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Li X, Liu C, Zhu L, Wang M, Liu Y, Li S, Deng Q, Zhou J. The Role of High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Cerebrovascular Disease: A Narrative Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13040677. [PMID: 37190642 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040677] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) is the most important and popular vessel wall imaging technique for the direct assessment of vessel wall and cerebral arterial disease. It can identify the cause of stroke in high-risk plaques and differentiate the diagnosis of head and carotid artery dissection, including inflammation, Moya Moya disease, cerebral aneurysm, vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, blunt cerebrovascular injury, cerebral arteriovenous malformations, and other stenosis or occlusion conditions. Through noninvasive visualization of the vessel wall in vitro, quantified assessment of luminal stenosis and pathological features of the vessel wall can provide clinicians with further disease information. In this report, technical considerations of HRMRI are discussed, and current clinical applications of HRMRI are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Li
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Chengfang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Yukai Liu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Shuo Li
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Qiwen Deng
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Junshan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
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Hisamatsu T, Miura K, Tabara Y, Sawayama Y, Kadowaki T, Kadota A, Torii S, Kondo K, Yano Y, Fujiyoshi A, Yamamoto T, Nakagawa Y, Horie M, Kimura T, Okamura T, Ueshima H. Alcohol consumption and subclinical and clinical coronary heart disease: A Mendelian randomization analysis. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2022; 29:2006-2014. [PMID: 35907253 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwac156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The potential effect of alcohol consumption on coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unclear. We used the variant rs671 in the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene (ALDH2) as an instrument to investigate the causal role of alcohol intake in subclinical and clinical CHD. METHODS We conducted two Mendelian randomization studies: a cross-sectional study of coronary artery calcification (CAC) on computed tomography of 1029 healthy men (mean age, 63.8 years) and a case-control study of 421 men with CHD (acute coronary syndrome [ACS] or stable angina pectoris) who underwent coronary revascularization and 842 age-matched male controls. RESULTS In the CAC study, medians (25%tiles, 75%tiles) of alcohol consumption by ALDH2-rs671 *2 homozygotes (n = 86 [8.4%]), *1*2 heterozygotes (n = 397 [38.5%]), and *1 homozygotes (n = 546 [53.1%]) were 0.0 (0.0, 0.0), 28.0 (0.0, 129.0), and 224.0 (84.0, 350.0) g/week, respectively. In age-adjusted Poisson regression with robust error variance, compared with *2 homozygotes, relative risks for prevalent CAC score >0, ≥100, and ≥300 in *1 homozygotes were 1.29 (95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.57), 1.76 (1.05-2.96), and 1.81 (0.80-4.09), respectively. In age-adjusted ordinal logistic regression for CAC distributions, we observed higher odds among *1 homozygotes (odds ratio, 2.19 [1.39-3.46]) and even among *1*2 heterozygotes (1.77 [1.11-2.82]) compared with *2 homozygotes. In the case-control study, conditional logistic regression revealed lower prevalence of *1 homozygotes among men with CHD (odds ratio, 0.54 [0.35-0.82]), especially ACS (0.46 [0.27-0.77]), than controls. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate a positive association of alcohol consumption with CAC burden but an inverse association with clinical CHD, especially ACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Hisamatsu
- Department of Public Health, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.,Department of Public Health, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Miura
- Department of Public Health, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.,NCD Epidemiology Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Tabara
- Department of Public Health, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.,Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yuichi Sawayama
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Takashi Kadowaki
- Department of Public Health, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Aya Kadota
- Department of Public Health, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Sayuki Torii
- Department of Public Health, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Keiko Kondo
- Department of Public Health, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Yano
- Department of Public Health, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.,NCD Epidemiology Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Akira Fujiyoshi
- Department of Public Health, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.,Department of Hygiene, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamamoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kohka Public Hospital, Kohka, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Nakagawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Minoru Horie
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kimura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomonori Okamura
- Department of Public Health, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Ueshima
- Department of Public Health, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.,NCD Epidemiology Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
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3
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Lansberg MG, Wintermark M, Kidwell CS, Albers GW. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cerebrovascular Diseases. Stroke 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-69424-7.00048-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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4
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Bonati LH, Brown MM. Carotid Artery Disease. Stroke 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-69424-7.00022-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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5
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Beddhu S, Boucher RE, Sun J, Balu N, Chonchol M, Navaneethan S, Chertow GM, Townsend R, Haley W, Cheung AK, Conroy MB, Raj DS, Xu D, George T, Yunis R, Wei G, Canton G, Bates J, Chen J, Papademetriou V, Punzi H, Wiggers A, Wright JT, Greene T, Yuan C. Chronic kidney disease, atherosclerotic plaque characteristics on carotid magnetic resonance imaging, and cardiovascular outcomes. BMC Nephrol 2021; 22:69. [PMID: 33627066 PMCID: PMC7905597 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-021-02260-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is unclear whether faster progression of atherosclerosis explains the higher risk of cardiovascular events in CKD. The objectives of this study were to 1. Characterize the associations of CKD with presence and morphology of atherosclerotic plaques on carotid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 2. Examine the associations of baseline CKD and carotid atherosclerotic plaques with subsequent cardiovascular events. Methods In a subgroup (N = 465) of Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial. (SPRINT) participants, we measured carotid plaque presence and morphology at baseline and after 30-months with MRI. We examined the associations of CKD (baseline eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2) with progression of carotid plaques and the SPRINT cardiovascular endpoint. Results One hundred and ninety six (42%) participants had CKD. Baseline eGFR in the non-CKD and CKD subgroups were 77 ± 14 and 49 ± 8 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Lipid rich necrotic-core plaque was present in 137 (29.5%) participants. In 323 participants with both baseline and follow-up MRI measurements of maximum wall thickness, CKD was not associated with progression of maximum wall thickness (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.07, p = 0.082). In 96 participants with necrotic core plaque at baseline and with a valid follow-up MRI, CKD was associated with lower odds of progression of necrotic core plaque (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.95, p = 0.039). There were 28 cardiovascular events over 1764 person-years of follow-up. In separate Cox models, necrotic core plaque (HR 2.59, 95% CI 1.15 to 5.85) but not plaque defined by maximum wall thickness or presence of a plaque component (HR 1.79, 95% CI 0.73 to 4.43) was associated with cardiovascular events. Independent of necrotic core plaque, CKD (HR 3.35, 95% CI 1.40 to 7.99) was associated with cardiovascular events. Conclusions Presence of necrotic core in carotid plaque rather than the presence of plaque per se was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. We did not find CKD to be associated with faster progression of necrotic core plaques, although both were independently associated with cardiovascular events. Thus, CKD may contribute to cardiovascular disease principally via mechanisms other than atherosclerosis such as arterial media calcification or stiffening. Trial Registration NCT01475747, registered on November 21, 2011. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-021-02260-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasan Beddhu
- Medical Service, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, USA. .,Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, University of Utah School of Medicine, 85 North Medical Drive East, Room 201, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Robert E Boucher
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, University of Utah School of Medicine, 85 North Medical Drive East, Room 201, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Radiology, Vascular Imaging Lab, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Niranjan Balu
- Department of Radiology, Vascular Imaging Lab, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michel Chonchol
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sankar Navaneethan
- Section of Nephrology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Section of Nephrology, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Glenn M Chertow
- Division of Nephrology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Raymond Townsend
- Division of Nephrology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - William Haley
- Division of Nephrology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Alfred K Cheung
- Medical Service, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, USA.,Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, University of Utah School of Medicine, 85 North Medical Drive East, Room 201, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Molly B Conroy
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Dominic S Raj
- Division of Nephrology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dongxiang Xu
- Department of Radiology, Vascular Imaging Lab, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas George
- Division of Nephrology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Reem Yunis
- Division of Nephrology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Guo Wei
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, University of Utah School of Medicine, 85 North Medical Drive East, Room 201, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Gador Canton
- Department of Radiology, Vascular Imaging Lab, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bates
- Medical Care Line, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jing Chen
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Henry Punzi
- Department of Medicine & Clinical Research, Punzi Medical Center, Carrollton, TX, USA
| | - Alan Wiggers
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jackson T Wright
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tom Greene
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, Vascular Imaging Lab, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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6
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Yuan C, Miller Z, Zhao XQ. Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Cardiovascular Applications for Clinical Trials. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00059-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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7
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Current Advances in the Diagnostic Imaging of Atherosclerosis: Insights into the Pathophysiology of Vulnerable Plaque. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082992. [PMID: 32340284 PMCID: PMC7216001 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a lipoprotein-driven inflammatory disorder leading to a plaque formation at specific sites of the arterial tree. After decades of slow progression, atherosclerotic plaque rupture and formation of thrombi are the major factors responsible for the development of acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). In this regard, the detection of high-risk (vulnerable) plaques is an ultimate goal in the management of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Vulnerable plaques have specific morphological features that make their detection possible, hence allowing for identification of high-risk patients and the tailoring of therapy. Plaque ruptures predominantly occur amongst lesions characterized as thin-cap fibroatheromas (TCFA). Plaques without a rupture, such as plaque erosions, are also thrombi-forming lesions on the most frequent pathological intimal thickening or fibroatheromas. Many attempts to comprehensively identify vulnerable plaque constituents with different invasive and non-invasive imaging technologies have been made. In this review, advantages and limitations of invasive and non-invasive imaging modalities currently available for the identification of plaque components and morphologic features associated with plaque vulnerability, as well as their clinical diagnostic and prognostic value, were discussed.
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8
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Alkhalil M. A promising tool to tackle the risk of cerebral vascular disease, the emergence of novel carotid wall imaging. Brain Circ 2020; 6:81-86. [PMID: 33033777 PMCID: PMC7511918 DOI: 10.4103/bc.bc_65_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a heterogeneous vascular disease. Carotid artery atherosclerosis is associated with almost one-quarter of ischemic strokes. Moreover, a large percentage of preventable strokes are currently attributed to carotid atherosclerosis. Over the past three decades, the management of carotid artery disease has evolved. The benefits of carotid revascularization alongside medical therapy have early been recognized. Nonetheless, the debate regarding the optimal strategy is still ongoing, particularly in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery disease. One of the challenges is the use of luminal stenosis to quantify the severity of the carotid artery disease and to guide decision-making regarding invasive revascularization. Characterizing carotid atherosclerotic plaque is a promising tool to identify vulnerable plaque. Certain features such as large lipid core have already been linked to acute vascular events, not only at the plaque level but also to predict systemic cardiovascular events. Recently, a quantitative T2 mapping magnetic resonance imaging technique was developed and validated against histology. The ability to accurately quantify plaque lipid content using this technique opens several new opportunities. In this review articles, we will discuss the current challenges in the management of carotid artery disease and the future roles of T2 mapping to aid therapeutic options. These roles may include how to determine the mode of invasive carotid revascularization in symptomatic patients. Moreover, there may be a rational to use T2 mapping as a risk stratification tool in asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis. It may also provide an opportunity to stage atherosclerosis and identify patients with coronary atherosclerosis who may benefit maximally from intensive lipid interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alkhalil
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
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9
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Michael T Osborne
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Brian Tung
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yaming Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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10
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Miyoshi T, Kohno K, Asonuma H, Sakuragi S, Nakahama M, Kawai Y, Uesugi T, Oka T, Munemasa M, Takahashi N, Mukohara N, Habara S, Koyama Y, Nakamura K, Ito H. Effect of Intensive and Standard Pitavastatin Treatment With or Without Eicosapentaenoic Acid on Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification Over 12 Months - Prospective Multicenter Study. Circ J 2017; 82:532-540. [PMID: 28867681 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-17-0419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of lipid-lowering agents on progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) remains unclear. We evaluated the effects of pitavastatin 2 mg/day (PIT2), pitavastatin 4 mg/day (PIT4), and PIT2 combined with eicosapentaenoic acid (PIT2+EPA) on CAC progression.Methods and Results:This prospective multicenter study in Japan included patients with an Agatston score of 1-999, hypercholesterolemia, and no evidence of cardiovascular disease. Patients were allocated into PIT2, PIT4, or PIT2+EPA groups. The primary outcome was the annual percent change in Agatston score in all patients. In total, 156 patients who had multi-detector row computed tomography without any artifacts were included in the primary analysis. Pitavastatin did not significantly reduce the annual progression rate of the Agatston score (40%; 95% CI: 19-61%). The annual progression rate of Agatston score in the PIT2 group was not significantly different from that in the PIT4 group (34% vs. 42%, respectively; P=0.88) or the PIT2+EPA group (34% vs. 44%, respectively; P=0.80). On post-hoc analysis the baseline ratio of low- to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was a significant predictor of non-progression of Agatston score by pitavastatin (OR, 2.17; 95% CI: 1.10-44.12; P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Pitavastatin does not attenuate progression of CAC. Intensive pitavastatin treatment and standard treatment with EPA does not reduce progression of CAC compared with standard treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Miyoshi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Kunihisa Kohno
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | | | - Satoru Sakuragi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Iwakuni Clinical Center
| | | | - Yusuke Kawai
- Department of Cardiology, Ehime Prefectural Center Hospital
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Seiji Habara
- Department of Cardiology, Kurashiki Central Hospital
| | | | - Kazufumi Nakamura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Hiroshi Ito
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
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Kesarwani M, Nakanishi R, Choi TY, Shavelle DM, Budoff MJ. Evaluation of Plaque Morphology by 64-Slice Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography Compared to Intravascular Ultrasound in Nonocclusive Segments of Coronary Arteries. Acad Radiol 2017; 24:968-974. [PMID: 28359681 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Although intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is the current gold standard for plaque characterization, noninvasive coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) requires further evaluation. The ability to detect plaque morphology by CCTA remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CCTA for plaque detection and morphology. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-one patients underwent cardiac catheterization with IVUS and CCTA. The presence of plaque was evaluated by both modalities in nonocclusive segments (<50% stenosis) of the left anterior descending artery, left circumflex artery, and right coronary artery. Plaque morphology was classified as (1) normal, (2) soft or fibrous, (3) fibrocalcific, or (4) calcific. Results by IVUS and CCTA were compared blindly on a segment-to-segment basis with subgroup analysis based on CCTA tube voltage. RESULTS Among the 31 patients (mean age 56.2 ± 8.6 years, 27% female), 152 segments were analyzed. Of these segments, 42% were in the left anterior descending artery, 32% were in the left circumflex artery, and 26% were in the right coronary artery. Plaque morphology by IVUS identified 103 segments as fibrous (68%), 31 as fibrocalcific (20%), and 6 as calcific (4.0%); 12 segments were normal (8.0%). To evaluate for the presence of plaque, CCTA had an overall sensitivity and specificity of 99% and 75%, respectively. In patients who underwent CCTA with a tube voltage of 100 kV, both sensitivity and specificity were 100%. The sensitivity and specificity of CCTA to identify plaque as calcified (fibrocalcific or calcific) vs noncalcified (soft or fibrous) were 87% and 96%, respectively. Overall, the accuracy of CCTA to detect the presence of plaque was 97%; the accuracy to detect plaque calcification was 94%. CONCLUSIONS CCTA offers excellent sensitivity and accuracy for plaque detection and morphology characterization in nonocclusive coronary segments. In addition, diagnostic accuracy is preserved with a reduced tube voltage protocol.
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12
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Kerwin WS, Miller Z, Yuan C. Imaging of the high-risk carotid plaque: magnetic resonance imaging. Semin Vasc Surg 2017; 30:54-61. [PMID: 28818259 DOI: 10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of the concept of high-risk atherosclerotic plaque has led to considerable interest in noninvasive imaging techniques to identify high-risk features before clinical sequelae. For plaques in the carotid arteries, magnetic resonance imaging has undergone considerable histologic validation to link imaging features to indicators of plaque instability, including plaque burden, intraplaque hemorrhage, fibrous cap disruption, lipid rich necrotic core, and calcification. Recently introduced imaging technologies, especially those focused on three-dimensional imaging sequences, are now poised for integration into the clinical workup of patients with suspected carotid atherosclerosis. The purpose of this article is to review the carotid plaque magnetic resonance imaging techniques that are most ready for integration into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- William S Kerwin
- University of Washington Vascular Imaging Lab, Department of Radiology, 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Zach Miller
- University of Washington Vascular Imaging Lab, Department of Radiology, 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Chun Yuan
- University of Washington Vascular Imaging Lab, Department of Radiology, 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109.
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13
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Doris MK, Dweck MR, Fayad ZA. The future of imaging in cardiovascular disease intervention trials: 2017 and beyond. Curr Opin Lipidol 2016; 27:605-614. [PMID: 27798490 PMCID: PMC5675037 DOI: 10.1097/mol.0000000000000350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW As our understanding of cardiovascular disease has advanced over the past decades, multiple novel treatment strategies have been developed with the hope of reducing the global morbidity and mortality associated with this condition. Large-scale trials to test such novel therapies using clinical end points are expensive, leading to interest in phase II clinical trials with imaging-derived outcome measures. RECENT FINDINGS Noninvasive imaging techniques that assess changes in both atherosclerotic disease burden and plaque composition in response to therapy are well established. With the advent of molecular techniques and hybrid imaging, we now have the ability to assess disease activity alongside these standard anatomic assessments. This multifaceted approach has the potential to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the actions and efficacy of novel therapies in the carotids, aorta and coronary arteries. SUMMARY This review will examine how advanced noninvasive imaging strategies have been used to investigate drug efficacy in intervention trials to date, and crucially how these approaches are set to evolve and play a central role in developing the next generation of atherosclerotic medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mhairi K Doris
- aCentre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK bTranslational and Molecular Imaging Institute cZena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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14
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Quantification of Lipid-Rich Core in Carotid Atherosclerosis Using Magnetic Resonance T 2 Mapping: Relation to Clinical Presentation. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2016; 10:747-756. [PMID: 27743954 PMCID: PMC5502905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2016.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to: 1) provide tissue validation of quantitative T2 mapping to measure plaque lipid content; and 2) investigate whether this technique could discern differences in plaque characteristics between symptom-related and non–symptom-related carotid plaques. Background Noninvasive plaque lipid quantification is appealing both for stratification in treatment selection and as a possible predictor of future plaque rupture. However, current cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) methods are insensitive, require a coalesced mass of lipid core, and rely on multicontrast acquisition with contrast media and extensive post-processing. Methods Patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy were recruited for 3-T carotid CMR before surgery. Lipid area was derived from segmented T2 maps and compared directly to plaque lipid defined by histology. Results Lipid area (%) on T2 mapping and histology showed excellent correlation, both by individual slices (R = 0.85, p < 0.001) and plaque average (R = 0.83, p < 0.001). Lipid area (%) on T2 maps was significantly higher in symptomatic compared with asymptomatic plaques (31.5 ± 3.7% vs. 15.8 ± 3.1%; p = 0.005) despite similar degrees of carotid stenosis and only modest difference in plaque volume (128.0 ± 6.0 mm3 symptomatic vs. 105.6 ± 9.4 mm3 asymptomatic; p = 0.04). Receiver-operating characteristic analysis showed that T2 mapping has a good ability to discriminate between symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques with 67% sensitivity and 91% specificity (area under the curve: 0.79; p = 0.012). Conclusions CMR T2 mapping distinguishes different plaque components and accurately quantifies plaque lipid content noninvasively. Compared with asymptomatic plaques, greater lipid content was found in symptomatic plaques despite similar degree of luminal stenosis and only modest difference in plaque volumes. This new technique may find a role in determining optimum treatment (e.g., providing an indication for intensive lipid lowering or by informing decisions of stents vs. surgery).
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Raggi P, Baldassarre D, Day S, de Groot E, Fayad Z. Non-invasive imaging of atherosclerosis regression with magnetic resonance to guide drug development. Atherosclerosis 2016; 251:476-482. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Gao S, van 't Klooster R, Brandts A, Roes SD, Alizadeh Dehnavi R, de Roos A, Westenberg JJ, van der Geest RJ. Quantification of common carotid artery and descending aorta vessel wall thickness from MR vessel wall imaging using a fully automated processing pipeline. J Magn Reson Imaging 2016; 45:215-228. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.25332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shan Gao
- Division of Image Processing; Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center; Leiden Netherlands
| | - Ronald van 't Klooster
- Division of Image Processing; Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center; Leiden Netherlands
| | - Anne Brandts
- Department of Radiology; Leiden University Medical Center; Leiden Netherlands
| | - Stijntje D. Roes
- Department of Radiology; Leiden University Medical Center; Leiden Netherlands
| | | | - Albert de Roos
- Department of Radiology; Leiden University Medical Center; Leiden Netherlands
| | - Jos J.M. Westenberg
- Division of Image Processing; Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center; Leiden Netherlands
| | - Rob J. van der Geest
- Division of Image Processing; Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center; Leiden Netherlands
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Li F, Wang X. Bilateral symmetry of human carotid artery atherosclerosis: a multi-contrast weighted MR study. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2016; 32:1219-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s10554-016-0890-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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18
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cerebrovascular Diseases. Stroke 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-29544-4.00048-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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19
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Abstract
Plaque imaging by MR imaging provides a wealth of information on the characteristics of individual plaque that may reveal vulnerability to rupture, likelihood of progression, or optimal treatment strategy. T1-weighted and T2-weighted images among other options reveal plaque morphology and composition. Dynamic contrast-enhanced-MR imaging reveals plaque activity. To extract this information, image processing tools are needed. Numerous approaches for analyzing such images have been developed, validated against histologic gold standards, and used in clinical studies. These efforts are summarized in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijun Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Room No. 109, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Room No. 120, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - William Kerwin
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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Ehlgen A, Bylock A, Kreuzer J, Koslowski M, Gantner F, Niessen HG. Clinical imaging in anti-atherosclerosis drug development. Drug Discov Today 2015; 20:1317-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Alexanderson-Rosas E, Berríos-Bárcenas E, Meave A, de la Fuente-Mancera JC, Oropeza-Aguilar M, Barrero-Mier A, Monroy-González ADG, Cruz-Mendoza R, Guinto-Nishimura GY. Novel contributions of multimodality imaging in hypertension: A narrative review. World J Hypertens 2015; 5:28-40. [DOI: 10.5494/wjh.v5.i2.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is currently one of the most prevalent illnesses worldwide, and is the second most common cause of heart failure, only behind ischemic cardiomyopathy. The development of novel multimodality imaging techniques in recent years has broadened the diagnostic methods, risk stratification and monitoring of treatment of cardiovascular diseases available for clinicians. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has a great capacity to evaluate cardiac dimensions and ventricular function, is extremely useful in ruling-out ischemic cardiomyopathy, the evaluation of the vascular system, in making the differential diagnosis for resistant hypertension and risk stratification for hypertensive cardiomyopathy and constitutes today, the method of choice to evaluate left ventricular systolic function. Computed tomography (CT) is the method of choice for the evaluation of vascular anatomy, including coronary arteries, and is also able to provide both functional and structural information. Finally, nuclear cardiology studies have been traditionally used to evaluate myocardial ischemia, along with offering the capacity to evaluate ventricular, endothelial and cardiac innervation function; information that is key in directing the treatment of the patient. In this narrative review, the most recent contributions of multimodality imaging to the patient with hypertension (CMR, CT and nuclear cardiology) will be reviewed.
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Henein M, Granåsen G, Wiklund U, Schmermund A, Guerci A, Erbel R, Raggi P. High dose and long-term statin therapy accelerate coronary artery calcification. Int J Cardiol 2015; 184:581-586. [PMID: 25769003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.02.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In randomized clinical trials statins and placebo treated patients showed the same degree of coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression. We reanalyzed data from two clinical trials to further investigate the time and dose dependent effects of statins on CAC. Additionally, we investigated whether CAC progression was associated with incident cardiovascular events. METHODS AND RESULTS Data were pooled from two clinical trials: St. Francis Heart Study (SFHS) (419 and 432 patients treated with placebo and 20 mg atorvastatin daily, respectively) and EBEAT Study (164 and 179 patients respectively treated with 10 mg and 80 mg atorvastatin daily). CAC scores were assessed at baseline, 2 years and 4-6 years in SFHS; in EBEAT they were measured at baseline and 12 months. After a short-term follow-up (12 to 24 months) placebo and low dose atorvastatin showed a similar CAC increase, although 80 mg/daily atorvastatin increased CAC an additional 12-14% over placebo (p<0.001). In the long-term, atorvastatin caused a greater progression of CAC compared to placebo (additional 1.1%, p=0.04). In SFHS 42 cardiovascular events occurred after the second CT scan. The baseline and progression of CAC were greater in patients with events. However, only baseline CAC and family history of premature cardiovascular disease but not CAC progression were independent predictors of events. CONCLUSIONS Despite a greater CAC increase with high dose and long-term statin therapy, events did not occur more frequently in statin treated patients. This suggests that CAC growth under treatment with statins represents plaque repair rather than continuing plaque expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Henein
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University and Heart Centre, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gabriel Granåsen
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Urban Wiklund
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | | | - Raimund Erbel
- Department of Cardiology, Essen University, Hufelandstr, Essen, Germany
| | - Paolo Raggi
- Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
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Libby P. How does lipid lowering prevent coronary events? New insights from human imaging trials. Eur Heart J 2015; 36:472-4. [PMID: 25575600 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehu510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Libby
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Phan BAP, Moore AB, Davis J, Pollan LJ, Neradilek B, Brown BG, Zhao XQ. Prolonged combination lipid therapy is associated with reduced carotid intima-media thickness: a case-control study of the 20-year Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment - Observational Study (FATS-OS). J Clin Lipidol 2014; 8:489-93. [PMID: 25234561 PMCID: PMC4171688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have documented the short-term vascular benefits of combination lipid therapy. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate the long-term effects of combination lipid therapy on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS We performed a case-control study in patients who had finished the Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (FATS) and returned to usual care with statin therapy alone or had elected to participate in the 20-year FATS-Observational Study (FATS-OS) and received combination therapy with lovastatin (40 mg/day), niacin (2-3 g/day), and colestipol (20 gm/day) for 11 years, then continued with simvastatin (10-80 mg/day) or lovastatin (40-80 mg/day) plus niacin (2-4 g/day). After 17.8 ± 0.8 years with combination therapy and 19.0 ± 0.8 years with usual care, cholesterol levels and CIMT were collected in 43 FATS-OS patients and 26 usual care patients. RESULTS Combination therapy group had a greater decrease in total cholesterol (-42 ± 14% vs -31 ± 17%, P = .008) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (-57 ± 13% vs -38 ± 25%, P < .001) and greater increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (38 ± 43% vs 15 ± 23%, P = .02) as compared with usual care. CIMT (0.902 ± 0.164 vs 1.056 ± 0.169 mm, P < .001) on intensive therapy was significantly less compared with usual care. Multivariate regression analysis (coefficient, 95% CI) showed that combination therapy (-0.13; -0.21 to -0.04, P = .003) and on-therapy LDL-C (0.15; 0.02 to 0.28, P = .03) were significant independent predictors of CIMT. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged combination lipid therapy is associated with greater improvements in LDL-C and HDL-C levels and less atherosclerotic burden as compared with statin therapy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binh An P Phan
- Division of Cardiology, San Francisco General Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Andrew B Moore
- Cardiovascular Atherosclerosis Research Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joseph Davis
- Cardiovascular Atherosclerosis Research Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Laura J Pollan
- Cardiovascular Atherosclerosis Research Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - B Greg Brown
- Cardiovascular Atherosclerosis Research Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xue-Qiao Zhao
- Cardiovascular Atherosclerosis Research Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Zavodni AEH, Wasserman BA, McClelland RL, Gomes AS, Folsom AR, Polak JF, Lima JAC, Bluemke DA. Carotid artery plaque morphology and composition in relation to incident cardiovascular events: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Radiology 2014; 271:381-9. [PMID: 24592924 PMCID: PMC4263652 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.14131020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine if carotid plaque morphology and composition with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can be used to identify asymptomatic subjects at risk for cardiovascular events. MATERIALS AND METHODS Institutional review boards at each site approved the study, and all sites were Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant. A total of 946 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) were evaluated with MR imaging and ultrasonography (US). MR imaging was used to define carotid plaque composition and remodeling index (wall area divided by the sum of wall area and lumen area), while US was used to assess carotid wall thickness. Incident cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, resuscitated cardiac arrest, angina, stroke, and death, were ascertained for an average of 5.5 years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, C statistics, and net reclassification improvement (NRI) for event prediction were determined. RESULTS Cardiovascular events occurred in 59 (6%) of participants. Carotid IMT as well as MR imaging remodeling index, lipid core, and calcium in the internal carotid artery were significant predictors of events in univariate analysis (P < .001 for all). For traditional risk factors, the C statistic for event prediction was 0.696. For MR imaging remodeling index and lipid core, the C statistic was 0.734 and the NRI was 7.4% and 15.8% for participants with and those without cardiovascular events, respectively (P = .02). The NRI for US IMT in addition to traditional risk factors was not significant. CONCLUSION The identification of vulnerable plaque characteristics with MR imaging aids in cardiovascular disease prediction and improves the reclassification of baseline cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. H. Zavodni
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A.E.H.Z.); Departments of Radiology (B.A.W., J.A.C.L.) and Medicine (J.A.C.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md; Collaborative Health Studies Coordinating Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash (R.L.M.); Department of Radiology, University of California–Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Calif (A.S.G.); Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn (A.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Mass (J.F.P.); and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 10 Center Dr, Bldg 10/1C355, Bethesda, MD 20892 (D.A.B.)
| | - Bruce A. Wasserman
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A.E.H.Z.); Departments of Radiology (B.A.W., J.A.C.L.) and Medicine (J.A.C.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md; Collaborative Health Studies Coordinating Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash (R.L.M.); Department of Radiology, University of California–Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Calif (A.S.G.); Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn (A.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Mass (J.F.P.); and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 10 Center Dr, Bldg 10/1C355, Bethesda, MD 20892 (D.A.B.)
| | - Robyn L. McClelland
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A.E.H.Z.); Departments of Radiology (B.A.W., J.A.C.L.) and Medicine (J.A.C.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md; Collaborative Health Studies Coordinating Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash (R.L.M.); Department of Radiology, University of California–Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Calif (A.S.G.); Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn (A.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Mass (J.F.P.); and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 10 Center Dr, Bldg 10/1C355, Bethesda, MD 20892 (D.A.B.)
| | - Antoinette S. Gomes
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A.E.H.Z.); Departments of Radiology (B.A.W., J.A.C.L.) and Medicine (J.A.C.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md; Collaborative Health Studies Coordinating Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash (R.L.M.); Department of Radiology, University of California–Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Calif (A.S.G.); Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn (A.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Mass (J.F.P.); and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 10 Center Dr, Bldg 10/1C355, Bethesda, MD 20892 (D.A.B.)
| | - Aaron R. Folsom
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A.E.H.Z.); Departments of Radiology (B.A.W., J.A.C.L.) and Medicine (J.A.C.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md; Collaborative Health Studies Coordinating Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash (R.L.M.); Department of Radiology, University of California–Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Calif (A.S.G.); Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn (A.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Mass (J.F.P.); and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 10 Center Dr, Bldg 10/1C355, Bethesda, MD 20892 (D.A.B.)
| | - Joseph F. Polak
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A.E.H.Z.); Departments of Radiology (B.A.W., J.A.C.L.) and Medicine (J.A.C.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md; Collaborative Health Studies Coordinating Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash (R.L.M.); Department of Radiology, University of California–Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Calif (A.S.G.); Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn (A.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Mass (J.F.P.); and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 10 Center Dr, Bldg 10/1C355, Bethesda, MD 20892 (D.A.B.)
| | - João A. C. Lima
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A.E.H.Z.); Departments of Radiology (B.A.W., J.A.C.L.) and Medicine (J.A.C.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md; Collaborative Health Studies Coordinating Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash (R.L.M.); Department of Radiology, University of California–Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Calif (A.S.G.); Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn (A.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Mass (J.F.P.); and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 10 Center Dr, Bldg 10/1C355, Bethesda, MD 20892 (D.A.B.)
| | - David A. Bluemke
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A.E.H.Z.); Departments of Radiology (B.A.W., J.A.C.L.) and Medicine (J.A.C.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md; Collaborative Health Studies Coordinating Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash (R.L.M.); Department of Radiology, University of California–Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Calif (A.S.G.); Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn (A.R.F.); Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Mass (J.F.P.); and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 10 Center Dr, Bldg 10/1C355, Bethesda, MD 20892 (D.A.B.)
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Chyu KY, Lio WM, Dimayuga PC, Zhou J, Zhao X, Yano J, Trinidad P, Honjo T, Cercek B, Shah PK. Cholesterol lowering modulates T cell function in vivo and in vitro. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92095. [PMID: 24647529 PMCID: PMC3960213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lipid milleu exacerbates the inflammatory response in atherosclerosis but its effect on T cell mediated immune response has not been fully elucidated. We hypothesized that lipid lowering would modulate T cell mediated immune function. METHODS AND RESULTS T cells isolated from human PBMC or splenic T cells from apoE-/- mouse had higher proliferative response to T cell receptor (TCR) ligation in medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) compared to medium with 10% delipidated FBS. The differences in proliferation were associated with changes in lipid rafts, cellular cholesterol content, IL-10 secretion and subsequent activation of signaling molecule activated by TCR ligation. Immune biomarkers were also assessed in vivo using male apoE-/- mice fed atherogenic diet (AD) starting at 7 weeks of age. At 25 weeks of age, a sub-group was switched to normal diet (ND) whereas the rest remained on AD until euthanasia at 29 weeks of age. Dietary change resulted in a lower circulating level of cholesterol, reduced plaque size and inflammatory phenotype of plaques. These changes were associated with reduced intracellular IL-10 and IL-12 expression in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSION Our results show that lipid lowering reduces T cell proliferation and function, supporting the notion that lipid lowering modulates T cell function in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Yuh Chyu
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Wai Man Lio
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Paul C. Dimayuga
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Jianchang Zhou
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Xiaoning Zhao
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Juliana Yano
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Portia Trinidad
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Tomoyuki Honjo
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Bojan Cercek
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Prediman K. Shah
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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Ijioma N, Robinson JG. Lipid-lowering effects of ezetimibe and simvastatin in combination. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2014; 9:131-45. [DOI: 10.1586/erc.10.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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MR Spectroscopy of Cholesteryl Ester in Human Atherosclerosis∗. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2013; 6:1285-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2013.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Hingwala D, Kesavadas C, Sylaja PN, Thomas B, Kapilamoorthy TR. Multimodality imaging of carotid atherosclerotic plaque: Going beyond stenosis. Indian J Radiol Imaging 2013; 23:26-34. [PMID: 23986615 PMCID: PMC3737614 DOI: 10.4103/0971-3026.113616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Apart from the degree of stenosis, the morphology of carotid atherosclerotic plaques and presence of neovascularization are important factors that may help to evaluate the risk and ‘vulnerability’ of plaques and may also influence the choice of treatment. In this article, we aim to describe the techniques and imaging findings on CTA, high resolution MRI and contrast enhanced ultrasound in the evaluation of carotid atherosclerotic plaques. We also discuss a few representative cases from our institute with the related clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyata Hingwala
- Department of Radiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India
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Dodic S, Kovacevic D, Bjelobrk M, Petrovic M, Miljkovic T, Cankovic M, Vujin B, Cemerlic-Adjic N, Dodic B. Spontaneous regression of proximal LAD subocclusive stenosis after left internal mammary artery bypass grafting. Herz 2013; 40:79-81. [PMID: 23907695 DOI: 10.1007/s00059-013-3907-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Dodic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Vojvodine, Medical Faculty, University of Novi Sad, Put Dr Goldmana 4, 21204, Sremska Kamenica, Vojvodina, Serbia,
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Rosa GM, Bauckneht M, Masoero G, Mach F, Quercioli A, Seitun S, Balbi M, Brunelli C, Parodi A, Nencioni A, Vuilleumier N, Montecucco F. The vulnerable coronary plaque: update on imaging technologies. Thromb Haemost 2013; 110:706-22. [PMID: 23803753 DOI: 10.1160/th13-02-0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have been carried out on vulnerable plaque as the main culprit for ischaemic cardiac events. Historically, the most important diagnostic technique for studying coronary atherosclerotic disease was to determine the residual luminal diameter by angiographic measurement of the stenosis. However, it has become clear that vulnerable plaque rupture as well as thrombosis, rather than stenosis, triggers most acute ischaemic events and that the quantification of risk based merely on severity of the arterial stenosis is not sufficient. In the last decades, substantial progresses have been made on optimisation of techniques detecting the arterial wall morphology, plaque composition and inflammation. To date, the use of a single technique is not recommended to precisely identify the progression of the atherosclerotic process in human beings. In contrast, the integration of data that can be derived from multiple methods might improve our knowledge about plaque destabilisation. The aim of this narrative review is to update evidence on the accuracy of the currently available non-invasive and invasive imaging techniques in identifying components and morphologic characteristics associated with coronary plaque vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Marco Rosa
- Fabrizio Montecucco, MD, PhD, Division of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Avenue de la Roseraie 64, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland, Tel.: +41 22 372 71 92, Fax: +41 22 382 72 45, E-mail:
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González A, López-Rueda A, Gutiérrez I, Moniche F, Cayuela A, Bustamante A, Mayol A, Gonzalez-Marcos JR, Gil-Peralta A. Carotid plaque characterization by virtual histology intravascular ultrasound related to the timing of carotid intervention. J Endovasc Ther 2013; 19:764-73. [PMID: 23210875 DOI: 10.1583/jevt-12-3914mr2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the incidence of vulnerable plaques characterized by virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (VH IVUS) in patients with severe internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and its relationship to the timing of protected carotid artery stenting (CAS). METHODS The study included 141 patients (119 men; mean age 66.9 ± 9 years) with severe ICA stenosis undergoing CAS with cerebral protection. Patients were classified in 3 groups: 39 symptomatic early CAS (<14 days from clinical symptoms); 58 symptomatic delayed CAS (range 15-180 days), and 44 asymptomatic CAS. Culprit plaque component was evaluated by VH IVUS. A vulnerable plaque was defined by a thin-cap fibroatheroma and/or calcified thin-cap fibroatheroma. RESULTS The composite disabling stroke/mortality was 2.1%. The incidence of vulnerable plaques was significantly higher in the symptomatic early CAS group (25/39, 64.1%) than in the symptomatic delayed CAS group (26/58, 44.8%; p=0.048) or the asymptomatic CAS group (14/44, 31.8%; p=0.003). Symptomatic patients showed a significantly higher incidence of vulnerable plaques (52.6%) than asymptomatic patients (31.8%, p=0.022). There were no significant differences between the symptomatic delayed and asymptomatic groups (p=0.129). By clinical subgroup, a vulnerable plaque was observed in 29 (52.7%) of the patients with 55 transient ischemic attacks, 22 (52.4%) of the 42 minor stroke patients, and 14 (31.8%) of the 44 asymptomatic patients (p=0.152). CONCLUSION The incidence of vulnerable plaques was significantly higher in symptomatic patients, increasing as the intravascular study was performed closer to the index ischemic episode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro González
- Department of Radiology and Interventional Neuroradiology, Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, Seville, Spain.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although MRI is widely used to observe atherosclerosis impacts on the vessel lumen, MRI also depicts the size of the plaque itself, its composition, and plaque inflammation, providing information beyond simple stenosis. This article summarizes the state of evidence for a clinical role for MRI of carotid atherosclerosis. CONCLUSION MRI of carotid atherosclerosis has a proven role in pharmaceutical trials and may improve patient management once large-scale clinical trials have been completed.
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Alexopoulos N, Melek BH, Arepalli CD, Hartlage GR, Chen Z, Kim S, Stillman AE, Raggi P. Effect of intensive versus moderate lipid-lowering therapy on epicardial adipose tissue in hyperlipidemic post-menopausal women: a substudy of the BELLES trial (Beyond Endorsed Lipid Lowering with EBT Scanning). J Am Coll Cardiol 2013; 61:1956-61. [PMID: 23500254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2012.12.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study sought to evaluate the effect of intensive and moderate statin therapy on epicardial adipose tissue (EAT). BACKGROUND EAT has been associated with coronary artery disease severity and outcome. It is currently unknown whether EAT volume changes over time when patients are exposed to statin therapy. METHODS Subanalysis of a randomized study of atorvastatin 80 mg/day versus pravastatin 40 mg/day for 1 year in a clinical trial designed to assess the progression of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in hyperlipidemic post-menopausal women. Patients underwent cardiac computed tomography scans at the start and end of the trial period. RESULTS Of 420 patients, 194 received atorvastatin and 226 pravastatin; the median low-density lipoprotein change was -53.3% and -28.3% with atorvastatin and pravastatin, respectively (p < 0.001). Baseline EAT correlated with age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride levels, and CAC (p < 0.001). At the end of follow-up, EAT regressed more in the atorvastatin than in the pravastatin group (median, -3.38% vs. -0.83%, p = 0.025). The EAT percent change from baseline was significant in the atorvastatin, but not the pravastatin group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.2, respectively). There was no correlation between lipid lowering and EAT regression. CAC progressed significantly in both groups from baseline. CONCLUSIONS In hyperlipidemic post-menopausal women, statin therapy induced EAT regression, although intensive therapy was more effective than moderate-intensity therapy. This effect does not seem linked to low-density lipoprotein lowering and may be secondary to other actions of statins such as anti-inflammatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Alexopoulos
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Abstract
Some biochemical mechanisms are discussed which may explain the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in diabetics compared to nondiabetic humans. Absence of insulin or insensitivity of tissues to insulin leads to hyperglycaemia and elevated plasma fatty acid concentration. Hyperglycaemia can lead to modification of protein functions which can contribute to accelerated atherosclerosis. The latter is the pathological condition which underlies most cardiovascular disease. Elevated plasma fatty acid concentration impairs insulin signalling in skeletal muscle and reduce nitric oxide production in muscle. If elevated plasma fatty acid concentrations reduce endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the artery wall then this also could contribute to the increased atherosclerosis in diabetes. Also treatment of diabetes is discussed briefly in relation to cardiovascular disease.
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Zhao XQ, Kerwin WS. Utilizing imaging tools in lipidology: examining the potential of MRI for monitoring cholesterol therapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [PMID: 23197995 DOI: 10.2217/clp.12.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Lipid abnormalities play important roles in the development of atherosclerosis. Lipid therapies result in alterations in atherosclerotic plaques including halting of progression of the plaque, lipid transport out of the plaque and reducing inflammatory activity, which lead to plaque morphologies that are less prone to disruption, the main cause of clinical events. In order to investigate and monitor plaque morphological changes during lipid therapy in vivo we need an imaging method that can provide accurate assessment of plaque tissue components and activity. MRI of atherosclerosis has been validated as a reliable assessment of the size of the vessel lumen, but also the size of the plaque, its tissue composition and plaque activity, including inflammation. The purpose of this review is to summarize the state of evidence for the direct assessment of atherosclerotic plaque and its change by MRI, and to establish the proven role of MRI of atherosclerosis in pharmaceutical trials with lipid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Qiao Zhao
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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Grimm JM, Nikolaou K, Schindler A, Hettich R, Heigl F, Cyran CC, Schwarz F, Klingel R, Karpinska A, Yuan C, Dichgans M, Reiser MF, Saam T. Characteristics of carotid atherosclerotic plaques of chronic lipid apheresis patients as assessed by in vivo high-resolution CMR--a comparative analysis. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2012; 14:80. [PMID: 23194143 PMCID: PMC3524023 DOI: 10.1186/1532-429x-14-80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Components of carotid atherosclerotic plaques can reliably be identified and quantified using high resolution in vivo 3-Tesla CMR. It is suspected that lipid apheresis therapy in addition to lowering serum lipid levels also has an influence on development and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of chronic lipid apheresis (LA) on the composition of atherosclerotic carotid plaques. METHODS 32 arteries of 16 patients during chronic LA-therapy with carotid plaques and stenosis of 1-80% were matched according to degree of stenosis with 32 patients, who had recently suffered an ischemic stroke. Of these patients only the asymptomatic carotid artery was analyzed. All patients underwent black-blood 3 T CMR of the carotids using parallel imaging and dedicated surface coils. Cardiovascular risk factors were recorded. Morphology and composition of carotid plaques were evaluated. For statistical evaluation Fisher's Exact and unpaired t-test were used. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Patients in the LA-group were younger (63.5 vs. 73.9. years, p<0.05), had a higher prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and of established coronary heart disease in patients and in first-degree relatives (p<0.05, respectively). LA-patients had smaller maximum wall areas (49.7 vs. 59.6mm2, p<0.05), showed lower prevalence of lipid cores (28.1% vs. 56.3%, p<0.05) and the lipid content was smaller than in the control group (5.0 vs. 11.6%, p<0.05). Minimum lumen areas and maximum total vessel areas did not differ significantly between both groups. CONCLUSION Results of this study suggest that, despite a severer risk profile for cardiovascular complications in LA-patients, chronic LA is associated with significantly lower lipid content in carotid plaques compared to plaques of patients without LA with similar degrees of stenosis, which is characteristic of clinically stable plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen M Grimm
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Konstantin Nikolaou
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Schindler
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Reinhard Hettich
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum Kempten-Allgäu, Kempten-Allgäu, Germany
| | - Franz Heigl
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum Kempten-Allgäu, Kempten-Allgäu, Germany
| | - Clemens C Cyran
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Schwarz
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Anna Karpinska
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA
| | - Martin Dichgans
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian F Reiser
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Saam
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336, Munich, Germany
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Degnan AJ, Young VEL, Gillard JH. Advances in noninvasive imaging for evaluating clinical risk and guiding therapy in carotid atherosclerosis. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2012; 10:37-53. [PMID: 22149525 DOI: 10.1586/erc.11.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Managing asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis with a view to preventing ischemic stroke is a challenging task. As the annual risk of stroke in untreated asymptomatic patients on average is less than the risk of surgical intervention, the key question is how to identify those asymptomatic individuals whose risk of stroke is elevated and who would benefit from surgery, while sparing low-risk asymptomatic patients from the risks of surgical intervention. The advent of a multitude of noninvasive carotid imaging techniques offers an opportunity to improve risk stratification in patients and to monitor the response to medical therapies; assessing efficacy at individual and population levels. As part of this, plaque measurement techniques (using ultrasound, computed tomography or MRI) may be employed in monitoring plaque/component regression and progression. Novel imaging applications targeted to plaque characteristics, inflammation and neovascularization, including contrast-enhanced ultrasound and MRI, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, and fluorodeoxyglucose-PET, are also being explored. Ultimately, noninvasive imaging and other advances in risk stratification aim to improve and individualize the management of patients with carotid atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Degnan
- University Department of Radiology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 218, Hills Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 2QQ, UK
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Furer V, Fayad ZA, Mani V, Calcagno C, Farkouh ME, Greenberg JD. Noninvasive Cardiovascular Imaging in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Modalities and the Emerging Role of Magnetic Resonance and Positron Emission Tomography Imaging. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2012; 41:676-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2011.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 08/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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van Gils MJ, Vukadinovic D, van Dijk AC, Dippel DWJ, Niessen WJ, van der Lugt A. Carotid atherosclerotic plaque progression and change in plaque composition over time: a 5-year follow-up study using serial CT angiography. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2012; 33:1267-73. [PMID: 22345501 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a2970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Serial in vivo imaging of atherosclerosis is important for understanding plaque progression and is potentially useful in predicting cardiovascular events and monitoring treatment efficacy. This prospective study aims to quantify temporal changes in carotid atherosclerotic plaque volume and plaque composition using MDCTA. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 109 patients with TIA or ischemic stroke, serial MDCTA of the carotid arteries was performed after 5.3 ± 0.7 years. The carotid bifurcation was semiautomatically registered for paired baseline follow-up datasets. Outer vessel wall and lumen boundaries were defined using semiautomated segmentation tools. Plaque component volumes were measured using HU thresholds. Annual changes in plaque volume and plaque component proportions were calculated. RESULTS One-hundred-ninety-three carotid arteries were analyzed. Plaque volume decreased in 31% and increased in 69% of vessels (range -5.6-10.1%/year). Overall, plaque volume increased 1.2% per year (95% CI, 0.8-1.6, P ≤ .001). Plaque composition changed significantly from BL (fibrous 66.4%, lipid 28.8%, calcifications 4.8%): fibrous tissue decreased by 1.5%, lipid decreased by 1.8%, and calcification increased by 3.3% (P < .001). Intraobserver reproducibility of all volume and proportion measurements was good (ICC 0.78-1.00) and interobserver reproducibility was moderate (ICC 0.76-0.99). CONCLUSIONS Changes in carotid plaque burden and plaque composition can be quantified by using serial MDCTA. Plaque burden development is a heterogeneous and slow process.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J van Gils
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Zhao XQ, Dong L, Hatsukami T, Phan BA, Chu B, Moore A, Lane T, Neradilek MB, Polissar N, Monick D, Lee C, Underhill H, Yuan C. MR imaging of carotid plaque composition during lipid-lowering therapy a prospective assessment of effect and time course. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2012; 4:977-86. [PMID: 21920335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2011.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Revised: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to test the lipid depletion hypothesis and to establish the time course of change in carotid plaque morphology and composition during lipid therapy using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). BACKGROUND Lipid therapy is thought to improve plaque stability and reduce cardiovascular events by targeting the plaque rupture risk features such as large lipid core, thin fibrous cap, and high level of inflammatory infiltrates. However, the plaque stabilizing process during lipid therapy has not been clearly demonstrated in humans and in vivo. METHODS Subjects with coronary or carotid artery disease, apolipoprotein B ≥120 mg/dl, and lipid treatment history <1 year, were randomly assigned to atorvastatin monotherapy or to atorvastatin-based combination therapies with appropriate placebos for 3 years. All subjects underwent high-resolution, multicontrast bilateral carotid MRI scans at baseline and annually for 3 years. All images were analyzed for quantification of wall area and plaque composition blinded to therapy, laboratory results, and clinical course. RESULTS After 3 years of lipid therapy, the 33 subjects with measurable lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) at baseline had a significant reduction in plaque lipid content: LRNC volume decreased from 60.4 ± 59.5 mm(3) to 37.4 ± 69.5 mm(3) (p < 0.001) and %LRNC (LRNC area/wall area in the lipid-rich regions) from 14.2 ± 7.0% to 7.4 ± 8.2% (p < 0.001). The time course showed that %LRNC decreased by 3.2 (p < 0.001) in the first year, by 3.0 (p = 0.005) in the second year, and by 0.91 (p = 0.2) in the third year. Changes in LRNC volume followed the same pattern. Percent wall volume (100 × wall/outer wall, a ratio of volumes) in the lipid-rich regions significantly decreased from 52.3 ± 8.5% to 48.6 ± 9.7% (p = 0.002). Slices containing LRNC had significantly more percent wall volume reduction than those without (-4.7% vs. -1.4%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Intensive lipid therapy significantly depletes carotid plaque lipid. Statistically significant plaque lipid depletion is observed after 1 year of treatment and continues in the second year, and precedes plaque regression. (Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Evaluate Carotid Artery Plaque Composition in People Receiving Cholesterol-Lowering Medications [The CPC Study]; NCT00715273).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Qiao Zhao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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Kramer CM, Mani V, Fayad ZA. MR imaging-verified plaque delipidation with lipid-lowering therapy important questions remain. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2012; 4:987-9. [PMID: 21920336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2011.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Kylintireas I, Shirodaria C, Lee JMS, Cunningon C, Lindsay A, Francis J, Robson MD, Neubauer S, Channon KM, Choudhury RP. Multimodal cardiovascular magnetic resonance quantifies regional variation in vascular structure and function in patients with coronary artery disease: relationships with coronary disease severity. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2011; 13:61. [PMID: 22017860 PMCID: PMC3256113 DOI: 10.1186/1532-429x-13-61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) of the vessel wall is highly reproducible and can evaluate both changes in plaque burden and composition. It can also measure aortic compliance and endothelial function in a single integrated examination. Previous studies have focused on patients with pre-identified carotid atheroma. We define these vascular parameters in patients presenting with coronary artery disease and test their relations to its extent and severity. METHODS AND RESULTS 100 patients with CAD [single-vessel (16%); two-vessel (39%); and three-vessel (42%) non-obstructed coronary arteries (3%)] were studied. CAD severity and extent was expressed as modified Gensini score (mean modified score 12.38 ± 5.3). A majority of carotid plaque was located in the carotid bulb (CB). Atherosclerosis in this most diseased segment correlated modestly with the severity and extent of CAD, as expressed by the modified Gensini score (R = 0.251, P < 0.05). Using the AHA plaque classification, atheroma class also associated with CAD severity (rho = 0.26, P < 0.05). The distal descending aorta contained the greatest plaque, which correlated with the degree of CAD (R = 0.222; P < 0.05), but with no correlation with the proximal descending aorta, which was relatively spared (R = 0.106; P = n. s.). Aortic distensibility varied along its length with the ascending aorta the least distensible segment. Brachial artery FMD was inversely correlated with modified Gensini score (R = -0.278; P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, distal descending aorta atheroma burden, distensibility of the ascending aorta, carotid atheroma class and FMD were independent predictors of modified Gensini score. CONCLUSIONS Multimodal vascular CMR shows regional abnormalities of vascular structure and function that correlate modestly with the degree and extent of CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Kylintireas
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford and Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR), Oxford, UK
| | - Cheerag Shirodaria
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford and Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR), Oxford, UK
| | - Justin MS Lee
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford and Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR), Oxford, UK
| | - Colin Cunningon
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford and Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR), Oxford, UK
| | - Alistair Lindsay
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford and Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR), Oxford, UK
| | - Jane Francis
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford and Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR), Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew D Robson
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford and Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR), Oxford, UK
| | - Stefan Neubauer
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford and Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR), Oxford, UK
| | - Keith M Channon
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford and Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR), Oxford, UK
| | - Robin P Choudhury
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford and Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR), Oxford, UK
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Fenster A, Parraga G, Bax J. Three-dimensional ultrasound scanning. Interface Focus 2011; 1:503-19. [PMID: 22866228 PMCID: PMC3262266 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2011.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The past two decades have witnessed developments of new imaging techniques that provide three-dimensional images about the interior of the human body in a manner never before available. Ultrasound (US) imaging is an important cost-effective technique used routinely in the management of a number of diseases. However, two-dimensional viewing of three-dimensional anatomy, using conventional two-dimensional US, limits our ability to quantify and visualize the anatomy and guide therapy, because multiple two-dimensional images must be integrated mentally. This practice is inefficient, and may lead to variability and incorrect diagnoses. Investigators and companies have addressed these limitations by developing three-dimensional US techniques. Thus, in this paper, we review the various techniques that are in current use in three-dimensional US imaging systems, with a particular emphasis placed on the geometric accuracy of the generation of three-dimensional images. The principles involved in three-dimensional US imaging are then illustrated with a diagnostic and an interventional application: (i) three-dimensional carotid US imaging for quantification and monitoring of carotid atherosclerosis and (ii) three-dimensional US-guided prostate biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Fenster
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Grace Parraga
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jeff Bax
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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Khanderia U, Regal RE, Rubenfire M, Boyden T. The ezetimibe controversy: implications for clinical practice. Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis 2011; 5:199-208. [PMID: 21636623 DOI: 10.1177/1753944711410099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) remains the primary target of lipid-lowering therapy. Achieving LDL-C goals as outlined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III can be difficult with statins alone; therefore, adjunctive therapy is often indicated to reduce cardiovascular risk. Ezetimibe, a potent inhibitor of intestinal cholesterol absorption, has been shown to be safe, tolerable and effective at lowering LDL-C, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, each of which has been correlated with improved clinical outcomes, alone or in combination with a statin. However, because of randomized trials that demonstrated mixed results about atherosclerotic plaque regression via carotid intima-media thickness and a concern about cancer risk, ezetimibe's role in lipid therapy has been questioned. Currently, a large randomized controlled trial is in progress to answer if ezetimibe improves clinical outcomes in patients with high-risk acute coronary syndrome. A smaller trial in patients with chronic kidney disease demonstrated reduced clinical events, including myocardial infarction, stroke and revascularization for patients taking the combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin versus those taking statin or placebo alone. In this paper, we review the trials that have led to the ezetimibe controversy and then discuss the possible role of ezetimibe in specific patient populations until the results of ongoing clinical trials are known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujjaini Khanderia
- College of Pharmacy and Department of Pharmacy Services, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5008, USA.
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Reddy KJ, Singh M, Batsell RR, Bangit JR, Miraskar RA, Zaheer MS. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 mass is significantly reduced in dyslipidemic patients treated with lifestyle modification and combination lipid-modifying drug therapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 13:130-4. [PMID: 20626668 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-7141.2009.00060.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA(2)) mass is a novel inflammatory biomarker. In human blood, Lp-PLA(2) is predominately associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This study examines the ability of lifestyle modification (diet and exercise) and combination lipid therapy to reduce Lp-PLA(2) levels while also determining the relationship between changes in LDL cholesterol and Lp-PLA(2). Thirty dyslipidemic patients who received lifestyle intervention and combination lipid therapy for an average of 6 months were included in these analyses (mean age, 60.9 years); 40% had stable angiographically established coronary artery disease, 40% had the metabolic syndrome, and 70% were men. Drug therapy included omega-3 fish oil, extended-release niacin, colesevelam hydrochloride, and a fixed combination of 10-mg ezetimibe and 40-mg simvastatin. The study revealed a 33% reduction in mean Lp-PLA(2) values (baseline 224.9+/-47.5 vs posttreatment 149.5+/-35.5 ng/mL; P<.001). Significant changes in mean LDL cholesterol from baseline (127.9+/-49.3 vs posttreatment 65.2+/-32.1 mg/dL; P<.001) were also observed. However, regression analysis revealed only a weak positive relationship between changes in LDL cholesterol and Lp-PLA(2) mass (R(2)=0.29; P<.01). Thus, Lp-PLA(2) mass is significantly reduced with lifestyle and combination lipid therapy. Changes in Lp-PLA(2) were only partially explained by the changes observed for LDL cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kota J Reddy
- Reddy Cardiac Wellness, Sugar Land, TX 77479, USA
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Abstract
Atherosclerosis and its thrombotic complications are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized countries. Despite advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology, pathogenesis, and new treatment modalities, the absence of an adequate non-invasive imaging tool for early detection limits both the prevention and treatment of patients with various degrees and anatomical localizations of atherothrombotic disease. An ideal clinical imaging modality for atherosclerotic vascular disease should be safe, inexpensive, non-invasive or minimally invasive, accurate, and reproducible, and the results should correlate with the extent of atherosclerotic disease and have high predictive values for future clinical events. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as the most promising technique for studying atherothrombotic disease in humans in vivo. Most importantly, MRI allows for the characterization of plaque composition, i.e. the discrimination of lipid core, fibrosis, calcification, and intraplaque haemorrhage deposits. Magnetic resonance imaging also allows for the detection of arterial thrombi and in defining thrombus age. Magnetic resonance imaging has been used to monitor plaque progression and regression in several animal models of atherosclerosis and in humans. Emerging MRI techniques capable of imaging biological processes, including inflammation, neovascularization, and mechanical forces, may aid in advancing our understanding of the atherothrombotic disease. Advances in diagnosis do prosper provided they march hand-in-hand with advances in treatment. We stand at the threshold of accurate non-invasive assessment of atherosclerosis. Thus, MRI opens new strategies ranging from screening of high-risk patients for early detection and treatment as well as monitoring of the target lesions for pharmacological intervention. Identification of subclinical atherosclerosis and early treatment initiation has the potential to surpass conventional risk factor assessment and management in terms of overall impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Such strategy is currently under clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Corti
- Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Warach S, Baird AE, Dani KA, Wintermark M, Kidwell CS. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cerebrovascular Diseases. Stroke 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4160-5478-8.10046-6] [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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