Calcification Grade Research Articles

Impact of Multi-Grade Localized Calcifications on Aortic Valve Dynamics under Helical Inflow: A Comparative Hemodynamic Study

This study investigates the hemodynamic impacts of localized aortic valve calcification, utilizing immersed boundary-finite element (IBFE) method simulations with realistic inflow patterns of uniform and helical blood flow from the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). We modeled the aortic valve leaflets with varying grades of calcification, assessing their influence on valve performance, including transvalvular hemodynamics, wall shear stress (WSS) indices, and vortical structures. The findings highlighted that calcification significantly restricts leaflet motion, diminishes the orifice area, disrupts flow efficiency, and consequently increases the left ventricular workload. Advanced calcification resulted in elevated WSS, especially at the leaflet tips, which indicates a heightened risk of endothelial damage and further calcification. Asymmetrical calcifications redirect flow towards the ascending aorta wall, potentially inducing structural damage and increased stress on the remaining healthy leaflets. Calcification was also found to alter the naturally occurring helical blood flow patterns, affecting the system’s fluid transport efficiency and possibly contributing to cardiovascular disease progression. The study revealed a significant alteration in vortex formation, with calcification causing distorted and complex vortex structures, which may influence the dynamics of blood flow and valve function. These insights into the hemodynamic changes induced by calcification contribute to a better understanding of the progression of aortic valve diseases and could inform more effective diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Correlation between C-reactive protein to albumin ratio and restenosis after femoral popliteal stenting in patients with lower extremity arteriosclerotic obliterans

Objective: To investigate the study of the correlation between C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) and restenosis after stenting in patients with lower extremity atherosclerotic occlusive disease(LEASO). Methods: The clinical data of 95 patients with LEASO admitted to the Department of Vascular Surgery of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from June 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 67 males and 28 females,aged (73.1±9.4) years (range:51 to 92 years). The patients were classified into the restenosis group (n=61) and the patency group (n=34) according to the CT angiography results. Independent sample t test,Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test were used to compare the data between two groups. Risk factors for restenosis after femoropopliteal artery stenting in patients with LEASO were analyzed using multivariate Cox regression. The relationship between preoperative CAR level and restenosis after stent placement was analyzed. Subject operating characteristic(ROC) curves of CAR were plotted to assess the predictive value of CAR for restenosis after stenting,and the results were expressed as area under the curve (AUC). Results: The aortoiliac calcification grade,number of stents,length of stents,C-reactive protein and CAR levels in restenosis group were higher than those in the patency group,and the serum albumin level was lower than that in the patency group(all P<0.05). And the results of multifactorial Cox regression analysis showed that higher pre-procedure CAR level and lower ABI value was an independent risk factor for in-stent restenosis. The AUC of the ROC curve for restenosis was 0.737(95%CI:0.617 to 0.856),the AUC of the ROC curve for 12-month restenosis was 0.709(95%CI:0.602 to 0.815), and the AUC of the ROC curve for 24-month restenosis was 0.702(95%CI:0.594 to 0.811). Conclusion: Higher pre-procedural CAR levels in patients with LEASO is risk factor for in-stent restenosis,and CAR has a predictive value for restenosis after lower extremity arterial stent dilatation and angioplasty.

The Relationship Between Echocardiographic Calcification Score and Grade of Knee Osteoarthritis.

Background and objective It has been suggested that knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is associated with the development of calcification and an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease, while the contribution of KOA grade is not clearly known enough. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the grade of KOA, the echocardiographic calcification score (echo-CCS), and CV risk assessment. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 204 patients diagnosed with KOA and classified according to the Kellgren-Lawrence staging criteria. Echo-CCS was obtained according to the presence of calcification in the aortic valve, aortic root, mitral ring, papillary muscle and ventricular septum. Framingham risk score (FRS) was used for CV risk assessment. Results Calcification was detected in 79.4% of patients. The median FRS, echo-CCS, andhigh-sensitivityC-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels increased as the KOA grade increased (p<0.05). A one-grade increase in KOA increased the odds of echo-CCS 1-2 group by 5.15 fold (vs. no calcification group) (OR=5.15, p=0.003), while it increased the odds of echo-CCS ≥3 group by 4.61 fold (vs. echo-CCS 1-2 group) (OR=4.61, p=0.003). Median echo-CSS and hs-CRP were higher in the high CV risk group than in the moderate and low CV risk groups. Conclusion The majority of patients with KOA had intracardiac calcification.An increased KOA grade was associated with higher echo-CSS and FRS. These findings indicate that patients with higher grades of KOA may be predisposed to developing subclinical atherosclerosis.

Abstract 17772: The Relationship Between Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibition and Coronary Artery Calcification Evaluated by Intravascular Ultrasound

Introduction: Coronary artery calcification is significantly associated with major adverse cardiac events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and severely calcified lesions are significantly associated with poor outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Hypothesis: The relationship between renin-angiotensin system inhibition and coronary artery calcification is unknown. Methods: Five hundred stable CAD patients undergoing PCI were divided into none/mild and moderate/severe calcification groups according to the grade of calcification in the target lesion evaluated by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Calcification with a calcium arch &amp;gt;180° and calcium length &amp;gt;5 mm in the target lesion was defined as moderate/severe calcification. We examined the association between patient’s characteristics and morphology in target lesions assessed by IVUS. Results: One hundred ninety of the 500 patients (38%) showed moderate/severe calcification of the culprit lesion. In the moderate/severe calcification group, the survival rate was significantly lower, and cumulative incidence of major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was higher than in the none/mild calcification group after PCI (p=0.015 and p=0.003, respectively). Age, body mass index, hypertension, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), hemodialysis, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, serum albumin levels were associated with moderate/severe calcification lesion in univariate logistic analysis, but the use of angiotensin II receptor blocker was not. Multivariate logistic analysis identified age [odds ratio (OR); 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.08, p&amp;lt;0.001], use of ACEI (OR; 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23-0.91, p=0.025), and hemodialysis (OR; 6.07, 95% CI: 2.39-15.42, p&amp;lt;0.001) as independent factors of moderate/severe calcification lesions. A comparison of P-value for interaction of use of ACEI and hemodialysis was p=0.51. Conclusions: Using of ACEI was negatively associated with moderate/severe calcification in target lesions assessed by IVUS. ACEI may have a potential for inhibitory effect on coronary artery calcification.

Prevalence of high-risk aortic arch atherosclerosis features on computed tomography angiography in embolic stroke of undetermined source

IntroductionEmbolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) comprises a heterogenous group. There is a need to further identify etiologies within this group to guide management strategies. We examined the prevalence of aortic arch atherosclerosis (AAA) on CT angiography (CTA) in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) to characterize high-risk plaque features. MethodsAll patients from two prospective multicenter acute ischemic stroke studies (INTERRSeCT and PRove-IT) were included if the CTA adequately imaged the proximal aortic arch and the stroke etiology was recorded. Three readers blinded to stroke etiology analyzed the following AAA plaque features on baseline CTA at the time of stroke: 1) thickness in millimetres (mm); 2) morphology (none, smooth, ulcerated, or protruding); 3) location within the aortic arch (proximal, transverse, or distal); and 4) calcification (none, single small, multiple small, single large, or diffuse extensive). ResultsWe included 1063 patients, of which 293 (27.6%) had ESUS (mean age 67.5 years; 46.4% men; median NIHSS 12; 80.6% large vessel occlusion). Mean AAA thickness was significantly larger in ESUS patients (3.8 mm) compared to non-ESUS patients (3.0 mm; p<0.0001) and to a subgroup of patients with large artery atherosclerosis (2.9 mm; p=0.003). ESUS patients had a significantly higher proportion of ulcerated or protruding plaques (17.4% vs 10.3%; risk ratio 1.7, 95% C.I. 1.2-2.4, p=0.002). The location of AAA in the ESUS group was the ascending aorta in 37.9%, transverse arch in 42.3%, and descending aorta in 84.6%. Although AAA was mostly located in the distal aortic arch, ulcerated or protruding plaques were least common in the distal arch (p=0.002). There was no difference between ESUS and non-ESUS patients in plaque location (p=0.23) or calcification grade (p=0.092). ConclusionESUS patients in our study had thicker AAA and a higher prevalence of ulcerated or protruding plaques located more proximally within the aortic arch. High-risk plaque features may suggest a causal role of AAA in the ESUS population with visible intracranial occlusions.

Dystrophic calciphylaxis in panniculitis: features of the clinical picture and diagnosis

The clinical presentation of lobular panniculitis (PN) associated with calciphylaxis (CP, calcification) can vary widely and may be associated with joint and internal organs involvement, making the diagnosis of the disease difficult.Objective: to evaluate the frequency and significance of CP in patients with PN using long-term prospective follow-up.Material and methods. From 2018 to 2023, at the V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology 217 patients with referral diagnosis "erythema nodosum" or "panniculitis" were examined. In 19.3% of cases (9 men and 33 women aged 37 to 72 years) CP was confirmed with an average disease duration of 56.3±11.2 months. Clinical examination of patients was performed according to the standards recommended by the Russian Association of Rheumatologists. International criteria were used to confirm the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), systemic sclerosis (SS), and lipodermatosclerosis (LDS). In 12 patients with indurations, pathological examination of biopsy specimens of skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue from the area of induration was performed, which allowed confirming the diagnosis of idiopathic lobular PN (ILPN) in 3 cases. Four grades of calcification were distinguished according to the size and depth of the calcifications. In addition, considering the type of radiological changes and clinical manifestations, four subtypes of CP were identified: mousse-like, stone-like, mesh-like and lamellar-like.Results and discussion. In the study group, the ratio of women to men was 3.6:1, and the mean age was 43.8±7.6 years. On clinical examination we determined, in 60% of cases CP predominantly stone-like subtype (71.4%) of first grade (47.6%), which was significantly more frequently located on the upper and/or lower extremities and/or trunk (57.1%; p=0.05). Using clinical, laboratory and instrumental data, we confirmed the development of CP in ILPN (n=3), SLE (n=3), LDS (n=21), IIM (n=5), SS (n=1), and idiopathic CP (n=9) with a mean disease duration of 8.7±2.4 years.An increase in ESR and CRP levels occurred in different diseases, while urinary syndrome was associated with SLE (66.6%) and an increase in creatinine phosphokinase with IIM. Decreased calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and increased phosphorus and parathyroid hormone levels were found in many patients studied.Conclusion. In the absence of clear diagnostic criteria for CP in patients with PN, early diagnosis is critical for the development of an effective multidisciplinary treatment plan.

Comparative analysis of calcified soft tissues revealed shared deregulated pathways.

Calcification of soft tissues is a common age-related pathology that primarily occurs within vascular tissue. The mechanisms underlying pathological calcification in humans and tissue specificity of the process is still poorly understood. Previous studies examined calcified tissues on one to one basis, thus preventing comparison of deregulated pathways across tissues. This study aimed to establish common and tissue-specific changes associated with calcification in aorta, artery tibial, coronary artery and pituitary gland in subjects from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) dataset using its RNA sequencing and histological data. We used publicly available data from the GTEx database https://gtexportal.org/home/aboutGTEx. All GTEx tissue samples were derived by the GTEx consorcium from deceased donors, with age from 20 to 79, both men and women. GTEx study authorization was obtained via next-of-kin consent for the collection and banking of de-identified tissue samples for scientific research. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of arteries were manually graded based on the presence of calcification on a scale from zero to four, where zero designates absence of calcification and four designates severe calcification. Samples with fat contamination and mislabeled tissues were excluded, which left 430 aorta, 595 artery tibial, 124 coronary artery, and 283 pituitary samples for downstream gene expression analysis. Transcript levels of protein-coding genes were associated with calcification grade using sex, age bracket and cause of death as covariates, and tested for pathway enrichment using gene set enrichment analysis. We identified calcification deposits in 28 (6.5%) aortas, 121 (20%), artery tibials, 54 (43%), coronary arteries, and 24 (8%) pituitary glands of GTEx subjects. We observed an age-dependent increase in incidence of calcification in all vascular tissues, but not in pituitary. Subjects with calcification in the artery tibial were significantly more likely to have calcification in the coronary artery (OR = 2.56, p = 6.3e-07). Markers of calcification previously established in preclinical and in vitro studies, e.g., BMP2 and RUNX2, were deregulated in the calcified tibial and coronary arteries, confirming the relevance of these genes to human pathology. Differentially expressed genes associated with calcification poorly overlapped across tissues suggesting tissue-specific nuances in mechanisms of calcification. Nevertheless, calcified arteries unanimously down-regulated pathways of intracellular transport and up-regulated inflammatory pathways suggesting these as universal targets for pathological calcification. In particular, PD-1 and PD-L1 genes were up-regulated in calcified tissues but not in the blood of the same subjects, suggesting that localized inflammation contributes to pathological calcification. Pathological calcification is a prevalent disease of aging that shares little changes in expression in individual genes across tissues. However, our analysis suggests that it potentially can be targeted by alleviating local inflammation of soft tissues.

A study of balloon type on calcified coronary lesion predilation: A finite element analysis.

Calcified coronary lesions have been one of the more difficult types of lesion for interventional treatment, and angioplasty is required to break the calcification before stent implantation so that the stent can expand smoothly, however, it remains unclear which type of angioplasty is optimal for different calcified lesions. In this study, a finite element approach was used to model normal balloons, cutting balloons, and AngioSculpt balloons. In addition, calcified lesions of different degrees, thicknesses, and lengths were modeled according to Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) calcification grade. The above three balloons were used to pretreat calcified lesions, and the brittle fracture module for calcification was used to detect fracture success, to facilitate virtual stent implantation after predilation. The simulation results showed that with a thickness of less than 0.3 mm, balloons were unable to deal with calcified plaques in lesions of less than 120°, for 180° calcified lesions the cutting balloon fractured the calcified material at 1.2 MPa, the AngioSculpt balloon produced multiple fractures at 0.8 MPa for 270° calcified plaques, but was unable to fracture calcified lesions with a thickness of 0.4 mm. Based on these results, we conclude that the length of the lesion did not affect calcification fracture, while the thickness of the lesion did. In calcified lesions of approximately 180°, the cutting balloon showed the best predilation results, while the AngioSculpt balloon was optimal for 270°. In annular calcification, all three balloons were unable to fracture the lesion.

Radiomics in Cardiac Computed Tomography.

In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) and gated non-contrast cardiac CT in the workup of coronary artery disease in patients with low and intermediate pretest probability, through the readjustment guidelines by medical societies. However, in routine clinical practice, these CT data sets are usually evaluated dominantly regarding relevant coronary artery stenosis and calcification. The implementation of radiomics analysis, which provides visually elusive quantitative information from digital images, has the potential to open a new era for cardiac CT that goes far beyond mere stenosis or calcification grade estimation. This review offers an overview of the results obtained from radiomics analyses in cardiac CT, including the evaluation of coronary plaques, pericoronary adipose tissue, and the myocardium itself. It also highlights the advantages and disadvantages of use in routine clinical practice.

Peritumoral imaging features of thymic epithelial tumors for the prediction of transcapsular invasion: beyond intratumoral analysis

The purpose of this study was to differentiate cases without transcapsular invasion (Masaoka-Koga stage I) from cases with transcapsular invasion (Masaoka-Koga stage II or higher) in patients with thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) using tumoral and peritumoral computed tomography (CT) features. This retrospective study included 116 patients with pathological diagnoses of TETs. Two radiologists evaluated clinical variables and CT features, including size, shape, capsule integrity, presence of calcification, internal necrosis, heterogeneous enhancement, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and vascularity grade. Vascularity grade was defined as the extent of peritumoral vascular structures in the anterior mediastinum. The factors associated with transcapsular invasion were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. In addition, the interobserver agreement for CT features was assessed using Cohen's or weighted kappa coefficients. The difference between the transcapsular invasion group and that without transcapsular invasion was evaluated statistically using the Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. Based on pathology reports, 37 TET cases without and 79 with transcapsular invasion were identified. Lobular or irregular shape [odds ratio (OR): 4.19; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.53-12.09; P = 0.006], partial complete capsule integrity (OR: 5.03; 95% CI: 1.85-15.13; P = 0.002), and vascularity grade 2 (OR: 10.09; 95% CI: 2.59-45.48; P = 0.001) were significantly associated with transcapsular invasion. The interobserver agreement for shape classification, capsule integrity, and vascularity grade was 0.840, 0.526, and 0.752, respectively (P < 0.001 for all). Shape, capsule integrity, and vascularity grade were independently associated with transcapsular invasion of TETs. Furthermore, three CT TET features demonstrated good reproducibility and help differentiate between TET cases with and without transcapsular invasion.

Predictive nomogram based on serum tumor markers and clinicopathological features for stratifying lymph node metastasis in breast cancer

BackgroundThis study was aimed to establish the nomogram to predict patients’ axillary node status by using patients’ clinicopathological and tumor characteristic factors.MethodsA total of 705 patients with breast cancer were enrolled in this study. All patients were randomly divided into a training group and a validation group. Univariate and multivariate ordered logistic regression were used to determine the predictive ability of each variable. A nomogram was performed based on the factors selected from logistic regression results. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, calibration plots and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the discriminative ability and accuracy of the models.ResultsLogistic regression analysis demonstrated that CEA, CA125, CA153, tumor size, vascular-invasion, calcification, and tumor grade were independent prognostic factors for positive ALNs. Integrating all the predictive factors, a nomogram was successfully developed and validated. The C-indexes of the nomogram for prediction of no ALN metastasis, positive ALN, and four and more ALN metastasis were 0.826, 0.706, and 0.855 in training group and 0.836, 0.731, and 0.897 in validation group. Furthermore, calibration plots and DCA demonstrated a satisfactory performance of our nomogram.ConclusionWe successfully construct and validate the nomogram to predict patients’ axillary node status by using patients’ clinicopathological and tumor characteristic factors.

Predictive performance of J-Calc-CTO score for guidewire crossing through chronic total occlusion lesions within 30 minutes: J-CTO score modified by computed tomography coronary angiography.

The original J-CTO score predicts the difficulty of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions, but the grade of calcification has not been fully evaluated. We examined 137 patients (141 CTO lesions) who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) pre-PCI between October 2016 and October 2021. They were randomly divided into derivation (n = 94) and validation (n = 47) groups. The degree and distribution of calcification in the occluded segment were assessed using CTA. The calcified index was defined as calcium volume divided by the length of the occluded segment. We created the J-Calc-CTO score consisting of calcification parameters associated with 30-min wire crossing in the derivation group. The validity of the J-Calc-CTO score was compared with that of the original J-CTO score using c-statistics. The procedural success rate was 96%, and 30-min wire crossing during the procedure was achieved in 29%. Dense calcification (calcified-index >12) (odds ratio [OR]: 4.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-22.2; p = 0.04) and calcification in the center of the lumen (OR: 7.25; 95% CI: 1.48-32.1; p = 0.02) were independently associated with 30-min wire crossing as variables evaluated using CTA. The J-Calc-CTO score was created by adding 1 point to the two parameters in place of "calcification" in the original J-CTO score. The J-Calc-CTO score showed a higher predictive value of 30-min wire crossing than the J-CTO score in the derivation (c-statistics; 0.836 vs. 0.670; p > 0.01) and validation groups (c-statistics; 0.879 vs. 0.767, p > 0.01). The degree and distribution of calcification evaluated using CTA refined the predictive value of the original J-CTO score for 30-min wire crossing.

Abdominal aortic calcification is associated with Fibrosis‐4 index and low body mass index in type 2 diabetes patients: A retrospective cross‐sectional study

This study aimed to clarify the nature of the relationship between the abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) grade and the presence of cardiovascular diseases, and determine factors related to AAC grade in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This retrospective cross-sectional study enrolled 264 inpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The AAC score and length were measured using the lateral abdominal radiographs. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between AAC scores/lengths and the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebral infarction (CI) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). The correlation between AAC scores/lengths and other clinical factors were evaluated using linear regression models. The AAC score was significantly correlated with prevalent CAD and CI independent of age and smoking, but not with the prevalence of PAD. AAC length was not significantly correlated with the presence of CAD, CI or PAD; however, the sample size was insufficient to conclude, probably due to low prevalence. Both the AAC score and length were correlated inversely with body mass index (BMI) and, with the Fibrosis-4 (Fib-4) index >2.67; these correlations were significant after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors and BMI, although AAC was not associated with ultrasonography-diagnosed fatty liver. There was a significant interaction between BMI and Fib-4 index; lower BMI and Fib-4 index >2.67 showed a synergistic association with high AAC grade. AAC score is associated with CAD and CI morbidity in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Low BMI and Fib-4 index >2.67 can be valuable indicators of AAC in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Fibrosis-4 Index Is Closely Associated with Arterial Damage and Future Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Type 2 Diabetes.

This study evaluated the association between fibrosis-4 (FIB 4) index and arterial damage or future risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in type 2 diabetes. The study subjects were 253 patients with type 2 diabetes. The FIB4 index, as a marker of hepatic fibrosis based on age, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, and platelet count, was calculated for all subjects. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), carotid artery calcification (CAC), and aortic arch calcification (AAC) grade (0–2) were assessed as atherosclerotic variables. The Suita score was calculated as the future risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). We assessed whether the FIB4 index was associated with both atherosclerotic variables and the Suita score. FIB4 index was significantly associated with IMT (r = 0.241, P < 0.001) and Suita score (r = 0.291, P < 0.001). Subjects with CAC showed a significantly higher FIB4 index score compared to subjects without (1.70 ± 0.74 and 1.24 ± 0.69, respectively, P < 0.001), whereas the FIB4 index was significantly elevated with a higher grade of AAC (1.24 ± 0.74, 1.56 ± 0.66, and 1.79 ± 0.71, respectively, P < 0.001). Linear regression analysis adjusted for clinical characteristics indicated that the FIB4 index was positively associated with IMT, Suita score, CAC, and AAC grade (β = 0.241, P=0.004; β = 2.994, P < 0.001; β = 0.139, P=0.001; and β = 0.265, P < 0.001, respectively). FIB4 index is closely associated with arterial damage and future risk of CHD in type 2 diabetes.

Influence of Abdominal Aortic Calcification on the Distal Extent and Branch Blood Supply of Acute Aortic Dissection

This study aimed to investigate the influence of abdominal aortic calcification on the distal extent, blood supply, and mid-term outcomes of acute aortic dissection (AAD). This single-centre retrospective study was conducted from August 2014 to May 2021. The aortic calcification index was used to evaluate abdominal aortic calcification. The standardized method provided by the Society for Vascular Surgery was used to evaluate the distal extent of AAD. Patients were divided into 3 groups as per the degree of calcification: no calcification (NC), low calcification (LC), and high calcification (HC). In a cohort of 723 patients, abdominal aortic calcification was present in 424 (58.6%) patients. The prevalence of coronary heart disease increased with the degree of calcification (NC versus LC versus HC: 8.4% vs. 9.5% vs. 19.3%, P<0.001). The aortic calcification index of the distal extent at zone 9 was higher than that of the distal extent exceeding zone 9 (P=0.001). The proportions of the NC, LC, and HC groups with distal extents exceeding zone 9 were 65.9% vs. 56.2% vs. 37.7%, P<0.001. In a multivariate logistics analysis, the calcification grade was a protective factor of distal extents exceeding zone 9 (P<0.001, odds ratio [OR]=0.592). Hypertension (P=0.019, OR=1.559) and D-dimer (P<0.001, OR=1.045) were risk factors. There was a higher proportion of branch-vessels on the abdominal aorta supplied by the true lumen in the calcification group (NC versus LC versus HC: 27.8% vs. 43.8% vs. 51.1%, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in the mid-term outcomes among the groups. Abdominal aortic calcification could limit the distal extent in patients with AAD and increase the proportion of branch-vessels on the abdominal aorta supplied by the true lumen.

Association between Vascular Calcification and Esophagojejunal Anastomotic Complications after Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Propensity-Matched Study.

Esophagojejunal anastomosis (EJA) complications after total gastrectomy are related to significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between arterial calcifications and EJA complications such as leak and stricture for gastric cancer. Between January 2014 and October 2019, 30 patients with EJA complications after total gastrectomy were enrolled and matched to 30 patients without complications through retrospective data review. Arterial calcification grade on preoperative computed tomography (CT) was reported in the abdominal aorta and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) as “absent”, “minor”, or “major”, and in the jejunal vascular arcade (JVA) and left inferior phrenic artery (LIPA) as “absent” or “present”. A Chi-square test was used to compare the variables between the two groups. p-Value < 0.050 was considered statistically significant. Among 30 patients, the numbers of patients with leak and stricture were 23 and seven, respectively. Aortic calcifications were not associated with EJA complications regardless of their grade (p = 0.440). Only major SMA calcifications were associated with EJA complications, as they were present in five patients (16.7%) in the complication group and absent in the non-complication group (p = 0.020). Major SMA calcifications were more related to anastomotic stricture than leak. Three (13.0%) out of 23 patients with leak and two (28.6%) out of seven with stricture had major SMA calcifications (p = 0.028). No calcifications were detected in the JVA or LIPA in any of the 60 patients. Major SMA calcifications were found to be associated with EJA complications, especially in stricture.

The Relationship Between Aortic Arch Calcification and Recurrent Stroke in Patients With Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source-A Case-Control Study.

BackgroundAortic arch calcification (AoAC) is associated with plaque development and cardiovascular events. We aimed to estimate the predictive value of AoAC for stroke recurrence in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS).MethodsConsecutive patients with ESUS who were admitted to our center between October 2019 and October 2020 and who had a 1-year follow-up of stroke recurrence were retrospectively reviewed. According to our AoAC grading scale (AGS), AoAC was classified into four grades based on chest computed tomography (CT) findings: no visible calcification (grade 0), spotty calcification (grade 1), lamellar calcification (grade 2), and circular calcification (grade 3).ResultsOf the 158 patients with ESUS (age, 62.1 ± 14.5 years; 120 men) enrolled, 24 (15.2%) had recurrent stroke within a 1-year follow-up. The Cox regression analysis showed that stroke history [hazard ratio (HR), 4.625; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.828–11.700, p = 0.001] and AoAC (HR, 2.672; 95% CI, 1.129–6.319; p = 0.025) predicted recurrent stroke. AGS grade 1 was associated with a significantly higher risk of stroke recurrence than AGS grade 0 (HR, 5.033; 95% CI, 1.858–13.635, p = 0.001) and AGS grade 2 plus 3 (HR, 3.388; 95% CI, 1.124–10.206, p = 0.030). In patients with AoAC, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that AGS had a good value in predicting stroke recurrence in patients with ESUS, with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.735 (95% CI = 0.601–0.869, p = 0.005).ConclusionsAortic arch calcification, especially spotty calcification, had a good predictive value for stroke recurrence in patients with ESUS.

Prediction of Technical Failure of Inframalleolar Angioplasty in Patients with Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia

This study sought to: determine anatomically evaluated predictors of the technical failure of inframalleolar angioplasty (IMA), develop a predictive model for unsuccessful IMA, and investigate the effect of IMA on clinical outcomes in patients with chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI). This single centre retrospective observational study enrolled 159 patients with CLTI who underwent IMA for de novo occluded lesions between November 2017 and May 2021. These patients were divided into two groups: the Failed IMA group (n= 62) and the Successful IMA group (n= 97). In multivariable analysis, no target vessel outflow (OR 39.8, 95% CI 10.7 - 148, p < .001), medial artery calcification (MAC) grade (OR 4.91, 95% CI 1.40 - 17.3, p= .010), and occluded pedal arch (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.2 - 22.7, p= .030) were identified as independent predictors of IMA technical failure. The risk prediction model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.93; after bootstrapping adjustment for optimism, this value represented a corrected AUC of 0.95. The patients in the Successful IMA group had a significantly higher proportion of wound healing at 12 months than those in the Failed IMA group (log rank p= .030). IMA technical failure was associated with a significant change in the proportion of wound healing (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37- 0.94, p= .030). No target vessel outflow, MAC grade, and occluded pedal arch were independent predictors of IMA technical failure. Additionally, successful IMA was associated with better wound healing outcomes at 12 months. Furthermore, a model incorporating these three predictors precisely predicted IMA technical failure.

Abstract WMP108: Prevalence Of High-Risk Aortic Arch Atherosclerosis Features Among Patients With Embolic Stroke Of Undetermined Source

Introduction: Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) comprises a heterogenous group. There is a need to further identify etiologies within this group to guide management strategies. We examined the prevalence of aortic arch atherosclerosis (AAA) in ESUS patients on CT angiography (CTA) to characterize high-risk plaque features. Methods: All patients from two prospective multicenter studies (INTERRSeCT and PRove-IT) were included if the CTA adequately imaged the proximal aortic arch and the etiology was recorded. Three independent readers analyzed the following AAA plaque features on CTA at the time of acute ischemic stroke: 1) thickness in mm (radial measurement at thickest point); 2) morphology (Figure a-c): none, smooth, ulcerated, or protruding; 3) location within the aortic arch (proximal, transverse, or distal); and 4) calcification (Figure a, d-f): none, single small, multiple small, single large, or diffuse extensive. Reader disagreement was resolved by consensus. Results: We included 1063 patients, of which 293 (27.6%) had ESUS (mean age 67.5 years; 46.4% men). The mean AAA thickness was significantly larger in ESUS versus non-ESUS patients (3.8 vs 3.0 mm, p&lt;0.0001). The ESUS group had a significantly higher proportion of ulcerated or protruding plaques (17.4% vs 10.3%; risk ratio 1.7, CI 95 1.2-2.4, p=0.002). The location of AAA in the ESUS group was the ascending aorta in 37.9%, transverse arch in 42.3%, and descending aorta in 84.6%. Although AAA was mostly located in the distal aortic arch, ulcerated or protruding plaques were least common in the distal arch (p=0.002). There was no difference between ESUS and non-ESUS patients in plaque location (p=0.23) or calcification grade (p=0.092). Conclusions: ESUS patients had thicker AAA plaques and a higher prevalence of ulcerated or protruding plaques located more proximally within the aortic arch. High-risk plaque features could be a potential cause of acute ischemic stroke in the ESUS population.

Comparison of Transcarotid Artery Revascularization And Transfemoral Carotid Artery Stenting Outcomes Among Symptomatic And Asymptomatic Patients Based On Lesion Calcification

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Anatomic details affecting adverse outcomes following transcarotid artery stenting are not well characterized. We compared in-hospital outcomes following transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) and transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TFCAS) among symptomatic and asymptomatic patients stratified by degree of lesion calcification. METHODS Data from patients in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative database undergoing TCAR (Jan 2017 to Apr 2020) or TFCAS (May 2005 to Apr 2020) and had carotid artery calcification grading was analyzed. Degree of calcification was stratified into three groups: none, <=50% calcification, and >50% calcification. RESULTS A total of 9,868 patients (TCAR:4,224; TFCAS:5,644) were included. TCAR patients were generally older, white, smokers, and had more comorbidities than TFCAS patients. Among symptomatic patients, there was no difference in rates of stroke, stroke/TIA, and MI by calcification severity between TCAR and TFCAS. However, there was a trend towards increased risk in all three events with higher calcification only after TFCAS. Symptomatic patients with severe (>50%) calcification had lower rates of death (TCAR:0.9% vs TFCAS:2.8%, P=0.013), stroke/death (TCAR:2.7% vs TFCAS:5.8%, P=0.006), stroke/death/MI (TCAR:3.3% vs TFCAS:6.5%, P=0.007), and postop complications (TCAR:6.0% vs TFCAS:12.4%, P<0.001) compared to TFCAS. Furthermore, TCAR had lower risk of death at all degrees of calcification compared to TFCAS. Similar findings were noted among asymptomatic TCAR patients with >50% calcification, in which the rates of death (TCAR:0.4% vs TFCAS:1.1%, P=0.080) and stroke/death (TCAR:1.5% vs TFCAS:3.1%, P=0.029) were reduced. CONCLUSIONS While increased calcification increased rates of adverse events after TFCAS, this trend was not observed after TCAR. Furthermore, TCAR had lower rates of death than TFCAS across all degrees of calcification and lower rates of stroke/death among patients with severe calcification. These findings suggesting that TCAR is protective against death despite anatomic differences and may be particularly beneficial over TFCAS in patients with calcified lesions. Anatomic details affecting adverse outcomes following transcarotid artery stenting are not well characterized. We compared in-hospital outcomes following transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) and transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TFCAS) among symptomatic and asymptomatic patients stratified by degree of lesion calcification. Data from patients in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative database undergoing TCAR (Jan 2017 to Apr 2020) or TFCAS (May 2005 to Apr 2020) and had carotid artery calcification grading was analyzed. Degree of calcification was stratified into three groups: none, <=50% calcification, and >50% calcification. A total of 9,868 patients (TCAR:4,224; TFCAS:5,644) were included. TCAR patients were generally older, white, smokers, and had more comorbidities than TFCAS patients. Among symptomatic patients, there was no difference in rates of stroke, stroke/TIA, and MI by calcification severity between TCAR and TFCAS. However, there was a trend towards increased risk in all three events with higher calcification only after TFCAS. Symptomatic patients with severe (>50%) calcification had lower rates of death (TCAR:0.9% vs TFCAS:2.8%, P=0.013), stroke/death (TCAR:2.7% vs TFCAS:5.8%, P=0.006), stroke/death/MI (TCAR:3.3% vs TFCAS:6.5%, P=0.007), and postop complications (TCAR:6.0% vs TFCAS:12.4%, P<0.001) compared to TFCAS. Furthermore, TCAR had lower risk of death at all degrees of calcification compared to TFCAS. Similar findings were noted among asymptomatic TCAR patients with >50% calcification, in which the rates of death (TCAR:0.4% vs TFCAS:1.1%, P=0.080) and stroke/death (TCAR:1.5% vs TFCAS:3.1%, P=0.029) were reduced. While increased calcification increased rates of adverse events after TFCAS, this trend was not observed after TCAR. Furthermore, TCAR had lower rates of death than TFCAS across all degrees of calcification and lower rates of stroke/death among patients with severe calcification. These findings suggesting that TCAR is protective against death despite anatomic differences and may be particularly beneficial over TFCAS in patients with calcified lesions.