All CTAs were reviewed and reconstructed for accurate assessment of percent stenosis and were used as gold standard. Results The study cohort included 227 consecutive patients (corresponding with 454 internal carotid arteries) meeting inclusion criteria. 43.2% of the arteries (n = 195) had an AS artifact present on CDUS, regardless of percent stenosis, with a large artifact present in 6.7% arteries (n = 30). Older age was significantly related to the presence of AS artifact (p < 0.001). In the study cohort as a whole there was a strong correlation between percent stenosis on CTA and PSV values (Pearson’s r 0.672, p < 0.001) regardless of AS existence. The CDUS sensitivity and specificity for predicting severe stenosis were 82 and 73% respectively. The presence of a small AS slightly diminished the correlation between CDUS and CTA results without compromising CDUS reliability. A large AS severely affected the correlation between CDUS and CTA exams (Pearson’s r = 0.24, p = 0.27) and reduced CDUS reliability with a sensitivity and specificity of 62%. Conclusion The presence of a large AS severely degrades the accuracy of the routine CDUS measurements. In these cases, the patient should be referred to a CDUS exam including doppler-measurement of periorbital arteries and intracranial arteries in addition to other imaging modalities such as CTA or MRA in order to assess future stroke risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle E Seyman
- Division of Neurology, Stroke Department, Tel-Aviv Sorasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann St., Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel. .,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel.
| | - Natan Bornstein
- Department of Neurology Shaarey-Tzedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait Street, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eitan Auriel
- Department of Neurology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel
| | - Oren Cohen
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel
| | - Tania Nissel
- Division of Neurology, Stroke Department, Tel-Aviv Sorasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann St., Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel
| | - Hen Hallevi
- Division of Neurology, Stroke Department, Tel-Aviv Sorasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann St., Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel
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Ravikanth R. Relevance of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Plaque Morphology in the Risk Assessment of Patients with Acute Ischemic Cerebral Infarcts: A Case-Control Study of Large Series from a Single Center. J Med Ultrasound 2019; 28:29-34. [PMID: 32368447 PMCID: PMC7194428 DOI: 10.4103/jmu.jmu_5_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Carotid atherosclerosis is not only a marker of systemic atherosclerosis but also a predictor of ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study is to correlate the relationship between atherosclerotic risk factors, plaque categories, percentage of stenosis, stroke subtypes, and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: This case–control study was conducted over 4 years from December 2014 to December 2018. A total of 500 cases diagnosed with acute cerebral infarct using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging were included in the study. Two hundred and fifty healthy controls were studied for the presence of atherosclerotic risk factors and carotid artery IMT by B-mode Doppler ultrasonography. The IMT value thus calculated was 0.79 mm and such a value would include >95% of the controls. Carotid plaques were detected from both sides of IMT measurement of the carotid system. Results: A total of 500 cases of acute infarct and 250 healthy controls were included in this case–control study. CIMT was abnormal in 348 cases with 192 males and 156 females with a mean value of 0.912 ± 0.124 against 0.794 ± 0.132; P < 0.001 controls. Mean CIMT (averaged right and left) varied directly according to the increasing plaque stenosis ranging from 0.70 mm to 0.96 mm in males and 0.68 mm to 0.94 mm in females ranging from no plaque to cases with ≥50% stenosis (P < 0.001 across stenosis categories). On multivariate analysis, CIMT (>0.79) remained associated as compared to other variables (PR [Probability] 5.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.398–22.784; P = 0.012). Mean right CIMT of patients with lacunar infarction, cardioembolism, and large artery stroke was 0.886 ± 0.230, 0.919 ± 0.171, and 0.938 ± 0.169 mm, respectively (P = 0.032). Mean left CIMT of patients with lacunar infarction, cardioembolism, and large artery stroke was 0.884 ± 0.195, 0.916 ± 0.144, and 0.930 ± 0.137 mm, respectively (P = 0.034). Conclusion: CIMT measurements are independent markers of acute ischemic cerebral infarcts. In the current study, CIMT was found to be higher among acute ischemic stroke patients who were the elderly, smoker, hypertensive, diabetic, and hypercholesterolemic than that of nonsmoker, normotensive, nondiabetic, and normocholesterolemic controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reddy Ravikanth
- Department of Radiology, Holy Family Hospital, Thodupuzha, Kerala, India
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Gamal RM, Abozaid HSM, Zidan M, Abdelmegid MAKF, Abdel-Razek MR, Alsayed SAR, Mourad AF, Azoz NMA, Mohram LAW, Furst DE. Study of MRI brain findings and carotid US features in systemic sclerosis patients, relationship with disease parameters. Arthritis Res Ther 2019; 21:95. [PMID: 30987675 PMCID: PMC6466742 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-019-1877-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/objectives Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease associated with immune abnormalities and widespread vascular lesions, including increased intimal and medial thickness. These changes may be reflected in early atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risks. We aimed in this study to examine the carotid artery intima-media thickness and MRI brain findings in SSc patients and compared them to a group of normal controls. A relationship between these parameters and clinical measures in SSc was also sought. Methods Seventy-two SSc patients with no central nervous system (CNS) symptoms and 42 healthy controls were included. Clinical and laboratory measures, Medsger’s severity scale, and Doppler ultrasound common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) were measured. Brain fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR)-MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) were also done. Results SSc patients had more CCA-IMT, higher CRP, and more brain MRI hyperintense lesions than controls (P < 0.05). Significant positive correlations existed between CCA-IMT and Medsger vascular (r = 0.7, P = 0.02). The FLAIR-MRI showed multiple hyperintense lesions in 24 patients (33%), ranging 0–36 lesions. SSc patients with more lesions (positive MRI) had longer disease duration (P = 0.001) and left and right carotid artery atheromata (P = 0.001, and 0.013, respectively) than SSc patients with negative MRIs; Medsger vascular score did not separate the SSc groups (P = 0.08). Conclusions In systemic sclerosis patients without central nervous system symptoms, MRI lesion numbers correlated with CCA-IMT. MRI abnormalities were found more frequently if CRP was elevated, if the Medsger SSc Severity Scale was increased, or if there was thickened carotid IMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania M Gamal
- Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, 71515, Egypt
| | - Hanan Sayed M Abozaid
- Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Sohag University Hospital, Sohag university, Sohag, 82524, Egypt.
| | - Mohmed Zidan
- Diagnostic Radiology Department, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | | | - Sahar Abdel-Rahman Alsayed
- Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Sohag University Hospital, Sohag university, Sohag, 82524, Egypt
| | - Amr F Mourad
- Diagnostic Radiology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | | | - Daniel E Furst
- Division of Rheumatology, University of California in Los Angeles (Emeritus), Los Angeles, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of Rheumatology and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Ultrasound Tissue Characterization of Carotid Plaques Differs Between Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and Subjects without Diabetes. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8040424. [PMID: 30925670 PMCID: PMC6518191 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8040424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate ultrasound tissue characterization of carotid plaques in subjects with and without diabetes type 1 (T1D). B-mode carotid ultrasound was performed to assess the presence and type of plaque in a group of 340 subjects with and 304 without T1D, all of them without cardiovascular disease. One hundred and seven patients with T1D (49.5% women; age 54 ± 9.8 years) and 67 control subjects without diabetes who had at least one carotid plaque were included in the study. The proportion of subjects who had only echolucent plaques was reduced in the group of patients with T1D (48.6% vs. 73.1%). In contrast, the proportion with only echogenic (25.2% vs. 7.5%) and calcified plaques (9.4% vs. 1.5%) was increased compared with subjects without diabetes. Moreover, having at least one echogenic plaque was more frequent in T1D patients compared with subjects without diabetes (49.5% vs. 26.9% p = 0.005). In addition to diabetes (OR 2.28; p = 0.026), age (OR 1.06, p = 0.002) was the other variable associated with echogenic plaque existence in multiple regression analysis. Patients with T1D exhibit a differential pattern of carotid plaque type compared with subjects without diabetes, with an increased frequency of echogenic and extensively calcified plaques.
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Friedlander AH, Graves LL, Grabich SG, Aghazadehsanai N, Chang TI. Prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas on panoramic images of older men with gout: a descriptive retrospective study. Dentomaxillofac Radiol 2017; 46:20160406. [PMID: 28186844 PMCID: PMC5595035 DOI: 10.1259/dmfr.20160406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Given the enhanced risk of ischaemic stroke resulting from the direct effects of hyperuricaemia on vascular plaque formation seen among older males with gout, we sought to determine the prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAAs) on their panoramic images (PIs). METHODS Medical record librarians identified all male patients over 45 years, who had a diagnosis of gout and a PI incidentally obtained between 2000 and 2015. The prevalence rate of CCAA on technically appropriate images was determined, as were these patients' atherogenic risk profiles including: age, body mass index, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Comparisons of atherogenic risk factors were made between this cohort and those without CCAA. RESULTS Of the 531 patients with gout, 163 patients were adjudicated to be CCAA+ (the panoramic image demonstrates a calcified carotid artery atheroma). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a comorbid diagnosis of diabetes mellitus or dyslipidaemia, or advancing age was determinant in differentiating patients who were CCAA+ vs those who were CCAA- (the panoramic image does not demonstrate a calcified carotid artery atheroma). CONCLUSIONS CCAAs often herald an ischaemic stroke and may be seen on the PIs of patients with gout, especially those with increased age, dyslipidaemia or diabetes. Thus, dentists must be uniquely vigilant in detecting these lesions when evaluating the images of all patients with gout, especially those with additional positive risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur H Friedlander
- Graduate Medical Education Service, Veterans Affairs, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Service at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Dental School, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lindsay L Graves
- Dental Service, Veterans Affairs, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
| | - Shannon G Grabich
- Research Service, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Tina I Chang
- UCLA Dental School, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Dental Service, Veterans Affairs, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
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11
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Saxena Y, Saxena V, Mittal M, Srivastava M, Raghuvanshi S. Age-Wise Association of Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Ischemic Stroke. Ann Neurosci 2017; 24:5-11. [PMID: 28588353 DOI: 10.1159/000464417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ischemic stroke is often a sequel of atherosclerotic risk factors. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a surrogate marker of early atherosclerotic changes. PURPOSE It was hypothesized that CIMT is associated with ischemic stroke in adults across all ages. METHODS A case control study was performed on 163 diagnosed cases of first-time ischemic stroke and age-(±1 SD) and gender-matched healthy control attendants reporting at a tertiary care hospital. Data were collected on atherosclerotic risk factors for ischemic stroke. CIMT from both the carotids was measured using carotid vascular Doppler. The demographic profile and CIMT with atherosclerotic risk factors of cases and controls across different age groups were compared using unpaired t test if they passed the test of normality, else the Mann-Whitney test was used. OR for vascular risk factors for the development of stroke was calculated. The relationship of CIMT to atherosclerotic risk factors was analyzed by using Spearman correlation and regression analysis. The level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS Age-specific value of CIMT was significantly higher in stroke cases than in age-matched controls across all age groups. Right CIMT, along with the history of hypertension (HTN; OR 2.3), are important risk factors for ischemic stroke in the younger age group (20-40 years). With increasing age along with the history of HTN and right CIMT (OR >7), presence of plaque (OR 6.3) and daily smoking (OR 5.1) are also significant risk factors. CIMT is significantly related to the daily alcohol and smoking intake and the presence of plaques. Right CIMT is positively related to increasing age in normal population (R2 = 0.041; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Right CIMT and comorbid HTN are significant risk factors associated with the development of ischemic stroke across all adult age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh Saxena
- Department of Physiology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, SRH University, Dehradun, India
| | | | - Manish Mittal
- Department of Neurology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, SRH University, Dehradun, India
| | - Malini Srivastava
- Department of Psychology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, SRH University, Dehradun, India
| | - Shailendra Raghuvanshi
- Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, SRH University, Dehradun, India
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Liang M, McEvoy JW, Chen Y, Sharrett AR, Selvin E. Association of a Biomarker of Glucose Peaks, 1,5-Anhydroglucitol, With Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease. Diabetes Care 2016; 39:1752-9. [PMID: 27481841 PMCID: PMC5033083 DOI: 10.2337/dc16-0840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE 1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) is a biomarker of glucose peaks and has been associated with clinical cardiovascular disease. However, the association between 1,5-AG and subclinical cardiovascular disease is unknown. We investigated the association of 1,5-AG with subclinical myocardial damage (assessed by high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T [hs-cTnT]) and atherosclerosis (assessed by carotid intima-media thickness [CIMT] and carotid plaque). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We measured 1,5-AG, hs-cTnT, CIMT, and carotid plaque among 10,072 people without diabetes and 681 with diabetes who attended the second examination of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (baseline, 1990-1992). We used Poisson regression to characterize the associations between 1,5-AG and prevalent elevated hs-cTnT, thick CIMT, or carotid plaque. Among 9,145 people with a second hs-cTnT measurement 6 years later, we used multinomial logistic regression to assess associations with incident elevation in hs-cTnT. RESULTS We found that in people with diabetes, lower 1,5-AG (<6 μg/mL) was cross-sectionally associated with elevated hs-cTnT (prevalence ratio 2.06, 95% CI 1.23-3.46) compared with higher 1,5-AG (≥10 μg/mL). Associations in people without diabetes and with thick CIMT or the presence of carotid plaque were less robust. Low 1,5-AG was prospectively associated with the 6-year incident elevation in hs-cTnT (relative risk 2.90, 95% CI 1.23-6.85) in people with diabetes. All associations were strongly attenuated with further adjustment for HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS In people with diabetes, 1,5-AG was associated with subclinical cardiovascular disease, particularly chronic subclinical myocardial damage. Nonetheless, whether observed associations are truly independent of average glycemia is unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglu Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - John William McEvoy
- Department of Epidemiology and the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - A Richey Sharrett
- Department of Epidemiology and the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Elizabeth Selvin
- Department of Epidemiology and the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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13
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Peripheral Atherosclerosis in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction: A Population-Based Study. J Sex Med 2016; 13:63-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2015.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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14
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Vigili de Kreutzenberg S, Fadini GP, Guzzinati S, Mazzucato M, Volpi A, Coracina A, Avogaro A. Carotid plaque calcification predicts future cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2015; 38:1937-44. [PMID: 26253729 DOI: 10.2337/dc15-0327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The presence of carotid plaques is associated with future cardiovascular events, with local plaque composition being an independent outcome predictor. We examined the association between ultrasonographically determined carotid plaque calcification and incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and death in type 2 diabetes (T2D). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We enrolled 581 patients with T2D who underwent routine carotid ultrasonography. Plaques were classified as echolucent (lipid rich), heterogenous, and echogenic (calcific). We collected demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data at baseline and followed the patients for up to 9 years. RESULTS Plaques were detected in 81.8% of the patients (echolucent in 16.4%, heterogenous in 43.2%, and echogenic in 22.2%). During follow-up (4.3 ± 0.1 years), 58 deaths (27 cardiovascular) and 236 fatal and nonfatal MACE occurred. In univariate analyses, presence versus absence of any carotid plaque was associated with incident MACE, and the hazard ratio (95% CI) progressively increased from echolucent (1.97 [0.93-3.44]), to heterogeneous (3.10 [2.09-4.23]), to echogenic (3.71 [2.09-5.59]) plaques. Compared with echolucent plaques, echogenic plaques were associated with incident MACE independently from confounders. This association was attenuated after adjusting for the degree of stenosis, but in patients with stenosis ≤30%, echogenic plaque type still predicted total and atherosclerotic MACE, even after further adjusting for mean intima-media thickness. CONCLUSIONS In T2D, carotid plaque calcification predicts MACE, especially in patients with a low degree of stenosis. The biology of atherosclerotic calcification in diabetes needs to be further elucidated to understand the basis of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gian Paolo Fadini
- Department of Medicine, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonio Volpi
- Diabetology Service, Montebelluna Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | - Anna Coracina
- Diabetology Service, Montebelluna Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | - Angelo Avogaro
- Department of Medicine, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
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Zeki Al Hazzouri A, Vittinghoff E, Sidney S, Reis JP, Jacobs DR, Yaffe K. Intima-Media Thickness and Cognitive Function in Stroke-Free Middle-Aged Adults: Findings From the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study. Stroke 2015; 46:2190-6. [PMID: 26106116 PMCID: PMC4519386 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.115.008994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The relationship between carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and cognitive function in midlife remains relatively unexplored. We examined the association between IMT and cognitive function in a middle-aged epidemiological cohort of 2618 stroke-free participants. METHODS At the year 20 visit (our study baseline), participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study had IMT measured by ultrasound at the common carotid artery. Five years later, participants completed a cognitive battery consisting of the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test of verbal memory, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test of processing speed, and the Stroop test of executive function. We transformed cognitive scores into standardized z scores, with negative values indicating worse performance. RESULTS Mean age at baseline was 45.3 years (SD, 3.6). Greater IMT (per 1 SD difference of 0.12 mm) was significantly associated with worse performance on all cognitive tests (z scores) in unadjusted linear regression models (verbal memory, -0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.20 to -0.13; processing speed, -0.23; 95% CI, -0.27 to -0.19; and executive function, -0.17; 95% CI, -0.20 to -0.13). In models adjusted for sociodemographics and vascular risk factors that lie earlier in the causal pathway, greater IMT remained negatively associated with processing speed (-0.06; 95% CI, -0.09 to -0.02; P, 0.003) and borderline associated with executive function (-0.03; 95% CI, -0.07 to 0.00; P, 0.07) but not with verbal memory. CONCLUSIONS We observed an association between greater IMT and worse processing speed-a key component of cognitive functioning-at middle age above and beyond traditional vascular risk factors. Efforts targeted at preventing early stages of atherosclerosis may modify the course of cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Zeki Al Hazzouri
- From the Division of Epidemiology and Population Health Sciences, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, FL (A.Z.A.H.); Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (E.V., K.Y.), Psychiatry (K.Y.), and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California San Francisco; San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA (K.Y.); Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA (S.S.); Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.P.R.); and Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (D.R.J.).
| | - Eric Vittinghoff
- From the Division of Epidemiology and Population Health Sciences, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, FL (A.Z.A.H.); Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (E.V., K.Y.), Psychiatry (K.Y.), and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California San Francisco; San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA (K.Y.); Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA (S.S.); Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.P.R.); and Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (D.R.J.)
| | - Stephen Sidney
- From the Division of Epidemiology and Population Health Sciences, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, FL (A.Z.A.H.); Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (E.V., K.Y.), Psychiatry (K.Y.), and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California San Francisco; San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA (K.Y.); Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA (S.S.); Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.P.R.); and Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (D.R.J.)
| | - Jared P Reis
- From the Division of Epidemiology and Population Health Sciences, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, FL (A.Z.A.H.); Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (E.V., K.Y.), Psychiatry (K.Y.), and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California San Francisco; San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA (K.Y.); Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA (S.S.); Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.P.R.); and Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (D.R.J.)
| | - David R Jacobs
- From the Division of Epidemiology and Population Health Sciences, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, FL (A.Z.A.H.); Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (E.V., K.Y.), Psychiatry (K.Y.), and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California San Francisco; San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA (K.Y.); Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA (S.S.); Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.P.R.); and Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (D.R.J.)
| | - Kristine Yaffe
- From the Division of Epidemiology and Population Health Sciences, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, FL (A.Z.A.H.); Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (E.V., K.Y.), Psychiatry (K.Y.), and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California San Francisco; San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA (K.Y.); Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA (S.S.); Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.P.R.); and Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (D.R.J.)
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16
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Roy RR, Hurst RT, Lester SJ, Kendall C, Baxter C, Wu Q, Borovansky J, Files J, Panse P, Wilansky S. Risk Stratification for Cardiovascular Disease in Women in the Primary Care Setting. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2015; 28:1232-9. [PMID: 26243701 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2015.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional risk assessment tools classify the majority of middle-aged women at low risk despite cardiovascular (CV) disease's affecting >50% of women and remaining the leading cause of death. Ultrasound-determined carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and/or computed tomographic coronary artery calcium score (CACS) quantify subclinical atherosclerosis and add incremental prognostic value. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of CIMT and CACS to detect subclinical atherosclerosis in younger women. METHODS Asymptomatic women aged 50 to 65 years with at least one CV risk factor and low Framingham risk scores were identified prospectively at primary care and cardiology clinics. Mean intimal thickness, plaque on CIMT, and Agatston calcium score for CACS were obtained. RESULTS Of 86 women (mean age, 58 ± 4.6 years; mean Framingham risk score, 1.9 ± 1.2; mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, 138.9 ± 37.0 mg/dL), 53 (62%) had high-risk CIMT (51% plaque, 11% CIMT > 75th percentile). In contrast, three women (3.5%) had CACS > 100, all of whom had plaque by CIMT. Of the 58 women with CACS of 0, 32 (55%) had high-risk CIMT (48% plaque, 7% CIMT > 75th percentile). CONCLUSIONS In patients referred by their physicians for assessment of CV risk, CIMT in asymptomatic middle-aged women with at least one CV risk factor and low risk by the Framingham risk score identified a large number with advanced subclinical atherosclerosis despite low CACS. Our results suggest that CIMT may be a more sensitive method for CV risk assessment than CACS or traditional risk tools in this population. Further studies are needed to determine if earlier detection would be of clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjini R Roy
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - R Todd Hurst
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Steven J Lester
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Christopher Kendall
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Christy Baxter
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Qing Wu
- College of Medicine, Biostatistics, Division of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Jill Borovansky
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Julia Files
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Prasad Panse
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Susan Wilansky
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona.
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Increased Atherosclerosis Correlates with Subjective Tinnitus Severity. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2015; 70:119-124. [PMID: 29456955 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-015-0845-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether increased intima media thickness was associated with the severity of subjective non-pulsatile tinnitus and hearing loss. Data of the patients who came to Otorhinolaryngology Department of Isparta Government Hospital with subjective non-pulsatile tinnitus complaint, between January 2012 and June 2013, were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 215 patients were included in the present study. Hearing tests, biochemical analysis, tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), visual analogue scale (VAS) and doppler ultrasonography results of the patients were reviewed and recorded. The patients were classified into two groups as those having an increased intima media thickness and those having a normal intima media thickness. The said groups were compared with respect to age, gender, THI, VAS, hearing test findings and lipid values. Moreover, THI and VAS groups were compared with respect to intima-media thickness. In the group having increased intima-media thickness, THI and VAS average, frequency of hypertension, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglyceride averages and mean frequencies obtained by hearing test were significantly higher. Comparison of THI and VAS groups showed that intima-media thickness was significantly different between those having a mild tinnitus and those having a severe tinnitus. Increased intima-media thickness was associated with the severity of subjective non-pulsatile tinnitus and hearing loss. For this reason, the carotid system should be examined in subjective non-pulsatile tinnitus patients.
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18
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Associations of carotid artery plaque with lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction. Int Urol Nephrol 2014; 46:2263-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s11255-014-0830-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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19
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Gardener H, Wright CB, Cabral D, Scarmeas N, Gu Y, Cheung K, Elkind MSV, Sacco RL, Rundek T. Mediterranean diet and carotid atherosclerosis in the Northern Manhattan Study. Atherosclerosis 2014; 234:303-10. [PMID: 24721190 PMCID: PMC4370624 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet (MeDi) may protect against clinical vascular events by reducing atherosclerosis, but data is limited. This is the first observational study of the association between MeDi adherence and carotid plaque thickness and area. METHODS The study included 1374 participants of the population-based Northern Manhattan Study with diet assessed and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and plaque measured using B-mode ultrasound (mean age 66 ± 9 years, 60% female, 60% Hispanic, 18% White, 19% Black). A MeDi adherence score (range = 0-9, 9 representing maximal adherence) was examined continuously and in quintiles (3/4/5/6-9 vs. 0-2). RESULTS Mean cIMT = 0.9 ± 0.1 mm and 57% had plaque (median plaque thickness = 1.5 mm, 75th percentile = 2.2; median plaque area = 4.2 mm(2), 75th percentile = 15.8). There was no association between MeDi and cIMT or plaque presence. MeDi adherence was inversely associated with the 75th percentile of plaque thickness and median of plaque area in quantile regression analyses. These associations persisted after controlling for demographics, smoking, physical activity, and total energy consumption (effect of a 1-point increase in MeDi score on the 75th percentile of plaque thickness = -0.049 mm, p = 0.03; median of plaque area = -0.371 mm(2), p = 0.03), and when additionally controlling for vascular disease biomarkers, medication use, BMI, and previous cardiac disease. The protective associations appeared strongest for those with a MeDi score of 5 (4th quintile) vs. 0-2 (bottom quintile). Differential effects of a MeDi on plaque thickness and area across race/ethnic groups was suggested. CONCLUSIONS Moderate and strict adherence to a MeDi may protect against a higher burden of carotid atherosclerotic plaque, which may mediate the protection against clinical vascular events. Efforts to improve adherence to a MeDi are critical to reducing the burden of atherosclerotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Gardener
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Clinton B Wright
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Digna Cabral
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nikolaos Scarmeas
- Department of Neurology, Sergievsky Center, Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Social Medicine, Psychiatry, and Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Yian Gu
- Department of Neurology, Sergievsky Center, Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ken Cheung
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mitchell S V Elkind
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ralph L Sacco
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Tatjana Rundek
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Hiremath P, Bauer M, Aguirre AD, Cheng HW, Unno K, Patel RB, Harvey BW, Chang WT, Groarke JD, Liao R, Cheng S. Identifying early changes in myocardial microstructure in hypertensive heart disease. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97424. [PMID: 24831515 PMCID: PMC4022613 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The transition from healthy myocardium to hypertensive heart disease is characterized by a series of poorly understood changes in myocardial tissue microstructure. Incremental alterations in the orientation and integrity of myocardial fibers can be assessed using advanced ultrasonic image analysis. We used a modified algorithm to investigate left ventricular myocardial microstructure based on analysis of the reflection intensity at the myocardial-pericardial interface on B-mode echocardiographic images. We evaluated the extent to which the novel algorithm can differentiate between normal myocardium and hypertensive heart disease in humans as well as in a mouse model of afterload resistance. The algorithm significantly differentiated between individuals with uncomplicated essential hypertension (N = 30) and healthy controls (N = 28), even after adjusting for age and sex (P = 0.025). There was a trend in higher relative wall thickness in hypertensive individuals compared to controls (P = 0.08), but no difference between groups in left ventricular mass (P = 0.98) or total wall thickness (P = 0.37). In mice, algorithm measurements (P = 0.026) compared with left ventricular mass (P = 0.053) more clearly differentiated between animal groups that underwent fixed aortic banding, temporary aortic banding, or sham procedure, on echocardiography at 7 weeks after surgery. Based on sonographic signal intensity analysis, a novel imaging algorithm provides an accessible, non-invasive measure that appears to differentiate normal left ventricular microstructure from myocardium exposed to chronic afterload stress. The algorithm may represent a particularly sensitive measure of the myocardial changes that occur early in the course of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranoti Hiremath
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michael Bauer
- The Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Aaron D. Aguirre
- The Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hui-Wen Cheng
- The Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kazumasa Unno
- The Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ravi B. Patel
- The Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bethany W. Harvey
- The Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Wei-Ting Chang
- The Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John D. Groarke
- The Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ronglih Liao
- The Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Susan Cheng
- The Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Bartels S, Franco AR, Rundek T. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and plaque from risk assessment and clinical use to genetic discoveries. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.permed.2012.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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22
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Mehrad H, Mokhtari-Dizaji M, Ghanaati H, Shahbazfar AA, Salehnia M. Ultrasonographic analysis versus histopathologic evaluation of carotid advanced atherosclerotic stenosis in an experimental rabbit model. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2012; 38:1391-1403. [PMID: 22698512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2012.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Revised: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Advanced carotid atherosclerosis with severe stenosis (>70%) is a major clinical risk factor for ischemic stroke. Our ability to test new protocols for the treatment of atherosclerotic stenosis in humans is limited for obvious ethical reasons; therefore, a suitable animal model is required. The aim of this study was to generate an easily reproducible and inexpensive experimental rabbit carotid model of advanced atherosclerosis with morphological similarities to the human disease and the subsequent assessment of the reliability of B-mode ultrasound technology in the study of lumen area stenosis in this model. Briefly, New Zealand white rabbits underwent primary perivascular cold injury at the right common carotid artery followed by a 1.5% cholesterol-rich diet injury for eight weeks. All of the rabbits' arteries were imaged by B-mode ultrasound weekly, after which the rabbits were sacrificed, and their vessels were processed for histopathology. Ultrasound longitudinal view images from three cardiac cycles were processed by a new computerized analyzing method based on dynamic programming and maximum gradient algorithm for measurement of instantaneous changes in arterial wall thickness and lumen diameter in sequential ultrasound images. Histopathology results showed progressive changes, from the lipid-laden cells and fibrous connective tissue proliferation in neointimal layer, up to the fibro-lipid plaque formation, resulting in vessel wall thickening, remodeling and lumen stenosis. The B-mode ultrasound images and the histologic measurements showed an increase in the mean wall thickness and the lumen area stenosis within eight weeks. Quantitative and morphometric analysis of the mean wall thickness and the lumen area stenosis percentage showed a significant correlation between the B-mode ultrasound and the histological measurements at each time point (R = 0.989 and R = 0.995, p < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, we successfully produced advanced atherosclerosis in the rabbit carotid artery that is similar to the condition seen in patients. This condition in rabbits can be properly assessed by B-mode ultrasound image processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Mehrad
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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A Longitudinal Study of Carotid Plaque and Risk of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease in the Chinese Population. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2011; 24:729-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2011.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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24
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Tinnitus is Associated With Increase in the Intima-Media Thickness of Carotid Arteries. Am J Med Sci 2011; 342:2-4. [DOI: 10.1097/maj.0b013e31820ab3bb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Negi S, Murray T, Nambi V. Carotid Intima Media Thickness Versus Carotid Plaque in Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation. CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REPORTS 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s12170-011-0154-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Meairs S, Hennerici M, Mohr J. Ultrasonography. Stroke 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4160-5478-8.10044-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Abstract
Vessel wall imaging of large vessels has the potential to identify culprit atherosclerotic plaques that lead to cardiovascular events. Comprehensive assessment of atherosclerotic plaque size, composition, and biological activity is possible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Magnetic resonance imaging of the atherosclerotic plaque has demonstrated high accuracy and measurement reproducibility for plaque size. The accuracy of in vivo multicontrast MRI for identification of plaque composition has been validated against histological findings. Magnetic resonance imaging markers of plaque biological activity such as neovasculature and inflammation have been demonstrated. In contrast to other plaque imaging modalities, MRI can be used to study multiple vascular beds noninvasively over time. In this review, we compare the status of in vivo plaque imaging by MRI to competing imaging modalities. Recent MR technological improvements allow fast, accurate, and reproducible plaque imaging. An overview of current MRI techniques required for carotid plaque imaging including hardware, specialized pulse sequences, and processing algorithms are presented. In addition, the application of these techniques to coronary, aortic, and peripheral vascular beds is reviewed.
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Elias-Smale SE, Odink AE, Wieberdink RG, Hofman A, Hunink MGM, Krestin GP, Koudstaal PJ, Breteler MMB, van der Lugt A, Witteman JCM. Carotid, aortic arch and coronary calcification are related to history of stroke: the Rotterdam Study. Atherosclerosis 2010; 212:656-60. [PMID: 20643406 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2010.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2010] [Revised: 06/18/2010] [Accepted: 06/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), which has been mainly used to study coronary atherosclerosis, also enables non-invasive measurement of carotid and aortic atherosclerosis and might be suitable for screening in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of carotid artery, aortic arch and coronary artery calcification as assessed by MDCT, with presence of stroke. METHODS The study was embedded in the population-based Rotterdam Study and comprises 2521 persons (mean age 69.7±6.8 years, 48% males) that underwent an MDCT scan. History of stroke was reported by 96 persons. We used multivariable logistic regression to investigate the associations of calcification in the carotid arteries, aortic arch, and coronary arteries with presence of stroke. RESULTS We found strong and graded associations of prevalent stroke with carotid artery (OR quartile 4 versus 1 (95% CI): 5.0 (2.2-11.0)), aortic arch (3.3 (1.5-7.4)) and coronary artery calcification (3.1 (1.3-7.3)), independent of cardiovascular risk factors. Only the association of carotid artery calcification with presence of stroke was independent of calcification in the other two vessel beds. CONCLUSION In this population-based study, we found a strong and graded association of prevalent stroke with carotid artery, aortic arch and coronary artery calcification, independent of cardiovascular risk factors. After additional adjustment for calcification in the other vessel beds, prevalent stroke was still significantly related to carotid calcification, but no longer to aortic arch or coronary calcification.
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Chemokine CXC Ligand 16 serum concentration but not A181V genotype is associated with atherosclerotic stroke. Clin Chim Acta 2010; 411:1447-51. [PMID: 20621591 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2010.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2009] [Revised: 05/23/2010] [Accepted: 05/24/2010] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum chemokine CXC Ligand 16 (CXCL16) concentration is associated with atherosclerosis and CXCL16 expression may be influenced by the polymorphism, A181V. We established whether serum CXCL16 concentration or the A181V genotype is more strongly associated with atherosclerotic stroke and its associated risk factor, carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS PCR-RFLP was used to genotype 244 atherosclerotic stroke patients (AS group), 153 stroke-free controls (patient controls) and 167 healthy controls. Serum CXCL16 concentration was determined for a subset of patients (n=135) and all controls. The same subset of patients was then examined using ultrasound to evaluate their carotid atherosclerotic lesions, including intima-media thickness (IMT), plaque stability and carotid plaque area (CPA). RESULTS Compared with the patient controls and healthy controls, serum CXCL16 concentration was significantly increased in the AS group (P<0.05, and 0.01). It was also strongly associated with increased IMT, vulnerable plaque and increased CPA (P<0.05, <0.001, and <0.01). However, the CXCL16 A181V genotype distribution and allele frequencies showed no differences between AS and control groups, nor did it influence serum CXCL16 concentration. CONCLUSION Serum CXCL16 concentration is significantly associated with atherosclerotic stroke and carotid atherosclerosis, suggesting that this biochemical test may be useful to identify patients at increased risk of atherosclerosis.
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Boussel L, Saloner D, Gamondes D, Serfaty J, Canet-Soulas E, Nighoghossian N, Douek P. [State of the art: high resolution MR imaging of carotid atherosclerotic plaque]. JOURNAL DE RADIOLOGIE 2010; 91:185-94. [PMID: 20389265 DOI: 10.1016/s0221-0363(10)70023-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A third of cerebrovascular accidents are a complication from carotid artery plaque. In addition to the degree of stenosis, plaque composition and morphology are key elements in determining the probability of complication from the atherosclerotic plaque. High resolution MRI can characterize plaque composition and morphology and therefore help identify unstable plaque. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent concepts on unstable plaque and underlying inflammation. The signal characteristics of the different components of plaque on high resolution MRI then be reviewed. Finally, current morphological and functional criteria for unstable plaque will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Boussel
- Department of radiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Increased atherogenic lipoproteins are associated with cognitive impairment: effects of statins and subclinical atherosclerosis. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2009; 23:11-7. [PMID: 19266697 DOI: 10.1097/wad.0b013e3181850188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia increases the risk for dementia. Some studies suggest that statins may protect cognition, but findings are conflicting. Unmeasured confounders, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or subclinical atherosclerosis, may have influenced prior study outcomes. In older adults participating in a population-based cohort study (n=1711, aged 65 to 97 y), we investigated the relationships of total and HDL cholesterol levels, statin use, and carotid intima-media thickness with the prevalence of cognitive impairment. In adjusted models, participants in the highest quartile of non-HDL (total-HDL) cholesterol had an increased odds of cognitive impairment compared with those in the lowest quartile [odds ratio (OR): 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07-3.98]. Statin use was associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment in unadjusted models (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.36-0.89), but this relationship was not significant after adjusting for vascular and lifestyle factors (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.47-1.49). In this analysis of older adults, increased atherogenic lipoproteins were associated with impaired cognition. Statin use was related to many factors that both negatively and positively affect cognition, but was not associated with better cognitive function. These results suggest that confounding by indication may explain the contradictory findings in studies assessing the association of statins with cognition. Randomized-controlled clinical trials and longitudinal studies are necessary to determine if statins protect against cognitive decline.
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Rundek T, Arif H, Boden-Albala B, Elkind MS, Paik MC, Sacco RL. Carotid plaque, a subclinical precursor of vascular events: the Northern Manhattan Study. Neurology 2008; 70:1200-7. [PMID: 18354078 PMCID: PMC2831775 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000303969.63165.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carotid atherosclerosis is a known biomarker associated with future vascular disease. The risk associated with small, nonstenotic carotid plaques is less clear. The objective of this study was to examine the association between maximum carotid plaque thickness and risk of vascular events in an urban multiethnic cohort. METHODS As part of the population-based Northern Manhattan Study, carotid plaque was analyzed among 2,189 subjects. Maximum carotid plaque thickness was evaluated at the cutoff level of 1.9 mm, a prespecified value of the 75th percentile of the plaque thickness distribution. The primary outcome measure was combined vascular events (ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, or vascular death). RESULTS Carotid plaque was present in 1,263 (58%) subjects. After a mean follow-up of 6.9 years, vascular events occurred among 319 subjects; 121 had fatal or nonfatal ischemic stroke, 118 had fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction, and 166 died of vascular causes. Subjects with maximum carotid plaque thickness greater than 1.9 mm had a 2.8-fold increased risk of combined vascular events in comparison to the subjects without carotid plaque (hazard ratio, 2.80; 95% CI, 2.04-3.84). In fully adjusted models, this association was significant only among Hispanics. Approximately 44% of the low-risk individuals by Framingham risk score had a 10-year vascular risk of 18.3% if having carotid plaque. CONCLUSIONS Maximum carotid plaque thickness is a simple and noninvasive marker of subclinical atherosclerosis associated with increased risk of vascular outcomes in a multiethnic cohort. Maximum carotid plaque thickness may be a simple and nonexpensive tool to assist with vascular risk stratification in preventive strategies and a surrogate endpoint in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Rundek
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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Eigenbrodt ML, Bursac Z, Tracy RE, Mehta JL, Rose KM, Couper DJ. B-mode ultrasound common carotid artery intima-media thickness and external diameter: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations with carotid atherosclerosis in a large population sample. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2008; 6:10. [PMID: 18321381 PMCID: PMC2277382 DOI: 10.1186/1476-7120-6-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2008] [Accepted: 03/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Arterial diameter and intima-media thickness (IMT) enlargement may each be related to the atherosclerotic process. Their separate or combined enlargement may indicate different arterial phenotypes with different atherosclerosis risk. Methods We investigated cross-sectional (baseline 1987–89: n = 7956) and prospective (median follow-up = 5.9 years: n = 4845) associations between baseline right common carotid artery (RCCA) external diameter and IMT with existing and incident carotid atherosclerotic lesions detected by B-mode ultrasound in any right or left carotid segments. Logistic regression models (unadjusted, adjusted for IMT, or adjusted for IMT and risk factors) were used to relate baseline diameter to existing carotid lesions while comparably adjusted parametric survival models assessed baseline diameter associations with carotid atherosclerosis progression (incident carotid lesions). Four baseline arterial phenotypes were categorized as having 1) neither IMT nor diameter enlarged (reference), 2) isolated IMT thickening, 3) isolated diameter enlargement, and 4) enlargement of both IMT and diameter. The association between these phenotypes and progression to definitive carotid atherosclerotic lesions was assessed over the follow-up period. Results Each standard deviation increment of baseline RCCA diameter was associated with increasing carotid lesion prevalence (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.47–1.62) and with progression of carotid atherosclerosis (unadjusted hazards ratio (HR) = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.28–1.46); and the associations remained significant even after adjustment for IMT and risk factors (prevalence OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.04–1.18; progression HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.03–1.19). Controlling for gender, age and race, persons with both RCCA IMT and diameter in the upper 50th percentiles had the greatest risk of progressing to clearly defined carotid atherosclerotic lesions (all HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.47–2.0; men HR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.48–2.39; women HR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.31–1.95) while RCCA IMT or diameter alone in the upper 50th percentile produced significantly lower estimated risks. Conclusion RCCA IMT and external diameter provide partially overlapping information relating to carotid atherosclerotic lesions. More importantly, the RCCA phenotype of coexistent wall thickening with external diameter enlargement indicates higher atherosclerotic risk than isolated wall thickening or diameter enlargement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsha L Eigenbrodt
- Department of Epidemiology, Fay W, Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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Matsumoto M, Inoue K, Moriki A. Associations of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and carotid atherosclerotic lesions with silent cerebral lesions. Hypertens Res 2008; 30:767-73. [PMID: 18037768 DOI: 10.1291/hypres.30.767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Silent cerebral lesions are increasingly found in mass screenings using MRI and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). The purpose of this paper is to assess the usefulness of two non-invasive clinical tests-carotid ultrasound examination and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement-for predicting silent cerebral infarction (SCI) and silent intracranial arterial stenosis. Data were collected on 480 asymptomatic adult subjects who participated in a brain screening program at a single hospital between April 2003 and March 2006. All participants underwent baPWV measurement, B-mode ultrasonography of carotid arteries, MRI, and MRA. Data on 476 (99.1%) subjects were included in the analysis. Among these, 273 (57.4%) were male and the mean age was 51.5 years; 161 (33.8%) had carotid plaque; 33 (6.9%) had increased intima-media thickness (IMT); 99 (20.8%) had SCI; and 7 (1.5%) had intracranial arterial stenosis. The multivariate analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.17), carotid plaque (OR: 2.69; 1.59-4.56), increased IMT (OR: 2.40; 1.02-5.65), and a history of hypertension treatment (OR 2.22; 1.11-4.43) were significantly associated with SCI. Also, increased IMT (OR 9.70: 1.48-63.71) was related to intracranial arterial stenosis. Brachial-ankle PWV was related to SCI (p<0.01) and intracranial stenosis (p=0.01) in univariate analysis but not in multivariate analysis. The presence of carotid plaque and that of increased IMT on ultrasound examination are useful for assessing the risk of SIC. Increased IMT is also predictive of intracranial arterial stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Matsumoto
- Division of Community and Family Medicine, Centre for Community Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Japan.
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Wang AYM, Ho SSY, Liu EKH, Chan IHS, Ho S, Sanderson JE, Lam CWK. Differential associations of traditional and non-traditional risk factors with carotid intima-media thickening and plaque in peritoneal dialysis patients. Am J Nephrol 2007; 27:458-65. [PMID: 17664864 DOI: 10.1159/000106457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2007] [Accepted: 06/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study sought to examine the associations of traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors with carotid intima-media thickening and plaque in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed in 147 PD patients with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque assessed by B-mode ultrasonography and fasting blood collected for biochemical measurements. RESULTS On univariate analysis, age, smoking history, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), adiponectin, fetuin-A, lipoprotein(a) and diastolic blood pressure were associated with carotid IMT while age, smoking history, diabetes, CRP and diastolic blood pressure were associated with carotid plaque. Using multivariate analysis, elevated CRP (p = 0.015) and serum calcium (p = 0.022) were associated with carotid plaque but not with IMT. CRP and serum calcium were synergistically associated with carotid plaque in that those with CRP > median and serum calcium > median showed the highest prevalence of carotid plaque than either factor alone (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS An elevated CRP appeared to be a better biomarker of presence of carotid plaque than intima-media thickening. Furthermore, CRP and serum calcium showed synergistic association with presence of carotid plaque. However, our study was limited by the cross-sectional design and baseline laboratory abnormalities were inevitably confounded by the treatment already given, resulting in difficulty to distinguish cause and effect relationship. Nevertheless, these observations warrant further investigation as it may potentially have important implications on differentiating therapeutic strategies for reducing carotid IMT and plaque progression in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Yee-Moon Wang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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Prabhakaran S, Singh R, Zhou X, Ramas R, Sacco RL, Rundek T. Presence of calcified carotid plaque predicts vascular events: the Northern Manhattan Study. Atherosclerosis 2007; 195:e197-201. [PMID: 17482197 PMCID: PMC6286814 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2007.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2007] [Revised: 03/14/2007] [Accepted: 03/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prognostic implications of carotid plaque calcification (CPC) relative to subsequent vascular events are unclear. Our aim was to determine the association between CPC and risk of vascular events in a prospective multi-ethnic cohort. METHODS CPC was assessed among 1118 stroke-free subjects (mean age 68+/-8 years; 59% women; 59% Hispanic, 22% black, 19% white) from the Northern Manhattan Study using high-resolution B-mode ultrasound. CPC was defined by presence of any acoustic shadowing associated with carotid plaque, producing a reduction in echo amplitude due to intervening structures with high attenuation. Using Cox proportional hazards models, hazard ratios (HR) were estimated for the combined vascular outcome, defined as ischemic stroke (IS), myocardial infarction (MI) or vascular death (VD). RESULTS Carotid plaque was present in 637 (57%) subjects. CPC was present in 225 subjects (20% of total cohort; 35% of those with plaque). During a mean follow-up time of 2.7 years, the combined vascular outcome occurred among 52 subjects (20 IS, 22 MI, and 24 VD). Adjusting for demographics, major vascular risk factors, and carotid intima media thickness, those with CPC (in comparison to those without plaque) had a significantly increased risk of the combined vascular outcome (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.0-5.8). CONCLUSIONS In this population-based cohort, the presence of calcified carotid plaque, as assessed by high-resolution B-mode ultrasound, was an independent predictor of vascular events. It may serve as a simple and non-invasive marker of increased atherosclerotic risk and further aid in vascular risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Prabhakaran
- Rush University Medical Center, Department of Neurological Sciences, 1725 W. Harrison Street, Suite 1121, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. shyam
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Eigenbrodt ML, Sukhija R, Rose KM, Tracy RE, Couper DJ, Evans GW, Bursac Z, Mehta JL. Common carotid artery wall thickness and external diameter as predictors of prevalent and incident cardiac events in a large population study. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2007; 5:11. [PMID: 17349039 PMCID: PMC1831763 DOI: 10.1186/1476-7120-5-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2007] [Accepted: 03/09/2007] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Arterial diameters enlarge in response to wall thickening, plaques, and many atherosclerotic risk factors. We hypothesized that right common carotid artery (RCCA) diameter would be independently associated with cardiac disease and improve risk discrimination. Methods In a middle-aged, biracial population (baseline n = 11225), we examined associations between 1 standard deviation increments of baseline RCCA diameter with prevalent myocardial infarction (MI) and incident cardiac events (MI or cardiac death) using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models, respectively. Areas under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) were used to estimate model discrimination. Results MI was present in 451 (4%) participants at baseline (1987–89), and incident cardiac events occurred among 646 (6%) others through 1999. Adjusting for IMT, RCCA diameter was associated with prevalent MI (female OR = 2.0, 95%CI = 1.61–2.49; male OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.04–1.30) and incident cardiac events (female HR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.51–2.02; male HR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.15–1.40). Associations were attenuated but persisted after adjustment for risk factors (not including IMT) (prevalent MI: female OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.40–2.14; male OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.02–1.28, and incident cardiac events: female HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.08–1.48; male HR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.08–1.32). After additional adjustment for IMT, diameter was associated with incident cardiac events in women (HR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.00–1.40) and men (HR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.06–1.29), and with prevalent MI only in women (OR = 1.73; 95% CI = 1.37–2.17). In women, when adjustment was limited, diameter models had larger AUC than other models. Conclusion RCCA diameter is an important correlate of cardiac events, independent of IMT, but adds little to overall risk discrimination after risk factor adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsha L Eigenbrodt
- Department of Epidemiology, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Rishi Sukhija
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Kathryn M Rose
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Richard E Tracy
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - David J Couper
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gregory W Evans
- Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Division of Public Health Sciences and Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Zoran Bursac
- Department of Biostatistics, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jawahar L Mehta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, and Departments of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Inoue K, Matsumoto M, Shono T, Toyokawa S, Moriki A. Increased Intima Media Thickness and Atherosclerotic Plaques in the Carotid Artery as Risk Factors for Silent Brain Infarcts. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2007; 16:14-20. [PMID: 17689386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2006.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2005] [Revised: 06/29/2006] [Accepted: 08/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of silent cerebral infarcts (SCIs), defined as lesions > or = 3 mm in diameter on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is considered a predictor of symptomatic cerebrovascular disorders (CVDs). Similarly, SCI-like lesions < 3 mm in diameter, lesions which often occur in the deep white matter and basal ganglia, also may be a risk factor for CVD. This study evaluated the relationships between SCI and SCI-like brain lesions, as defined by MRI, and 2 findings on extracranial carotid ultrasonography: intima-media thickness (IMT) and atherosclerotic plaque. We studied data obtained by carotid ultrasonography and cerebral MRI in 448 consecutive subjects without a history of stroke who had undergone comprehensive brain screening (mean age, 51.1 years). The subjects were classified into 4 groups according to the presence of increased (> or = 1 mm) IMT (I) and plaque (P). A total of 110 subjects demonstrated increased IMT (24.6%), and 54 subjects had increased plaque (12.1%). SCI-like lesions were found in 38 subjects (8.5%); single SCI, in 24 (5.4%); and multiple SCIs, in 51 (11.4%). Frequencies of SCI-like lesion(s), single SCI, and multiple SCIs were 6.1%, 12.2%, and 8.7%, respectively, in the I(-)P(-) group; 14.6%, 22.0%, and 13.4% in the I(+)P(-) group; 7.7%, 30.8%, and 26.9% in the I(-)P(+) group; and 17.9%, 39.3%, and 21.4% in the I(+)P(+) group. Multivariate analysis found that the presence of carotid plaques was significantly associated with (1) SCI-like lesion(s) and SCI (odds ratio [OR] = 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17-4.34), (2) single and multiple SCI (OR = 2.33; 95% CI = 1.16-4.67), and (3) multiple SCIs (OR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.06-5.03). However, the presence of increased carotid IMT was not significantly associated with any of these 3 categories. Coexistence of increased IMT and plaque was more strongly correlated with SCI than with either lesion alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Inoue
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Prabhakaran S, Rundek T, Ramas R, Elkind MSV, Paik MC, Boden-Albala B, Sacco RL. Carotid plaque surface irregularity predicts ischemic stroke: the northern Manhattan study. Stroke 2006; 37:2696-701. [PMID: 17008627 PMCID: PMC2654324 DOI: 10.1161/01.str.0000244780.82190.a4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE There is scant population-based evidence regarding extracranial carotid plaque surface irregularity and ischemic stroke. Using a prospective cohort design, we evaluated the association of carotid plaque surface irregularity and the risk of ischemic stroke in a multiethnic population. METHODS High-resolution B-mode ultrasound of the carotid arteries was performed in 1939 stroke-free subjects (mean age 69+/-10.0 years; 59% women; 53% Hispanic, 25% black, 22% white). Plaque was defined as a focal protrusion 50% greater than the surrounding area and localized along the extracranial carotid tree (internal carotid artery/bifurcation vs common carotid artery). Plaque surface was categorized as regular or irregular. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association of surface characteristics and the risk of ischemic stroke. RESULTS Among 1939 total subjects, carotid plaque was visualized in 56.3% (1 plaque: 21.6%, >1 plaque: 34.7%, irregular plaque: 5.5%). During a mean follow up of 6.2 years after ultrasound examination, 69 ischemic strokes occurred. Unadjusted cumulative 5-year risks of ischemic stroke were: 1.3%, 3.0%, and 8.5% for no plaque, regular plaque, and irregular plaque, respectively. After adjusting for demographics, traditional vascular risk factors, degree of stenosis, and plaque thickness, presence of irregular plaque (vs no plaque) was independently associated with ischemic stroke (Hazard ratio, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.1 to 8.5). CONCLUSIONS The presence of irregular carotid plaque independently predicted ischemic stroke in a multiethnic cohort. Plaque surface irregularities assessed by B-mode ultrasonography may help identify intermediate- to high-risk individuals beyond their vascular risk assessed by the presence of traditional risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Prabhakaran
- The Neurological Institute, Columbia University, Stroke and Critical Care Division, 710 W 168th Street, Room 640, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Labropoulos N, Leon LR, Brewster LP, Pryor L, Tiongson J, Kang SS, Mansour MA, Kalman P. Are Your Arteries Older Than Your Age? Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2005; 30:588-96. [PMID: 16061404 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2005.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2005] [Accepted: 06/07/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the effect of age and atherosclerotic risk factors on the carotid intima-media layer thickness and morphology characteristics. PATIENTS AND METHODS Three groups of subjects were included in the study: Individuals with atherosclerotic risk factors including a family history of CHD, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and/or smoking (group A, n=180), age- and sex-matched healthy subjects without risk factors (group B, n=60) and a group of significantly younger volunteers (group C, n=25). The carotid artery was imaged longitudinally with B-mode ultrasound. Intima media thickness (IMT) was measured in the common (CCA) and internal carotid (ICA) arteries. Surface irregularity and continuity of the intima-media layer (IML) were assessed by high definition imaging. Echogenicity of the wall was quantified using Adobe Photoshop. The presence of calcium deposits was recorded. The double line wall pattern seen in young healthy people was used as a control to assess patterns and texture of the carotid IML. Fifteen subjects had their measurements repeated for intraobserver variability. RESULTS IMT measurements were reproducible in both the CCA and ICA (coefficient of variation 6% and 9%). IMT increased linearly with age (adjusted R(2)=0.72, p<0.0001), which was also an independent risk factor for increased IMT. All the risk factors had a significant association with increased IMT. In the lowest (third) decade the wall/blood interface was smooth and the double line was visualized with an echolucent center. With increased age and number of risk factors present, the wall/blood interface became more irregular (p<0.01), the double line was distorted (p<0.01) and the IML was more echogenic (p<0.01). The increase in IMT and the changes in the echogenicity of the IML were more pronounced in the ICA. CONCLUSIONS Age is an independent risk factor for increased IMT. Atherosclerotic risk factors are associated with the age-related changes seen in the IML. Such changes are also seen in younger asymptomatic volunteers with risk factors indicating that their arteries are older than their age.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Labropoulos
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153-3304, USA.
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Liu CS, Chiang TH, Kuo CL, Ou CC, Lii CK, Sun-Hsun I, Wei YH, Chen HW. Contribution of plasma folic acid and homocysteine levels to the mean carotid intima media thickness in smokers. Nutr Res 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2005.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Schachner T, Zimmer A, Nagele G, Laufer G, Bonatti J. Risk factors for late stroke after coronary artery bypass grafting. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2005; 130:485-90. [PMID: 16077417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2004.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postoperative stroke is a severe complication immediately after coronary artery bypass grafting, and it significantly deteriorates the postoperative quality of life if it occurs in the long term. It was the aim of our study to determine factors associated with the occurrence of new strokes during long-term follow-up after coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS From 387 of 500 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (age, 67 years [33-84 years]; 76% male) who had intraoperative epiaortic ultrasonography for assessment of ascending aortic wall thickness, a complete follow-up regarding postoperative stroke was achieved. The median follow-up time was 52 months (9-74 months). RESULTS A stroke occurred in 26 (7%) of 387 patients, and the cumulative freedom from stroke was 99%, 95%, and 89% after 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. A significantly lower freedom from stroke was present in patients with an age of 70 years or more (P = .007), preoperative unstable angina (P = .031), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = .009), carotid artery disease (P < .001), preoperative history of neurologic events (P < .001), and a maximum ascending aortic wall thickness of 4 mm or more (P = .010). Multivariate analysis revealed preoperative history of neurologic events (P = .021) to be an independent risk factor. CONCLUSION Patients with ascending aortic atherosclerosis, older age (> or =70 years), preoperative unstable angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and carotid artery disease are at risk for late postoperative stroke after coronary artery bypass grafting. A history of neurologic events is of special predictive importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schachner
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Insbruck Medical University, Austria.
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Eigenbrodt ML, Bursac Z, Eigenbrodt EP, Couper DJ, Tracy RE, Mehta JL. Mathematical estimation of the potential effect of vascular remodelling/dilatation on B-mode ultrasound intima-medial thickness. QJM 2004; 97:729-37. [PMID: 15496529 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hch120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arterial diameter changes are known to impact wall thickness, but the clinical relevance of the changes is unclear. AIM To use known mathematical relationships to estimate anticipated changes in arterial wall thicknesses occurring with enlargement of atherosclerotic regions. DESIGN Mathematical relationships between a cylinder's diameter and its wall thickness were used to calculate the theoretical effect of diameter enlargement on the thickness of an atherosclerotic wall. METHODS Equating the wall areas of two cylinders, one of smaller diameter than the other, allowed estimation of the degree of thickening that would be needed to maintain intima-medial thickness (IMT) after arterial remodelling. The difference in cylinder diameters was based on arterial diameter enlargement reported with atherosclerosis progression. Thus, the calculated wall changes estimate arterial changes which could go undetected if only IMT is measured by ultrasound. RESULTS The expected IMT change for diameter enlargement is not a linear function of the diameter change, but varies depending upon initial size (diameter and IMT). Thus a 0.6 mm arterial diameter enlargement would be expected to cause a 0.039-0.235 mm change in IMT, depending on artery size. The estimated IMT change is similar to that associated with major atherosclerotic risk factors. DISCUSSION The level of vascular remodelling reported with atherosclerosis could have a measurable impact on IMT, suggesting that indicators incorporating both diameter and IMT may be better disease indicators than IMT alone. Arterial diameters, as well as IMT, should be obtained in ultrasound studies of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Eigenbrodt
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Public Health, 4301 W. Markham, Slot 820, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA.
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