Carotid Artery Plaque Research Articles

Echogenicity of atherosclerotic plaque - a criterion for assessing the dynamics and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases

Aim: to measure the echogenicity of atherosclerotic plaques (AP) of carotid arteries to assess the dynamics of atherosclerosis and risk of cardiovascular outcomes (CVO) in patients with different CVD risk.Materials and methods. The study included 223 patients: 80 patients (47 males) with moderate CVD risk (mean age: 53 years, range: 39-66) (Group 1) and 143 patients (123 males) with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and high CVD risk (mean age: 57, range: 32-83) years (Group 2). All patients were examined at the Chazov National Medical Research Center of Cardiology. Patients underwent a standard clinical examination, biochemical blood test with lipid profile determination, and ultrasound duplex scanning. Patients with ACS were re-examined after 1-1.5 years and patients with moderate CVD risk were re-examined after 1 and 7 years.Results. We analyzed 181 APs in Group 1 and 378 APs in Group 2. Analysis of gray-scale median (GSM) at the first and second visit showed a significant increase in GSM in both groups: from 67.02 [54.13; 82.85] to 73.5 [59.5; 88.7] (p<0.0001) in Group 1, and from 49.3 [39.73;63.64] to 50.7 [40.04;66.54] (p<0.05) in Group 2. An increase in GSM was observed in 79% of patients in Group 1, in 53% of patients in Group 2. Unfavorable CVO (CVO+) developed after 7 years in 7 (8.8%) patients in Group 1, and after 1 year in 23 (23%) patients in Group 2. In Group 1, an increase in GSM was observed only in patients with favorable prognosis (CVO-): from 67.7[52.13; 79.0] to 77.5[64.12; 91.0] (n=148 AP, p<0.05), in patients with CVO+, GSM increased non-significantly from 60.1[53.5; 66.5] to 66.5[55.0; 71.6] (n=18 AP, p=NS). In Group 2, a significant increase in GSM was observed in patients with CVO-: from 48.7[39.0; 63.4] to 51.3[40.0; 67.4] (n=141 AP, p<0.01), in patients with CVO+, GSM decreased from 51.6[42.9; 72.5] to 50.2[40.4; 65.0] (n=43 AP, p=NS). In Group 2, GSM significantly increased by 2.75 (6.05%) from the initial value (p<0.05) in patients with CVO-, while patients with CVO+ showed a significant decrease in the average GSM of AP by 3.33 (7.8%) (p<0.05). Using ROC analysis, a Δ% GSM value of 6.96% was found (area under the curve 0.628 ± 0.0465 [95% CI 0.556 - 0.696], p = 0.0058). According to Cox regression analysis, the risk of CVO increased by 2.16 times with a decrease in GSM AP in the carotid arteries over time by ≥ 6.96% (НR=2.16; 95% CI=1.331 – 3.507); p=0.009.Conclusion. The ultrasound method of measuring the echogenicity of an atherosclerotic plaque of the carotid artery using GSM parameter can be effective for assessing the dynamics of atherosclerosis and prognosis of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with high and moderate CVD risk

P-selectin and C-reactive protein in relation to home blood pressure and coronary calcification: a SCAPIS substudy.

Soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) have previously been associated with hypertension, but the relation with out-of-office blood pressure (BP) and coronary artery calcification score is unknown. We aimed to examine the relationship between sP-selectin, hsCRP and home BP, as well as coronary artery calcification score and carotid artery plaques. In the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS), 5057 randomly selected participants were evaluated with office and home BP using the semi-automatic Omron M10-IT device. For this cross-sectional study, participants with sP-selectin <4 standard deviations above mean and hsCRP <5 mg/l, representing low-grade inflammation, were included. Using generalized linear models, these inflammatory markers were evaluated in relation to BP classifications, as well as coronary artery calcification score and carotid artery plaques. Of participants, 4548 were included in the analyses. The median age was 57.2 (53.4-61.2) years, and 775 (17.0%) reported taking medication for hypertension. Participants in the highest quartile of sP-selectin [odds ratio (OR) 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40-1.98, P < 0.001] and hsCRP [OR 2.25, (95% CI 1.89-2.60), P < 0.001] were more likely to have sustained hypertension. Participants in the highest quartile of hsCRP were also more likely to have masked hypertension, OR (95% CI) 2.31 (1.72-3.10), P < 0.001 and carotid artery plaques, OR (95% CI) 1.21 (1.05-1.38), P = 0.007. Increased sP-selectin and hsCRP were independently associated with sustained hypertension. These findings indicate an association between hypertension and platelet activity, as expressed by sP-selectin.

Effects of Atorvastatin on Carotid Artery Plaques and Blood Lipids in Stroke Patients with Different ApoE Genotypes

Effects of Atorvastatin on Carotid Artery Plaques and Blood Lipids in Stroke Patients with Different ApoE Genotypes

Impact of Classical Risk Factors on Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis Progression: Insights from a Non-Diabetic Cohort.

Several markers have been proposed for the detection and progression of subclinical atherosclerosis. We aimed to analyse the impact of classical risk factors on the presence and short-term progression of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in a non-diabetic, primary prevention cohort. This analysis included participants with completed visits at baseline and at 5-year follow-up (N = 141; 56.7% females, 43.3% males; aged 49.6 4.7 years). Clinical and laboratory parameters, risk profiles, carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and plaque presence were analysed. There was a significant progression in mean CIMT (0.54 0.09 mm-0.62 0.10 mm; p 0.001), prevalence of carotid plaque (4.8%-17.9%; p 0.001) and age- and sex-adjusted abnormal CIMT (52.9%-78.8%; p 0.001) at the end of follow-up, compared to baseline. In multivariate regression analysis, among the classical risk factors, their number, metabolic syndrome and SCORE (Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation) risk only the number of risk factors showed an independent and significant impact on the occurrence of a carotid plaque (Exp(B) = 1.71; p = 0.017) and 5-year CIMT progression. During a short follow-up, the significant progression of subclinical atherosclerosis was confirmed. The number of risk factors predicted the occurrence of carotid plaques and CIMT progression. The high prevalence and short-term progression of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis underly the rationale for its screening in personalized cardiovascular risk stratification in asymptomatic middle-aged subjects over 50 years old, at low-to moderate cardiovascular risk, particularly with several risk factors.

Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events

BackgroundMicroplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease in preclinical studies. Direct evidence that this risk extends to humans is lacking.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, multicenter, observational study involving patients who were undergoing carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid artery disease. The excised carotid plaque specimens were analyzed for the presence of MNPs with the use of pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, stable isotope analysis, and electron microscopy. Inflammatory biomarkers were assessed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemical assay. The primary end point was a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from any cause among patients who had evidence of MNPs in plaque as compared with patients with plaque that showed no evidence of MNPs.ResultsA total of 304 patients were enrolled in the study, and 257 completed a mean (±SD) follow-up of 33.7±6.9 months. Polyethylene was detected in carotid artery plaque of 150 patients (58.4%), with a mean level of 21.7±24.5 μg per milligram of plaque; 31 patients (12.1%) also had measurable amounts of polyvinyl chloride, with a mean level of 5.2±2.4 μg per milligram of plaque. Electron microscopy revealed visible, jagged-edged foreign particles among plaque macrophages and scattered in the external debris. Radiographic examination showed that some of these particles included chlorine. Patients in whom MNPs were detected within the atheroma were at higher risk for a primary end-point event than those in whom these substances were not detected (hazard ratio, 4.53; 95% confidence interval, 2.00 to 10.27; P<0.001).ConclusionsIn this study, patients with carotid artery plaque in which MNPs were detected had a higher risk of a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from any cause at 34 months of follow-up than those in whom MNPs were not detected. (Funded by Programmi di Ricerca Scientifica di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05900947.)

Impact of diabetes distress on glycemic control and diabetic complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus

The effect of diabetes distress on glycemic control and its association with diabetes complications is still poorly understood. We aimed to study the clinical features of patients with high diabetes distress, focusing on changes in glycemic control and risk of diabetic complications. From the Korean National Diabetes Program data, we investigated 1862 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who completed diabetic complication studies and the Korean version of the Problem Areas in Diabetes Survey (PAID-K). A total score of PAID-K ≥ 40 was considered indicative of high distress. Individuals with high distress (n = 589) had significantly higher levels of glycated hemoglobin than those without distress (7.4% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.001). This trend persisted throughout the 3-year follow-up period. Higher PAID-K scores were associated with younger age, female gender, longer duration of diabetes, and higher carbohydrate intake (all p < 0.05). There was a significant association between high distress and diabetic neuropathy (adjusted odds ratio, 1.63; p = 0.002), but no significant association was found with other complications, including retinopathy, albuminuria, and carotid artery plaque. In conclusion, high diabetes distress was associated with uncontrolled hyperglycemia and higher odds of having diabetic neuropathy.

Dynamics of modified cardiovascular risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis on the background of 5-year therapy with an interleukin 6 receptor inhibitor

The effect of an inhibitor of interleukin (IL) 6 receptors on the state of the cardiovascular system in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains poorly understood, especially with its long-term use.The aim – to study the effect of therapy with the IL-6 receptor inhibitor tocilizumab (TCZ) on the dynamics of modifiable risk factors (RF), total cardiovascular risk (CVR), structural changes in the carotid arteries (CA) and the incidence of cardiovascular complications (CVC) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis during the 260-week follow-up period.Material and methods. The study included 37 patients with active RA (32 women and 5 men) with ineffectiveness and/or intolerance to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs); median age was 56 [48; 68] years, disease duration was 92 [49; 158] months; DAS28 (Disease Activity Score 28) – 6.2 [5.5; 6.7] points; all patients were seropositive for rheumatoid factor (RF), 86% – for antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP). Patients received TCZ therapy 8 mg/kg intravenously every 4 weeks; after 192 [176; 210] weeks, 60% of patients switched to subcutaneous administration of the drug at a dose of 162 mg once a week. In 51% of patients with RA, TCZ monotherapy was performed, in 49% – combination therapy of TCZ with DMARDs. Statins were received by 17 (46%) patients, including 7 patients before and 10 after inclusion in the study. All patients underwent an assessment of traditional risk factors, the total cardiovascular risk was calculated using the mSCORE scale, atherosclerotic vascular lesions were assessed by the detection of atherosclerotic plaques (ASP) of CA. The observation period was 260.4 [251.5; 283.4] weeks.Results. After 260 weeks of TCZ therapy, RA remission was observed in 32 (86%) patients, low activity – in 5 (14%) patients. During the observation period, the frequency of modified RF and the total CVR did not change significantly, an increase in body mass index (BMI) by 11% was recorded, the number of patients with hypercholesterolemia and a reduced level of HDL cholesterol (C) decreased. In patients without statin therapy, there were no significant changes in the blood lipid spectrum. In the group of patients receiving statins, there was an increase in HDL-C by 43%, a decrease in cholesterol levels by 15%, atherogenic index (AI) by 56% (p&lt;0.01 in all cases) and associations between the dynamics of ∆cholesterol and ∆CRP (r=0.35; p=0.04), ∆LDL-C and ∆CRP (r=0.41; p=0.03). Significant structural changes in CA in RA patients by the end of 260 weeks of TCZ therapy were not identified. Initially, intima-media thickness (IMT) CA positively moderately correlated with age (r=0.7; p&lt;0.01), BMI (r=0.37; p&lt;0.01), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r=0.62; p&lt;0.01) and weakly with lipid spectrum parameters – cholesterol (r=0.29; p&lt;0.01), LDL-C (r=0.36; p&lt;0.01). No new associations of IMT CA by the end of the observation, as well as the relationship of the IMT CA value with the indicators of RA activity and the ongoing therapy, were identified. By the end of the study, the distribution of patients by mSCORE value and CVR level did not change significantly. The incidence of CVC was 0,54 per 100 patient-years over a 260-week period of TCZ use. Conclusion. Against the background of long-term TCZ therapy in RA patients, there was no increase in CVR and significant structural changes in CA. It is necessary to dynamically monitor the blood lipid profile and CVR in RA patients receiving TCZ therapy. Statin therapy can successfully control dyslipidemia in RA patients who receive long-term TCZ.

Clinical risk factors and features on computed tomography angiography in high-risk carotid artery plaque in patients with type 2 diabetes.

High-risk carotid artery plaque (HPR) is associated with a markedly increased risk of ischemic stroke. The aims of this study were: 1) to examine the prevalence of HRP in a cohort of asymptomatic adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D); 2) to investigate the relationship between HRP, established cardiovascular risk factors and computed tomography angiography (CTA) profile; and 3) to assess whether the presence of HRP is associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). This was a retrospective cohort study of T2D asymptomatic patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) from January 2018 to July 2021. The carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) was assessed for the presence of ulceration, the presence of lipids, fibrosis, thrombotic deposits, hemorrhage, neovascularization, and inflammation. A CAP presenting at least five of these histological features was defined as a HRP (Group A); in all other cases it was defined as a mild to moderate heterogeneous plaque and no-HRP (Group B). CTA features included the presence of rim sign consisting of thin peripheral adventitial calcification (<2 mm) and internal soft plaque (≥2 mm), NASCET percent diameter stenosis, maximum plaque thickness, ulceration, calcification, and intraluminal thrombus were recorded. Binary logistic regression with Uni- and Multivariate was used to evaluate possible predictors for HRP while multivariable Cox Proportional Hazards was used to assess independent predictors for MACE. One hundred eighty-five asymptomatic patients (mean age 73±8 years, 131 men), undergoing carotid endarterectomy, were included. Of these, 124 (67%) had HRP, and the 61 (33%) did not. Diabetic complications (OR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1-5.1, P=0.01), NASCET stenosis ≥75% (OR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2-3.7, P=0.02) and carotid RIM sign (OR 4.3, 95% CI: 3.9-7.3, P<0.001) were independently associated with HRP. However, HRP was not associated with a higher risk of MACE (freedom from MACE at 5 years: HRP 83.4% vs. non HRP 87.8%, P=0.72) or a reduction of survival (5-year survival estimates: HRP 96.4% vs. non HRP: 94.6%, P=0.76). A high prevalence of HRP (67%) was observed in asymptomatic and elderly T2D patients. Independent predictors of HRP were diabetic complications, NASCET stenosis ≥75% and carotid RIM sign (OR 4.3, 95% CI: 3.9-7.3, P<0.001). HRP was not associated with an increased risk of MACE during a mean follow-up of 39±24 years.

Orosomucoid 2 as a biomarker of carotid artery atherosclerosis plaque vulnerability through its generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid accumulation in vascular smooth muscle cells

BackgroundOrosomucoid (ORM) has been reported as a biomarker of carotid atherosclerosis, but the role of ORM 2, a subtype of ORM, in carotid atherosclerotic plaque formation and the underlying mechanism have not been established. MethodsPlasma was collected from patients with carotid artery stenosis (CAS) and healthy participants and assessed using mass spectrometry coupled with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) technology to identify differentially expressed proteins. The key proteins and related pathways were identified via western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction of carotid artery plaque tissues and in vitro experiments involving vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). ResultsWe screened 33 differentially expressed proteins out of 535 proteins in the plasma. Seventeen proteins showed increased expressions in the CAS groups relative to the healthy groups, while 16 proteins showed decreased expressions during iTRAQ and bioinformatic analysis. The reactive oxygen species metabolic process was the most common enrichment pathway identified by Gene Ontology analysis, while ORM2, PRDX2, GPX3, HP, HBB, ANXA5, PFN1, CFL1, and S100A11 were key proteins identified by STRING and MCODE analysis. ORM2 showed increased expression in patients with CAS plaques, and ORM2 was accumulated in smooth muscle cells. Oleic acid increased the lipid accumulation and ORM2 and PRDX6 expressions in the VSMCs. The recombinant-ORM2 also increased the lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the VSMCs. The expressions of ORM2 and PRDX-6 were correlated, and MJ33 (an inhibitor of PRDX6-PLA2) decreased ROS production and lipid accumulation in VSMCs. ConclusionORM2 may be a biomarker for CAS; it induced lipid accumulation and ROS production in VSMCs during atherosclerosis plaque formation. However, the relationships between ORM2 and PRDX-6 underlying lipid accumulation-induced plaque vulnerability require further research.

EIF2α-mediated integrated stress response links multiple intracellular signaling pathways to reprogram vascular smooth muscle cell fate in carotid artery plaque

BackgroundCarotid arterial atherosclerotic stenosis is a well-recognized pathological basis of ischemic stroke; however, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play fundamental roles in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Organelle dynamics have been reported to affect atherosclerosis development. However, the association between organelle dynamics and various cellular stresses in atherosclerotic progression remain ambiguous. MethodsIn this study, we conducted transcriptomics and bioinformatics analyses of stable and vulnerable carotid plaques. Primary VSMCs were isolated from carotid plaques and subjected to histopathological staining to determine their expression profiles. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, and lysosome dynamics were observed in primary VSMCs and VSMC cell lines using live-cell imaging. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying disordered organelle dynamics were investigated using comprehensive biological approaches. ResultsER whorls, a representative structural change under ER stress, are prominent dynamic reconstructions of VSMCs between vulnerable and stable plaques, followed by fragmented mitochondria and enlarged lysosomes, suggesting mitochondrial stress and lysosomal defects, respectively. Induction of mitochondrial stress alleviated ER stress and autophagy in an eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF)-2α-dependent manner. Furthermore, the effects of eIF2α on ER stress, mitochondrial stress, and lysosomal defects were validated using clinical samples. ConclusionOur results indicate that morphological and functional changes in VSMC organelles, especially in ER whorls, can be used as reliable biomarkers for atherosclerotic progression. Moreover, eIF2α plays an important role in integrating multiple stress-signaling pathways to determine the behavior and fate of VSMCs.

A multiscale carotid plaque detection method based on two-stage analysis

To develop a method for accurate identification of multiscale carotid plaques in ultrasound images. We proposed a two-stage carotid plaque detection method based on deep convolutional neural network (SM-YOLO).A series of algorithms such as median filtering, histogram equalization, and Gamma transformation were used to preprocess the dataset to improve image quality. In the first stage of the model construction, a candidate plaque set was built based on the YOLOX_l target detection network, using multiscale image training and multiscale image prediction strategies to accommodate carotid artery plaques of different shapes and sizes. In the second stage, the Histogram of Oriented Gradient (HOG) features and Local Binary Pattern (LBP) features were extracted and fused, and a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier was used to screen the candidate plaque set to obtain the final detection results. This model was compared quantitatively and visually with several target detection models (YOLOX_l, SSD, EfficientDet, YOLOV5_l, Faster R-CNN). SM-YOLO achieved a recall of 89.44%, an accuracy of 90.96%, a F1-Score of 90.19%, and an AP of 92.70% on the test set, outperforming other models in all performance indicators and visual effects. The constructed model had a much shorter detection time than the Faster R-CNN model (only one third of that of the latter), thus meeting the requirements of real-time detection. The proposed carotid artery plaque detection method has good performance for accurate identification of carotid plaques in ultrasound images.

Realtime monitoring of thrombus formation in vivo using a self-reporting vascular access graft

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 10% of the global population costing over a hundred billion dollars per annum and leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Many patients with CKD require regular haemodialyses. Synthetic arteriovenous grafts (AVG) are increasingly used to provide rapid vascular connection for dialysis. Initially, they have excellent patency rates but are critically limited by neointimal hyperplasia at the venous anastomosis, which drives subsequent thrombosis, graft failure and death.MethodsHere, we describe a system in which electrical impedance spectroscopy sensors are incorporated circumferentially into the wall of a synthetic arteriovenous graft. This is combined with an implantable radiotelemetry system for data transmission outside the patient. The system was tested using monolayers of endothelial and smooth muscle cells as well as swine blood and clots with explanted human carotid artery plaques. Sensor testing was then performed in vitro and the device was implanted in vivo in female swine.ResultsThe device can wirelessly report the accumulation of biological material, both cells and blood. Differences are also detected when comparing controls with pathological atheroma. In swine differences between blockage formation in a graft were remotely obtained and wireless reported.ConclusionsCombining electrical impedance spectroscopy and an implantable radiotelemetry system enables graft surveillance. This has the potential to be used for early detection of venous stenosis and blood clot formation in real-time in vivo. In principle, the concept could apply to other cardiovascular diseases and vascular implantable devices.

Abstract WP116: Plaque Features and Infarct Pattern in Ischemic Stroke With Bilateral Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis

Objective: to compare the carotid artery plaque characteristics between ipsilateral and contralateral infarct in ischemic stroke with bilateral carotid artery atherosclerosis, and explore the association between plaque characteristics and infarct pattern. Methods: a total of 186 ischemic stroke patients with bilateral carotid artery atherosclerosis were included, carotid artery plaque burden (the degree of stenosis, maximum wall thickness, lumen area, wall area, normalized wall index (NWI=wall area/[lumen area+ wall area]), and eccentricity index), and vulnerability (intraplaque hemorrhage [IPH], calcification, irregular surface, thin or ruptured fibrous cap[TRFC], and lipid-rich necrotic core[LRNC]) were obtained by MR vessel wall imaging, infarct pattern was divided as single and multiple/recurrent infarcts in infarct ipsilateral carotid artery. Ipsilateral and contralateral carotid artery plaque features were compared, then the carotid artery plaque characteristics on the infarct side were correlated with the infarct pattern. Results: the mean age of subjects included was 68 years old, 79.6% of them were male. Compared with contralateral carotid artery plaque, plaque burden at the ipsilateral carotid artery was much heavy, presented with a higher degree of stenosis, smaller lumen area (0.22±0.15 vs. 0.28±0.15), larger wall area (0.50±0.19 vs.0.42±0.17), and higher eccentricity index (0.67±0.13 vs. 0.58±0.23), all p values&lt;0.05. The vulnerable plaques were also more prevalent at ipsilateral infarct, with a high percentage of IPH (47.8% vs. 19.8%), irregular surface (36.3% vs. 17.5%), TRFC (38.5% vs.12.3%), and LRNC (38.1% vs. 15.9%), all p values were &lt;0.05. After adjusting for covariates, the degree of stenosis (OR=1.590, 95% CI 1.048-2.410) and LRNC (OR=0.259, 95% CI 0.087-0.769) were associated with multiple or recurrent infarcts independently. Conclusion: in ischemic stroke with bilateral carotid atherosclerosis, the atherosclerotic plaque burden at ipsilateral infarct was much heavier and more vulnerable. Both lumen stenosis and plaque components were correlated with multiple or recurrent infarcts in this population.

Abstract WMP61: Assessment of Carotid Artery Plaques With Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Imaging

Background: Assessing carotid artery plaques in stenosis is crucial for treatment strategies and safety. Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST)-MRI, particularly Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging, shows promise in molecular imaging. This study explores the correlation between APT imaging and histopathological findings of carotid artery plaques in 34 consecutive patients who had carotid endarterectomy. We investigated the utility of CEST-MRI as a preoperative plaque diagnostic tool. Methods: APT imaging evaluated plaques prior to the procedures. APT signal values were derived from concentration maps. Plaques were categorized into Group A (APT signal values ≥ 1.90 E-04) and Group B (APT signal values &lt; 1.90 E-04). Postoperative histopathological assessments were conducted on the excised plaques. Histology slides were categorized following AHA’s classification, distinguishing type VI lesions with intraplaque hemorrhage from non-type VI lesions. Results: Type VI lesions accounted for 64.7% (22 cases), while non-type VI lesions were 35.3% (12 cases). Type VI group showed significantly higher mean APT signal values (2.72 ± 1.96 E-04) compared to non-type VI group (0.70 ± 0.59 E-04) (p &lt; 0.001). Pathologically, Group A had a significantly higher proportion of Type VI lesions (100%) than Group B (45%) (p &lt; 0.01). Symptomatic patients or patients with worsening stenosis rates were significantly higher in Group A (75%) than Group B (36%) (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: Elevated APT signals were observed in unstable plaques with intraplaque hemorrhage and in plaques of symptomatic or progressive stenosis patients. CEST-MRI evaluation is valuable for assessing plaque characteristics and activity.

CT-Diagnosed Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease as a Risk Predictor of Symptomatic Carotid Plaque and Cerebrovascular Symptoms.

We aimed to test whether computed tomography (CT)-diagnosed Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a risk factor for cerebrovascular symptoms in patients with suspected atherosclerotic disease. A total of 550 patients (mean age 65.2 ± 8.8years, 370 males) with carotid plaques who underwent carotid computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and unenhanced abdominal CT were retrospectively analyzed. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal CT. Carotid CTA assessed the presence of carotid artery stenosis or plaque. The relationship between NAFLD and cerebrovascular symptoms was analyzed using generalized estimating equations and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly higher in symptomatic patients (76.5 vs 9.8%; P < .001). After adjusting for several confounding factors (e.g., hypertension and hyperlipidemia), univariate and multivariate logic regression analysis revealed that NAFLD was still strongly associated with cerebrovascular symptoms (odds ratio, 22.81; 95% CI 13.03-39.93; P < .001). ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve for discriminating symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques using NAFLD measurements was 0.833, with a sensitivity of 76.5% and a specificity of 90.2%. NAFLD is strongly associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular symptoms. It may be an important predictor of symptomatic carotid plaque and cerebrovascular symptoms.

Study on the Consistency of Angiogenesis in Carotid Plaque Evaluated by Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Superb Microvascular Imaging and Its Correlation With Stroke Occurrence.

This study aimed to investigate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and superb microvascular imaging (SMI) in evaluating angiogenesis in carotid artery plaques and prognosis in stroke patients. Sixty-one patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques were selected. All patients received conventional ultrasound, CEUS, and SMI examination, including 32 patients with cerebral infarction and 29 patients without cerebral infarction. The results of CEUS and SMI neovascularization of patients were graded 0, 1, and 2 points according to the image characteristics. The consistency between SMI results and CEUS results was evaluated, and the differences in neovascularization in carotid plaques between patients with cerebral infarction and those without cerebral infarction were compared. SMI showed that the neovascularization score in plaque was 0 point in 13 cases, 1 point in 24 cases, and 2 points in 24 cases. There were no significant differences in age, sex, plaque size, or echo between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the SMI and CEUS results, P > .05. The CEUS neovascularization grade of patients with cerebral infarction had a higher score, which was significantly different from that of patients without cerebral infarction, P < .05. The SMI neovascularization grade of patients with cerebral infarction had a higher score, which was significantly different from that of patients without cerebral infarction, P < .05. SMI can show neovascularization in plaques, with a significantly higher grade of neovascularization in those of patients with cerebral infarction than in those without cerebral infarction.

Carotid stenosis and cryptogenic stroke

ObjectivesCryptogenic stroke represents a type of ischemic stroke with an unknown origin, presenting a significant challenge in both stroke management and prevention. According to the Trial of Org 10,172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria, a stroke is categorized as being caused by large artery atherosclerosis only when there is >50% luminal narrowing of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery. However, nonstenosing carotid artery plaques can be an underlying cause of ischemic stroke. Indeed, emerging evidence documents that some features of plaque vulnerability may act as an independent risk factor, regardless of the degree of stenosis, in precipitating cerebrovascular events. This review, drawing from an array of imaging-based studies, explores the predictive values of carotid imaging modalities in the detection of nonstenosing carotid plaque (<50%), that could be the cause of a cerebrovascular event when some features of vulnerability are present. MethodsGoogle Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed were searched for articles on cryptogenic stroke and those reporting the association between cryptogenic stroke and imaging features of carotid plaque vulnerability. ResultsDespite extensive diagnostic evaluations, the etiology of a considerable proportion of strokes remains undetermined, contributing to the recurrence rate and persistent morbidity in affected individuals. Advances in imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scans, and ultrasound examination, facilitate more accurate detection of nonstenosing carotid artery plaque and allow better stratification of stroke risk, leading to a more tailored treatment strategy. ConclusionsEarly detection of nonstenosing carotid plaque with features of vulnerability through carotid imaging techniques impacts the clinical management of cryptogenic stroke, resulting in refined stroke subtype classification and improved patient management. Additional research is required to validate these findings and recommend the integration of these state-of-the-art imaging methodologies into standard diagnostic protocols to improve stroke management and prevention.

Risk factors for carotid plaque formation in type 2 diabetes mellitus

ObjectPatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at higher risk of developing atherosclerosis. Previous studies have analyzed the factors associated with diabetic macrovascular disease, although whether these factors are applicable to T2DM patients with carotid atherosclerosis remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for the formation of carotid atherosclerotic plaque in hospitalized T2DM patients and to provide a theoretical basis for early prevention and treatment of carotid atherosclerosis in these patients.MethodsA total of 949 patients with T2DM were included in the study. Carotid ultrasound identified 531 patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque. The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), blood glucose, liver and kidney function, blood lipid profile, islet function, and other indicators were measured at the same time to identify the risk factors and predictive significance of T2DM carotid plaque.ResultsThe proportions of men, diabetes nephropathy (DN) and hypertension in T2DM patients with carotid plaque are higher than those without carotid plaque(P < 0.05). Age, duration of diabetes, WHR, Postprandial glucose (PPG), lipoprotein (a) [Lip (a)], carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in T2DM patients with carotid plaque were higher than those without plaque (P < 0.05). Age, WHR, duration of diabetes, hypertension, males, and Lip (a) were independent risk factors for T2DM patients with carotid plaque. Age, WHR, duration of diabetes, and Lip (a) had a higher AUC to predict T2DM with carotid artery plaque (AUC: 0.750, 0.640, 0.678, 0.552 respectively; P all < 0.001). After constructing the logit (P) value of the above risk factors, the area under the ROC curve was 0.816 (0.789–0.842, P < 0.001).ConclusionAge, WHR, duration of diabetes, hypertension, males, and Lip (a) levels are the main risk factors for the formation of carotid plaque in T2DM patients. Combining the above risk factors provides a better prediction of carotid plaque formation in T2DM.

Prevalence of Lipoprotein(a) Measurement and its Association with Arteriosclerosis in Asymptomatic Individuals in China.

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and its level is genetically determined. Although guidelines and consensuses in various cardiovascular fields have emphasized the importance of Lp(a), screening for Lp(a) in China has not been well studied. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a random sample of 30,000 medical examiners from each of the five health check-up centres. The distribution of Lp(a) was described for those who completed Lp(a) testing, and logistic regression modelling was used to evaluate the relationship between Lp(a) levels and vascular structure and function in the population who underwent carotid ultrasound and brachial‒ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurements. Lp(a) was measured in only 4400 (3.02%) of the 150,000 participants. Among those tested for Lp(a), the median concentration was 15.85 mg/dL. The proportion of participants with Lp(a) levels ≥ 30 mg/dL was 15.00%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between Lp(a) and cIMT ≥ 1.0 mm (OR: 1.008, 95% CI: 1.001-1.014, P=0.020) and carotid artery plaques (OR: 1.010, 95% CI: 1.004-1.016, P=0.001) but no correlation with baPWV ≥ 1400 (OR: 0.999, 95% CI: 0.993-1.005, P=0.788) or baPWV ≥ 1800 (OR: 1.002, 95% CI: 0.993-1.011, P=0.634). The detection rate of Lp(a) at health checkups is low, and Lp(a) is positively associated with cervical vascular sclerosis and plaque but not with baPWV. Therefore, the testing rate of Lp(a) and the awareness of the risk of vascular structural changes due to Lp(a) should be further improved.

Metagenomic Analysis of Bacterial Microflora in Dental and Atherosclerotic Plaques of Patients With Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis.

Internal carotid artery stenosis is primarily attributed to atherosclerosis in the carotid artery bifurcation. Previous studies have detected oral bacteria in atherosclerotic lesions, suggesting an association between oral bacteria and atherosclerosis. In this study, we compared the bacterial flora of the atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid artery and dental plaque of patients with internal carotid artery stenosis using 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) metagenomic sequencing. Fifty-four patients who underwent internal carotid endarterectomy for internal carotid artery stenosis at the Showa University Hospital between April 2016 and February 2018 were included. Polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S rRNA gene detected bacterial DNA in the carotid plaques of 11 cases, of which only 5 could be further analyzed. Thereafter, DNA extracted from the carotid and oral plaques of these 5 cases were analyzed using metagenomic sequencing targeting 16S rRNA. In addition, their general condition and oral conditions were evaluated. The patients were classified into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups based on the presence or absence of symptoms of transient ischemic attack, and their bacterial flora was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the microflora of carotid plaques (n = 5) contained bacterial species from 55 families and 78 genera. In addition, 86.5% of the bacteria detected in the carotid plaques were also detected in oral plaques. Cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria accounted for 27.7% and 4.7% of the bacteria in the carotid plaques, respectively. These results suggest that oral bacteria are directly or indirectly involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. More extensive studies of oral commensal bacteria detected in extra-oral lesions are warranted to comprehensively investigate the role of oral bacteria in the pathogenesis of systemic diseases.