1
|
Marko M, Singh N, Ospel JM, Uchida K, Almekhlafi MA, Demchuk AM, Nogueira RG, McTaggart RA, Poppe AY, Rempel JL, Tymianski M, Hill MD, Goyal M, Menon BK. Symptomatic Non-stenotic Carotid Disease in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source : Analysis of the ESCAPE-NA1 Trial. Clin Neuroradiol 2024; 34:333-339. [PMID: 38108829 PMCID: PMC11130033 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-023-01365-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-stenotic (< 50%) carotid disease may play an important etiological role in ischemic stroke classified as embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). We aimed to assess the prevalence of non-stenotic carotid disease and its association with ipsilateral ischemic stroke. METHODS Data are from ESCAPE-NA1, a randomized controlled trial investigating the neuroprotectant nerinetide in patients with acute ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusion (LVO). The degree of stenosis of the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) and high-risk plaque features were assessed on baseline computed tomography (CT) angiography. We evaluated the association of non-stenotic carotid disease and ipsilateral stroke by age-adjusted and sex-adjusted logistic regression and calculated the attributable risk of ipsilateral stroke caused by non-stenotic carotid disease. RESULTS After excluding patients with non-assessable imaging, symptomatic > 50% carotid stenosis and extracranial dissection, 799/1105 (72.1%) patients enrolled in ESCAPE-NA1 remained for this analysis. Of these, 127 (15.9%) were classified as ESUS. Non-stenotic carotid disease occurred in 34/127 ESUS patients (26.8%) and was associated with the presence of ipsilateral ischemic stroke (odds ratio, OR 1.6, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.0-2.6, p = 0.049). The risk of ipsilateral ischemic stroke attributable to non-stenotic carotid disease in ESUS was estimated to be 19.7% (95% CI -5.7% to 39%), the population attributable risk was calculated as 4.3%. Imaging features such as plaque thickness, plaque irregularity or plaque ulceration were not different between non-stenotic carotids with vs. without ipsilateral stroke. CONCLUSION Non-stenotic carotid disease frequently occurs in patients classified as ESUS and is associated with ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Our findings support the role of non-stenotic carotid disease as stroke etiology in ESUS, but further prospective research is needed to prove a causal relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha Marko
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Nishita Singh
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Johanna M Ospel
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kazutaka Uchida
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Mohammed A Almekhlafi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew M Demchuk
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Raul G Nogueira
- Emory University School of Medicine, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, USA
| | - Ryan A McTaggart
- Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Alexandre Y Poppe
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Michael D Hill
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Mayank Goyal
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bijoy K Menon
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ospel JM, Kappelhof M, Ganesh A, Kallmes DF, Brinjikji W, Goyal M. Symptomatic non-stenotic carotid disease: current challenges and opportunities for diagnosis and treatment. J Neurointerv Surg 2024; 16:418-424. [PMID: 37068939 DOI: 10.1136/jnis-2022-020005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Symptomatic non-stenotic carotid plaques (SyNC) are an under-researched and under-recognized source of stroke. Various imaging markers of non-stenotic carotid plaques that are associated with stroke risk have been identified, but these causal relationships need to be confirmed in additional prospective studies. Currently, there exists neither a standardized SyNC definition nor a dedicated set of imaging protocols, although researchers have started to address these shortcomings. Moreover, many neuroradiologists are still unaware of the condition, and hence do not comment on high-risk plaque features other than stenosis in their reports. Regarding SyNC treatment, scant data exist as to whether and to what extent medical, interventional and surgical treatments could influence the course of the disease; the relative lack of data on the 'natural' history of untreated SyNC makes treatment comparisons difficult. In our opinion, endovascular SyNC treatment represents the most promising treatment option for SyNC, since it allows for targeted elimination of the embolic source, with few systemic side effects and without the need for general anesthesia. However, currently available carotid devices are designed to treat stenotic lesions, and thus are not optimally designed for SyNC. Developing a device specifically tailored to SyNC could be an important step towards establishing endovascular SyNC treatment in clinical practice. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of evidence with regard to epidemiological, clinical and imaging features of SyNC, propose a SyNC definition based on imaging and clinical features, and outline a possible pathway towards evidence-based SyNC therapies, with a special focus on endovascular SyNC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Maria Ospel
- Departments of Diagnostic Imaging and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Manon Kappelhof
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Aravind Ganesh
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Mayank Goyal
- Diagnostic Imaging, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Benson JC, Saba L, Bathla G, Brinjikji W, Nardi V, Lanzino G. MR Imaging of Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis: Updated Evidence on High-Risk Plaque Features and Emerging Trends. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2023; 44:880-888. [PMID: 37385681 PMCID: PMC10411837 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
MR imaging is well-established as the criterion standard for carotid artery atherosclerosis imaging. The capability of MR imaging to differentiate numerous plaque components has been demonstrated, including those features that are associated with a high risk of sudden changes, thrombosis, or embolization. The field of carotid plaque MR imaging is constantly evolving, with continued insight into the imaging appearance and implications of various vulnerable plaque characteristics. This article will review the most up-to-date knowledge of these high-risk plaque features on MR imaging and will delve into 2 major emerging topics: the role of vulnerable plaques in cryptogenic strokes and the potential use of MR imaging to modify carotid endarterectomy treatment guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J C Benson
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.C.B., G.B., W.B.)
| | - L Saba
- Department of Medical Sciences (L.S.), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - G Bathla
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.C.B., G.B., W.B.)
| | - W Brinjikji
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.C.B., G.B., W.B.)
| | - V Nardi
- Cardiovascular Medicine (V.N.)
| | - G Lanzino
- Neurosurgery (G.L.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Larson AS, Brinjikji W, Lekah A, Klaas JP, Lanzino G, Huston J, Saba L, Benson JC. Nonstenotic Carotid Plaques and Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source: A Multimodality Review. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2023; 44:118-124. [PMID: 36549844 PMCID: PMC9891333 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Symptomatic nonstenotic carotid artery disease has been increasingly recognized as a thromboembolic source in patients who would otherwise be classified as having embolic stroke of undetermined source. Evidence suggests that certain plaque features seen on sonography, CT, and MR imaging in nonstenotic carotid artery disease may predispose to recurrent stroke in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source. We performed a focused literature review to further study plaque features in the context of embolic stroke of undetermined source and to determine which plaque features may be associated with ipsilateral ischemic events in such patients. Plaque thickness as seen on both ultrasound and CT appears to have a consistent association with ipsilateral stroke in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source across multiple studies. Intraplaque hemorrhage as seen on MR imaging is now understood to have a strong association with ipsilateral stroke in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source. Continued study of various plaque features as seen on different modalities is warranted to uncover other potential associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A S Larson
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.S.L., W.B., A.L., G.L., J.H., J.C.B.)
| | - W Brinjikji
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.S.L., W.B., A.L., G.L., J.H., J.C.B.)
- Neurosurgery (W.B., G.L.)
| | - A Lekah
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.S.L., W.B., A.L., G.L., J.H., J.C.B.)
| | - J P Klaas
- Neurology (J.P.K.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - G Lanzino
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.S.L., W.B., A.L., G.L., J.H., J.C.B.)
- Neurosurgery (W.B., G.L.)
| | - J Huston
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.S.L., W.B., A.L., G.L., J.H., J.C.B.)
| | - L Saba
- Department of Medical Sciences (L.S.), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - J C Benson
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.S.L., W.B., A.L., G.L., J.H., J.C.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jumah A, Aboul Nour H, Fana M, Choudhury O, Eltous L, Zoghoul S, Jumah F, Alsrouji OK, Alhajala H, Intikhab O, Marin H, Chebl A, Miller D. The role of non-stenosing carotid artery plaques in embolic stroke of undetermined source, is it a silent offender? A review of literature. Interv Neuroradiol 2022:15910199221143172. [PMID: 36451548 DOI: 10.1177/15910199221143172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Atherosclerotic cervical internal carotid artery disease is one of the major causes of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attacks. The risk of stroke from mild to moderate stenoses (i.e. <50% stenosis) might be underestimated. There is increasing evidence that plaque morphological features reflect plaque instability that may harbor high risk for embolization. In this narrative review, we will review the literature on plaque features that predict vulnerability beyond the degree of stenosis, discuss the clinical association with stroke, and evaluate the evidence that these lesions serve as a source for embolic stroke of unknown source (ESUS). METHODS We performed a literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. The terms "embolic stroke of undetermined source" and "plaque morphology" were used either alone or in combination with "non-flow limiting stenosis," "non-stenosing plaques," "high-risk plaque features" or "internal carotid artery plaque." Data on plaque morphology and ESUS were mainly taken from review articles, observational studies including retrospective cohort and cross-sectional studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. CONCLUSION Nonstenosing carotid artery plaques with high-risk features carry a remarkable risk for stroke occurrence and randomized clinical trials are warranted for further evaluation of using carotid artery stenting or carotid endarterectomy to mitigate the risk of stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Jumah
- Department of Neurology, 24016Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Hassan Aboul Nour
- Department of Vascular Neurology, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael Fana
- Department of Neurology, 24016Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Omar Choudhury
- Department of Neurology, 24016Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Lara Eltous
- 37251Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sohaib Zoghoul
- Department of Radiology, 36977Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fareed Jumah
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Owais K Alsrouji
- Department of Neurology, 24016Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Hisham Alhajala
- Department of Vascular Neurology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Osama Intikhab
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Horia Marin
- Department of Neuroradiology, 24016Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Alex Chebl
- Department of Neurology, 24016Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Daniel Miller
- Department of Neurology, 24016Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|