Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis Research Articles

Atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries: clinical significance (a literature review)

Сarotid atherosclerotic disease increase the risk of ischemic stroke, with various clinical manifestations from asymptomatic to fatal. Cerebral blood flow depends not only on the degree of stenosis, but also on the patency of the collateral tract, affecting the severity of the clinical picture. Criteria for the hemodynamic significance of carotid artery stenosis and, based on them, indications for surgical treatment have been developed. But there is a group of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis and borderline values in assessing the hemodynamic significance of atherosclerotic plaques, who remain at risk of ischemic stroke. Thus, there is a need to assess the collateral cerebral circulation, and the impact of the degree of stenosis on cerebral perfusion. Also of interest is the assessment of hemodynamics at the site of carotid stenosis and the assessment of cerebral autoregulation during exercise testing. This will help in selecting patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis who are at increased risk of stroke and who would benefit from revascularization.

Editor's Choice – Sex Related Differences in Indication and Procedural Outcomes of Carotid interventions in VASCUNET

It has been suggested that peri-operative complications after carotid surgery may be higher in women than in men. This assumption may affect the treatment patterns, and it is thus possible that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is provided to women less often. The aim of the current VASCUNET study was to determine sex related differences in operative risk in routine clinical practice among non-selected patients undergoing carotid revascularisation. Data on CEA and carotid artery stenting (CAS) from 14 vascular registries were collected and amalgamated. Comprehensive data were available for 223 626 carotid artery procedures; these were analysed overall and by country. The primary outcome was any stroke and or death within 30 days of carotid revascularisation. Secondary outcomes were stroke, death, or any major cardiac event or haemorrhage leading to re-operation. Of the procedures, 34.8% were done in women. The proportion of CEA for asymptomatic stenosis compared with symptomatic stenosis was significantly higher among women than men (38.4% vs. 36.9%, p < .001). The proportion of octogenarians was higher among women than men who underwent CEA in both asymptomatic (21.2% vs. 19.9%) and symptomatic patients (24.3% vs. 21.4%). In the unadjusted analysis of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, there were no significant differences between men and women in the rate of post-operative combined stroke and or death, any major cardiac event, or combined death, stroke, and any major cardiac event after CEA. Also, after stenting for asymptomatic or symptomatic carotid stenosis, there were no significant differences between men and women in the rate of post-operative complications. In adjusted analyses, sex was not significantly associated with any of the end points. Higher age and CAS vs. CEA were independently associated with all four end points. This study confirmed that, in a large registry among non-selected patients, no significant sex related differences were found in peri-operative complication rates after interventions for carotid stenosis.

Best Medical Treatment in Patients with Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis: Myth or Reality?

Approximately 1.4 million strokes/year causing about 1.1 million deaths annually occur in Europe and 10-15% of those strokes are result of thromboembolism from a previously significant asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS). Medical treatment has improved considerably in the last 15 years however its success depends on patient compliance. The aim of our study was to evaluate, in patients with ACS, the implementation and patient adherence to best medical treatment (BMT). Additionally, we sought to determine the "real world" incidence of cerebrovascular/coronary events in a cohort of non-operated ACS patients and weighing this risk against surgical complications in patients with ACS undergoing surgical treatment at our Department. Patients with ACS ≥ 60% identified by a carotid ultrasound performed at our Department were retrospectively evaluated. Patients selected to BMT were excluded if the follow-up period was inferior to 2 years, as well as patients lost in follow-up, with missing clinical information and submitted to carotid stenting. Patients' data collection was supported by hospital reporting system and data were introduced into a database created for the purpose. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-25 software. After exclusion criteria were applied, the last 120 consecutive patients (60 with ACS submitted do carotid endarterectomy and 60 with ACS under BMT) were retrospectively evaluated. 21 patients had had ipsilateral events for more than 6 months. Most patients had hypertension (n=107; 89%), dyslipidemia (n=101; 84%), 40% had diabetes, 33% diagnosed coronary disease, 32% were overweight or obese and 17% were current smokers. Blood pressure control, normal weight, statin with/without ezetimibe association and antiaggregant therapy was only achieved in 33 patients and only 5 had additionally low-density-lipoprotein levels < 70 mg/dL, hemoglobin A1c < 7% and were non-smokers. Of the 60 patients assigned to medical treatment, 3 (5%) had a stroke at 2 years follow-up, which was fatal in 1 patient. Among patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy perioperative stroke was documented in 3% of the patients, none of them disabling or fatal. Although some recent studies report a risk of ipsilateral stroke of only 0.34% per year in patients with ACS ≥ 50% under BMT therapy in our everyday practice strict compliance to medical treatment fails in the majority of patients. In consequence, we think that a "one-size-fits-all" guideline policy may not be appropriate for all patients and the management of specific ACS patients may need to be individualized.

Frequency of inter-specialty consensus decisions and adherence to advice following discussion at a weekly neurovascular multidisciplinary meeting

Background/aimsData are limited on the frequency of ‘consensus decisions’ between sub-specialists attending a neurovascular multidisciplinary meeting (MDM) regarding management of patients with extracranial carotid/vertebral stenoses and post-MDM ‘adherence’ to such advice.MethodsThis prospective audit/quality improvement project collated prospectively-recorded data from a weekly Neurovascular/Stroke Centre MDM documenting the proportion of extracranial carotid/vertebral stenosis patients in whom ‘consensus management decisions’ were reached by neurologists, vascular surgeons, stroke physicians-geriatricians and neuroradiologists. Adherence to MDM advice was analysed in asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS), symptomatic carotid stenosis (SCS), ‘indeterminate symptomatic status stenosis’ (ISS) and vertebral artery stenosis (VAS) patients, including intervals between index event to MDM + / − intervention.ResultsOne hundred fifteen patients were discussed: 108 with carotid stenosis and 7 with VAS. Consensus regarding management was noted in 96.5% (111/115): 100% with ACS and VAS, 96.2% with SCS and 92.9% with ISS. Adherence to MDM management advice was 96.4% (107/111): 100% in ACS, ISS and VAS patients; 92% (46/50) in SCS patients. The median interval from index symptoms to revascularisation in 50–99% SCS patients was 12.5 days (IQR: 9–18.3 days; N = 26), with a median interval from MDM to revascularisation of 5.5 days (IQR: 1–7 days). Thirty patients underwent revascularisation. Two out of twenty-nine patients (6.9%) with either SCS or ISS had a peri-procedural ipsilateral ischaemic stroke, with no further strokes/deaths during 3-months follow-up.ConclusionsThe high frequency of inter-specialty consensus regarding management and adherence to proposed treatment supports a collaborative/multidisciplinary model of care in patients with extracranial arterial stenoses. Service development should aim to shorten times between MDM discussion-intervention and optimise prevention of stroke/death.

When Will We Have What We Need to Advise Patients How to Manage Their Carotid Stenosis?: Lessons From SPACE-2.

The recently published SPACE-2 trial (Stent-Supported Percutaneous Angioplasty of the Carotid Artery Versus Endarterectomy-2) compared 3 treatments to prevent stroke in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis ≥70%: (1) carotid endarterectomy plus best medical treatment (BMT), (2) transfemoral carotid artery stenting plus BMT, or (3) BMT alone. Because of low enrollment, the findings of similar safety and efficacy for carotid endarterectomy, carotid artery stenting, or BMT alone were inconclusive. Publication of the CREST (Carotid Revascularization and Medical Management for Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis Trial)-2 results should provide level A evidence that has been lacking for 2 to 3 decades, to guide treatment of asymptomatic patients with severe carotid stenosis. For symptomatic patients with ≥70% stenosis, no trials are underway to update the degree of benefit reported for carotid endarterectomy by NASCET (North American Carotid Endarterectomy Trial) and ECST (European Carotid Surgery Trial), published in 1991. Subsequently, the use of cigarettes has plummeted, and major improvements in medical treatments and in carotid revascularization have emerged. These advances have coincided with abrupt decline in the clinical end points necessary for treatment comparisons in procedural trials. One of the advances in the invasive management of carotid disease has been transcarotid artery revascularization, already with limited approval by the US Food and Drug Administration. Establishing safety and efficacy of transcarotid artery revascularization compared with carotid endarterectomy, carotid artery stenting, or BMT alone may be challenging because of enrollment, regulatory, and funding barriers to design and complete an adequately powered randomized trial.

Impact of calcified plaque volume on technical and 3-year outcomes after transcarotid artery revascularization

ObjectiveWe sought to quantify the percent calcification within carotid artery plaques and assess its impact on percent residual stenosis and rate of restenosis in patients undergoing transcarotid artery revascularization for symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. MethodsA retrospective review of prospectively collected institutional Vascular Quality Initiative data was performed to identify all patients undergoing transcarotid artery revascularization from December 2015 to June 2021 (n = 210). Patient and lesion characteristics were extracted. Using a semiautomated workflow, preoperative computed tomography head and neck angiograms were analyzed to determine the calcified plaque volume in distal common carotid artery and internal carotid artery plaques. Intraoperative digital subtraction angiograms were reviewed to calculate the percent residual stenosis post-intervention according to North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial criteria. Peak systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity were extracted from outpatient carotid duplex ultrasound examinations. Univariate logistic regression was performed to analyze the relationship of calcium volume percent and Vascular Quality Initiative lesion calcification to percent residual stenosis in completion angiograms. Kaplan-Meier analysis examined the relationship between calcium volume percent and in-stent stenosis over 36 months. ResultsOne hundred ninety-seven carotid arteries were preliminarily examined. Predilation was performed in 87.4% of cases with a mean balloon diameter of 5.1 ± 0.7 mm and a mean stent diameter was 8.8 ± 1.1 mm. The mean calcium volume percent was 11.9 ± 12.4% and the mean percent residual stenosis was 16.1 ± 15.6%. Univariate logistic regression demonstrated a statistically significant difference between calcium volume percent and percent residual stenosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.324; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.005-1.746; P = .046). Stratified by quartile, only the top 25% of calcified plaques (>18.7% calcification) demonstrated a statistically significant association with higher percent residual stenosis (OR, 2.532; 95% CI, 1.049-6.115; P =.039). There was no statistical significance with lesion calcification (OR, 1.298; 95% C,: 0.980-1.718; P = .069). A Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the rate of in-stent stenosis during a 36-month follow-up for lesions containing >8.2% calcium volume (P = .0069). ConclusionsA calcium volume percent of >18.7% was associated with a higher percent residual stenosis, and a calcium volume percent of >8.2% was associated with higher in-stent stenosis at 36 months. There was one clinically diagnosed stroke during the follow-up period, demonstrating the overall safety of the procedure.

Recovery of visual function after endarterectomy - series of cases report

Carotid arteriosclerosis is the main cause of the stroke but it can also lead to ophthalmic symptoms. In this article, we aim to present four patients. All of them had hemodynamically significant but asymptomatic unilateral carotid stenosis and underwent internal carotid endarterectomy. Postoperatively, their visual function improved. Mean deviation in perimetry and values of amplitudes in pattern visual evoked potentials increased. Two patients improved visual acuity; in the other two, it remained stable.

Study of cognitive function in patients with severe asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis by a computerized neuropsychological assessment device.

Carotid stenosis can lead to stroke and cognitive impairment. Moreover, the cognitive function was assessed mostly by paper and pencil cognitive tests. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of severe asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (SACAS) on cognitive function by a computerized neuropsychological assessment device (CNAD). The diagnostic value of screening SACAS of the CNAD was analyzed. There were 48 patients with ≥70% asymptomatic carotid stenosis and 52 controls without carotid stenosis. Duplex ultrasound defined the degree of stenosis. The differences of cognitive function were analyzed between patients and controls. The relationship of scores of cognitive tests and age were analyzed in the linear regression equation. The diagnostic value of CNAD was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Stenosis and control subjects had no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics. Stenosis patients had worse scores for Stroop color-word test (p = 0.002), one back test (p = 0.013), and identification test (p = 0.006) corresponding to attention and executive ability. The analysis of linear regression equation indicated that cognitive scores of stenosis patients declined faster with age, especially for digit span test, Stroop color-word test, one back test and identification test. In analysis of ROC curve, the Stroop color-word test (p = 0.002), one back test (p = 0.013), and identification test (p = 0.006), and comprehensive index of the three tests (p = 0.001) had the diagnostic value. The CNAD has evaluation value and screening value for patients with cognitive impairment and SACAS. But it is necessary to update the CNAD and conduct a study with a bigger sample.

Carotid stenting: Does stent design matter?

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is considered an important tool in carotid revascularization. Carotid artery stenting is usually performed by using self-expandable stent with different designs. The stent design influences many physical characteristics. Also, it may affect the complication rate with special relevance to perioperative stroke, hemodynamic instability, and late restenosis. This study comprised all consecutive patients who underwent carotid artery stenting for atherosclerotic carotid stenosis from March 2014 to May 2021. Both symptomatic patient and asymptomatic patients were included. Patients with a symptomatic carotid stenosis of ≥50% or asymptomatic carotid stenosis of ≥60% were selected for carotid artery stenting . Patients with fibromuscular dysplasia and acute or unstable plaque were not included. Variables of clinical relevance were tested in multivariable analysis using binary logistic regression model. A total of 728 patients were enrolled. The majority of this cohort was asymptomatic (578/728, 79.4%), while 150/728 (20.6%) were symptomatic. The mean degree of carotid stenosis was 77.82 ± 4.73%, with a mean plaque length of 1.76 ± 0.55cm. A total of 277 (38%) patients were treated with Xact® Carotid Stent System. Successful carotid artery stenting was achieved in 698 (96%) of patients. Of these patients, stroke rate in symptomatic patients was nine (5.8%), while in asymptomatic patients was 20 (3.4%). In a multivariable analysis, the open-cell carotid stent was not associated with a differential risk for combined acute and sub-acute neurologic complications as compared with closed-cell stents. Patients treated with open cell stents had a significantly lower rate of procedural hypotension (P 0.0188) at bivariate analysis. Carotid artery stenting is considered a safe alternative to CEA that can be used in selected average surgical risk patient. Different stent designs can affect the rate of major adverse events in carotid artery stenting patients, but further studies are necessary with avoiding different bias to study the effect of different stent designs.

Correction to: Carotid Stenting Versus Endarterectomy for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

HomeStrokeVol. 54, No. 3Correction to: Carotid Stenting Versus Endarterectomy for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Free AccessCorrectionPDF/EPUBAboutView PDFView EPUBSections ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload citationsTrack citationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InMendeleyReddit Jump toFree AccessCorrectionPDF/EPUBCorrection to: Carotid Stenting Versus Endarterectomy for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Originally published27 Feb 2023https://doi.org/10.1161/STR.0000000000000426Stroke. 2023;54:e122This article corrects the followingCarotid Stenting Versus Endarterectomy for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisIn the article by Wang et al, “Carotid Stenting Versus Endarterectomy for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” which published online June 22, 2022, and appeared in the October 2022 issue of Stroke (Stroke.2022;53:3047–3054. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.122.038994), corrections are needed.In Table 1, the word “Trail” has been corrected to read “Trial.” The word “Ipsliateral“ has been corrected to read “Ipsilateral.“ The 3 references for Brooks (14, 21, 23) were published in 2001, not 2010. The number of ipsilateral stenosis patients in the Brooks trial was 44 not 43.In the abstract and Study Characteristics sections, the total number of patients reported was 7230, but in Table 1, it was 7117 patients. The correct total number of asymptomatic patients is 7118.In Table 2, the column labels for “Risk with CAS” and “Risk with CEA” were transposed.This correction has been made to the current online version of the article, which is available at https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.122.038994. Previous Back to top Next FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsRelated articlesCarotid Stenting Versus Endarterectomy for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisJie Wang, et al. Stroke. 2022;53:3047-3054 March 2023Vol 54, Issue 3 Advertisement Article InformationMetrics © 2023 American Heart Association, Inc.https://doi.org/10.1161/STR.0000000000000426PMID: 36848433 Originally publishedFebruary 27, 2023 PDF download Advertisement

Cognitive function after carotid endarterectomy in asymptomatic patients.

Asymptomatic carotid stenosis has been shown to be associated with progressive neurocognitive decline, but the effects of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) on this are not well defined. Due to the wide heterogeneity of studies and lack of standardization in cognitive function tests and study design, there is mounting scientific evidence to support the notion that CEA is effective in reversing or slowing neurocognitive decline; however, definitive conclusions are difficult to make. Further, while the association between ACS and cognitive decline has been well document, a direct etiological role has not been established. More research is required to elucidate the relationship between asymptomatic carotid stenosis and the benefit of carotid endarterectomy and its potential protective effects regarding cognitive decline. This article aims to review current evidence in preoperative and postoperative cognitive function in asymptomatic patients with carotid stenosis undergoing CEA.

Point of Care Ultrasound to Evaluate for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis in Patients with Known Vascular Disease

Point of Care Ultrasound to Evaluate for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis in Patients with Known Vascular Disease

Abstract Number ‐ 66: Symptomatic Chronic Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion Managed With Bilateral Common Carotid Angioplasty: A Case Report

Introduction Several guidelines have addressed symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis treatment with intensive medical management and surgical management based on the severity of stenosis [1]. In acute occlusions, endovascular treatment (EVT) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with or without prior thrombolytics provide the best recanalization and functional outcomes when compared to intravenous or intra‐arterial thrombolysis alone. There is, however, less robust evidence on management of symptomatic chronic internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion occurring in tandem with significant contralateral ICA stenosis [2]. In chronic ICA occlusion (ICAO), EVT and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) are technically unfeasible, but indirect procedures have been arising as safe and effective alternatives, notably CEA or stenting of contralateral stenotic ICA [3] and CEA or stenting of ipsilateral external carotid artery (ECA) [4]. We hereby report a case of symptomatic chronic ICAO that was managed with staggered angioplasty and stenting of bilateral common carotid artery (CCA) bifurcations. Methods We hereby present a case report. Results A 62‐year‐old male with atrial fibrillation and hypertension woke up with sudden dysarthria and right upper extremity and facial weakness. NIHSS at presentation was 4. Last seen normal 9 hours prior. Non‐contrast head computerized tomography (CT) did not show acute intracranial abnormality, CT angiogram of head and neck showed severe right ICA stenosis and complete occlusion of the left ICA at cervical, petrous and cavernous segments, with distal reconstitution at the supraclinoid segment with left proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) thrombus. CT perfusion showed a core infarct volume of 8cc in left MCA territory, mismatch volume of 78cc and ratio of 10.8. Risks of acute neuro‐intervention were deemed to outweigh benefits. Given favorable perfusion imaging, and in concordance with the EXTEND trial [5], tPA was administered. The patient remained stable without hemorrhagic complications with residual deficits of mild right upper extremity weakness and mild expressive aphasia. MRI confirmed left ICA territory ischemic infarcts. Patient underwent stenting of the asymptomatic right ICA at the CCA bifurcation first, followed by left CCA stent after one month with impressive improvement in subsequent perfusion imaging. Conclusions Our case encourages consideration of well‐timed angioplasty and stenting in cases of chronic bilateral carotid artery disease especially when the asymptomatic side is also significantly stenotic

Abstract Number ‐ 267: The Role of Non‐stenosing Carotid Artery Plaques in ESUS, is it a Silent Offender?

Introduction The secondary prevention of Acute ischemic stroke (AIS)varies based on the root cause of the initial event; thus, determining the cause of an individual AIS is critical for implementing effective care. The well‐described TOAST classification is used to classify stroke etiology, and according to this paradigm, the presence of large vessel disease is considered a high risk for subsequent stroke only if &gt;50% carotid artery stenosis is present. Cryptogenic strokes represent around 30% of all AIS and Embolic stroke of unknown source (ESUS) is a subcategory of the cryptogenic strokes and is characterized as a non‐lacunar ischemic stroke presumed to be of an embolic origin with no evidence of an obvious source of emboli. Here we discuss the most important and latest evidence on the relationship between ESUS and high‐risk plaque features not causing significant stenosis per NASCET criteria. Methods N/A Results The Relationship Between ESUS and Non‐stenosing Carotid Artery Plaques is mainly illustrated in the following points: Plaque vulnerability Researchers have described the following high‐risk features of plaques that may lead to stroke (Table). Plaque vulnerability is a plaque’s susceptibility to rupture and is a proposed determinant of high risk for superimposed thrombosis. According to a meta‐analysis conducted by Kamtchum‐Tatuene et al, high‐risk plaque features were three times more prevalent in patients with symptomatic versus asymptomatic carotid stenosis.3 Laterality of cartid plaques and stroke A meta‐analysis of 8 studies that assessed 323 patients with ESUS showed that mild carotid stenosis with high‐risk plaque features was more commonly located ipsilateral to the stroke side (32.5%) versus being contralaterally located (4.6%).4 Knight‐Greenfield et al evaluated plaque features by CTA in patients with AIS who did not have hemodynamic stenosis. It was also found that ESUS patients had a higher total plaque thickness ipsilateral to the stroke side when compared to the contralateral stroke‐free hemisphere.5 Clot composition and stroke etiology Fibrin/platelet component was dominant in cardioembolic thrombi and cryptogenic stroke, while red blood cells were seen more frequently in non‐cardioembolic thrombi. This supports the hypothesis that plaque histological features play a major role in causing large vessel occlusion despite the absence of significant stenosis.8 Conclusions Despite the evidence that high‐risk plaque features can predict a recurrent stroke, adoption of this principle and its integration into the medical guidelines have not yet been established. This reflects a lack of clinical trials that have utilized detailed plaque characterization for assessing risk of stroke.

Carotid Artery Stenting for Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis: What We Need to Know for Treatment Decision.

A clinical decision on the treatment of asymptomatic carotid stenosis is challenging, unlike symptomatic carotid stenosis. Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been recommended as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) based on the finding that the efficacy and safety of CAS were comparable to CEA in randomized trials. However, in some countries, CAS is often performed more frequently than CEA for asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Moreover, it has been recently reported that CAS is not superior to the best medical treatment in asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Due to these recent changes, the role of CAS in asymptomatic carotid stenosis should be revisited. When determining the treatment for asymptomatic carotid stenosis, one should consider several clinical factors including stenosis degree, patient life expectancy, stroke risk by medical treatment, availability of a vascular surgeon, high risk for CEA or CAS, and insurance coverage. This review aimed to present and pragmatically organize the information that is necessary for a clinical decision on CAS in asymptomatic carotid stenosis. In conclusion, although the traditional benefit of CAS is being revisited recently, it seems too early to conclude that CAS is no longer beneficial under intense and systemic medical treatment. Instead, a treatment strategy with CAS should evolve to select eligible or medically high-risk patients more precisely.

A magnetic resonance imaging-based computational analysis of cerebral hemodynamics in patients with carotid artery stenosis.

Management of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (CAS) relies on measuring the percentage of stenosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of CAS on cerebral hemodynamics using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-informed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and to provide novel hemodynamic metrics that may improve the understanding of stroke risk. CFD analysis was performed in two patients with similar degrees of asymptomatic high-grade CAS. Three-dimensional anatomical-based computational models of cervical and cerebral blood flow were constructed and calibrated patient-specifically using phase-contrast MRI flow and arterial spin labeling perfusion data. Differences in cerebral hemodynamics were assessed in preoperative and postoperative models. Preoperatively, patient 1 demonstrated large flow and pressure reductions in the stenosed internal carotid artery, while patient 2 demonstrated only minor reductions. Patient 1 exhibited a large amount of flow compensation between hemispheres (80.31%), whereas patient 2 exhibited only a small amount of collateral flow (20.05%). There were significant differences in the mean pressure gradient over the stenosis between patients preoperatively (26.3 vs. 1.8 mmHg). Carotid endarterectomy resulted in only minor hemodynamic changes in patient 2. MRI-informed CFD analysis of two patients with similar clinical classifications of stenosis revealed significant differences in hemodynamics which were not apparent from anatomical assessment alone. Moreover, revascularization of CAS might not always result in hemodynamic improvements. Further studies are needed to investigate the clinical impact of hemodynamic differences and how they pertain to stroke risk and clinical management.

Clinical Application of High-Frame-Rate Vector Flow Imaging in Evaluation of Carotid Atherosclerotic Stenosis.

This study seeks to evaluate the value of the high-frame-rate vector flow imaging technique in assessing the hemodynamic changes of carotid atherosclerotic stenosis in aging people (>60 years old). Aging patients diagnosed with carotid atherosclerotic stenosis who underwent carotid high-frame-rate vector flow imaging examination were prospectively enrolled. A Mindray Resona7s ultrasound machine equipped with high-frame-rate vector flow function was used for ultrasound evaluation. First, B mode ultrasound and color Doppler flow imaging were used to evaluate carotid stenosis. Then, the vector arrows and flow streamline detected by V Flow were analyzed and the wall shear stress values (Pa) at the carotid stenosis site were measured. All patients were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups according to whether they had acute/subacute stroke or other clinical symptoms within 2 weeks before ultrasound examination. The results of digital subtraction angiography or computed tomography angiography were used as the gold standard. The stenosis rate was calcified, according to North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial criteria. The diagnostic values of wall shear stress, conventional ultrasound, and the combined diagnosis in carotid atherosclerotic stenosis were compared. Finally, 88 patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque were enrolled (71 males (80.7%), mean age 67.6 ± 5.4 years). The success rate of high-frame-rate vector flow imaging was 96.7% (88/91). The WSS value of symptomatic carotid stenosis (1.4 ± 0.15 Pa) was significantly higher than that of asymptomatic carotid stenosis (0.80 ± 0.08 Pa) (p < 0.05). Taking the wall shear stress value > 0.78 Pa as the diagnostic criteria for symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaque, the area under receiver operating characteristic curves was 0.79 with 87.1% sensitivity and 69.6% specificity. The area under receiver operating characteristic curves of the combined diagnosis (0.966) for differentiating severe carotid atherosclerotic stenosis was significantly higher than that of conventional ultrasound and WSS value, with 89.7% sensitivity and 93.2% specificity (p < 0.05). As a non-invasive imaging method, the high-frame-rate vector flow imaging technique showed potential value in the preoperative assessment of the symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic stenosis and diagnosing carotid atherosclerotic stenosis in aging patients.

Comparing carotid endarterectomies with or without shunting in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients

BackgroundRecent research shows that placement of an intraluminal shunt during a carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can be associated with postoperative complications. Therefore, we compared CEA operations with or without shunting to further analyze their clinical outcomes. MethodsFrom the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, 13,736 cases between 2016 and 2019 were analyzed to compare adult symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis patients who underwent a CEA operation, with or without shunt placement. ResultsRates of stroke with a neurological deficit (p = 0.012), myocardial infarction (p = 0.021), and urinary tract infection (p = 0.030) were higher among symptomatic patients with shunting. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that risk of CNI was higher among both symptomatic (93.63%, p < 0.001) and asymptomatic (69.58%, p = 0.001) patients with shunting, irrespective of confounding variables. ConclusionShunting was found to be associated with higher rates of postoperative complications in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patient populations.

Optimal Management of Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Management of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS), including carotid endarterectomy (CEA), carotid artery stenting (CAS), and best medical treatment (BMT), remains inconsistent in current practice. Early studies reported a benefit of CEA vs. BMT; however, the current risk-benefit profile of invasive therapy lacks consensus. By evaluating the effects of modern BMT vs. invasive intervention on patient outcomes, this study aimed to influence the future management of ACAS. A systematic review and series of network meta-analyses were performed assessing peri-operative (within 30 days) and long term (30 days - 5 years) stroke and mortality risk between ACAS interventions. Total stroke, major, minor, ipsilateral, and contralateral stroke subtypes were assessed independently. Traditional (pre-2000) and modern (post-2000) BMT were compared to assess clinical improvements in medical therapy over the previous two decades. Risks of myocardial infarction (MI) and cranial nerve injury (CNI) were also assessed. Seventeen reports of 14 310 patients with > 50% ACAS were included. CEA reduced the odds of a peri-operative stroke event occurring vs. CAS (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1 - 2.2 [0 - 20 fewer/1 000]). CEA and CAS reduced the long term odds of minor strokes (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.21 - 0.59 [20 fewer/1 000]) and ipsilateral strokes (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.19 - 0.39 [30 fewer/1 000]) vs. all BMT. CEA reduced the odds of major strokes and combined stroke and mortality vs. traditional BMT; however, no difference was found between CEA and modern BMT. CAS reduced the odds of peri-operative MI (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0. 26 - 0.91) and CNI (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01 - 0.42) vs. CEA. Modern BMT demonstrates similar reductions in major stroke, combined stroke, and mortality to CEA. The overall risk reductions are low and data were unavailable to assess subgroups which may benefit from intervention. However, BMT carries the potential to reduce the requirement for surgical intervention in patients with ACAS.

Higher Carotid Bulb Distension Index Correlates With Increased Hypotension & ICU Utilization After Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR)

Post-operative hypotension after TCAR is associated with higher ICU utilization, longer lengths of stay, and increased in-hospital mortality. Mechanisms underlying this complication have yet to be delineated. Our study aim was to identify key intraoperative factors contributing to post-operative hypotension in the setting of TCAR for asymptomatic carotid stenosis.