Morphological and hemodynamic patterns of carotid stenosis treated by endarterectomy with patch closure versus stenting: a duplex ultrasound study

Software that combines deep learning, 3D reconstruction and CFD to analyze the state of carotid arteries from ultrasound imaging

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound is one of the non-invasive techniques that are used in clinical diagnostics of carotid artery disease.

OBJECTIVE

This paper presents software methodology that can be used in combination with this imaging technique to provide additional information about the state of patient-specific artery.

METHODS

Overall three modules are combined within the proposed methodology. A clinical dataset is used within the deep learning module to extract the contours of the carotid artery. This data is then used within the second module to perform the three-dimensional reconstruction of the geometry of the carotid bifurcation and ultimately this geometry is used within the third module, where the hemodynamic analysis is performed. The obtained distributions of hemodynamic quantities enable a more detailed analysis of the blood flow and state of the arterial wall and could be useful to predict further progress of present abnormalities in the carotid bifurcation.

RESULTS

The performance of the deep learning module was demonstrated through the high values of relevant common classification metric parameters. Also, the accuracy of the proposed methodology was shown through the validation of results for the reconstructed parameters against the clinically measured values.

CONCLUSION

The presented methodology could be used in combination with standard clinical ultrasound examination to quickly provide additional quantitative and qualitative information about the state of the patient's carotid bifurcation and thus ensure a treatment that is more adapted to the specific patient.

Remodeling effects of carotid artery stenting versus endarterectomy with patch angioplasty in terms of morphology and hemodynamics

BACKGROUND

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) remains the first-line treatment option of symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis, while stenting (CAS) is reserved for selected patients at high surgical risk. Here, we compare the vascular remodeling process in CEA- and CAS-treated patients with respect to morphological and hemodynamic features, because of their possible engagement in carotid atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Twelve (12) patients were included, half with patched CEA and half with CAS. Pre- and post-operative 3D image-based models of the carotid bifurcation were anatomically characterized in terms of flare, tortuosity, and curvature. Individual computational fluid dynamics simulations allowed to quantify the postoperative hemodynamic milieu in terms of (1) wall shear stress and (2) helical flow.

RESULTS

Carotid flare increased in all cases, but a more marked increase emerged after CEA compared to CAS. Tortuosity and curvature increased after CEA but decreased after CAS. CEA patients presented with significantly higher postoperative tortuosity than CAS patients. CEA was associated with a worse (non-statistically significant) score in all flow disturbance indicators vs. CAS.

CONCLUSION

The increased flare and tortuosity of the carotid bifurcation after CEA vs. CAS is a marked difference in the vascular remodeling process between the two modalities. CAS seems to induce a less pro-restenosis hemodynamic environment compared to CEA. The emerged differences stimulate further analysis on a larger cohort with long-term outcomes, to shed light on the clinical impact of the observations.

Carotid stenosis: what is the high-risk population?

OBJECTIVE

Prevention is the best treatment for cerebrovascular disease, which is why early diagnosis and the immediate treatment of carotid stenosis contribute significantly to reducing the incidence of stroke. Given its silent nature, 80% of stroke cases occur in asymptomatic individuals, emphasizing the importance of screening individuals with carotid stenosis and identifying high-risk groups for the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the most frequent risk factors for carotid stenosis.

METHODS

A transversal study was conducted in the form of a stroke prevention campaign held on three nonconsecutive Saturdays. During the sessions, carotid stenosis diagnostic procedures were performed for 500 individuals aged 60 years or older who had systemic arterial hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus and/or coronary heart disease and/or a family history of stroke.

RESULTS

The prevalence of carotid stenosis in the population studied was 7.4%, and the most frequent risk factors identified were mean age of 70 years, carotid bruit, peripheral obstructive arterial disease, coronary insufficiency and smoking. Independent predictive factors of carotid stenosis include the presence of carotid bruit or peripheral obstructive arterial disease [corrected] and/or coronary insufficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

The population with peripheral obstructive arterial disease [corrected] and/or coronary insufficiency and carotid bruit should undergo routine screening for carotid stenosis.