Carotid Disease Research Articles

Enhanced Carotid Plaque Echolucency Is Associated with Reduced Cognitive Performance in Elderly Patients with Atherosclerotic Disease Independently on Metabolic Profile.

Vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic plaques are related to an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in advanced age. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the echogenicity of carotid plaques and cognitive performance in patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaques. We enrolled 113 patients aged 65 years or more (72.4 ± 5.9 years) who underwent carotid duplex ultrasound to evaluate plaque echogenicity by grey-scale median (GSM) and neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive function. The GSM values at baseline were inversely correlated with the number of seconds required to complete Trail Makin Test (TMT) A (rho: -0.442; p < 0.0001), TMT B (rho: -0.460; p < 0.0001) and TMT B-A (rho: -0.333; p < 0.0001) and directly correlated with Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Verbal Fluency Test (VFT) score (rho: 0.217; p = 0.021 and rho: 0.375; p < 0.0001, respectively) and the composite cognitive z-score (rho: 0.464; p < 0.0001). After a mean period of 3.5 ± 0.5 years, 55 patients were reevaluated according to the same baseline study protocol. Patients with baseline GSM value higher than the median value of 29 did not show any significant variation in the z-score. Instead, those with GSM ≤ 29 showed a significant worsening of z-score (-1.2; p = 0.0258). In conclusion, this study demonstrates the existence of an inverse relationship between the echolucency of carotid plaques and cognitive function in elderly patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease. These data suggest that the assessment of plaque echogenicity if used appropriately, might aid in identifying subjects at increased risk for cognitive dysfunction.

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.

Risk of Stroke, Death, and Myocardial Infarction Following Transcarotid Artery Revascularization vs Carotid Endarterectomy in Patients With Standard Surgical Risk

Carotid artery stenting has been limited to use in patients with high surgical risk; outcomes in patients with standard surgical risk are not well known. To compare stroke, death, and myocardial infarction outcomes following transcarotid artery revascularization vs carotid endarterectomy in patients with standard surgical risk. This retrospective propensity-matched cohort study was conducted from August 2016 to August 2019 with follow-up until August 31, 2020, using data from the multicenter Vascular Quality Initiative Carotid Artery Stent and Carotid Endarterectomy registries. Patients with standard surgical risk, defined as those lacking Medicare-defined high medical or surgical risk characteristics and undergoing transcarotid artery revascularization (n = 2962) or carotid endarterectomy (n = 35 063) for atherosclerotic carotid disease. In total, 760 patients were excluded for treatment of multiple lesions or in conjunction with other procedures. Transcarotid artery revascularization vs carotid endarterectomy. The primary outcome was a composite end point of 30-day stroke, death, or myocardial infarction or 1-year ipsilateral stroke. After 1:3 matching, 2962 patients undergoing transcarotid artery revascularization (mean [SD] age, 70.4 [6.9] years; 1910 [64.5%] male) and 8886 undergoing endarterectomy (mean [SD] age, 70.0 [6.5] years; 5777 [65.0%] male) were identified. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of the primary composite end point between the 2 cohorts (transcarotid 3.0% vs endarterectomy 2.6%; absolute difference, 0.40% [95% CI, -0.43% to 1.24%]; relative risk [RR], 1.14 [95% CI, 0.87 to 1.50]; P = .34). Transcarotid artery revascularization was associated with a higher risk of 1-year ipsilateral stroke (1.6% vs 1.1%; absolute difference, 0.52% [95% CI, 0.03 to 1.08]; RR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.05 to 2.11%]; P = .02) but no difference in 1-year all-cause mortality (2.6% vs 2.5%; absolute difference, -0.13% [95% CI, -0.18% to 0.33%]; RR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.78 to 1.39]; P = .67). In this study, the risk of 30-day stroke, death, or myocardial infarction or 1-year ipsilateral stroke was similar in patients undergoing transcarotid artery revascularization compared with those undergoing endarterectomy for carotid stenosis.

A Comparison of Outcomes Between Transfemoral Versus Transradial Access for Carotid Stenting.

The transradial (TR) approach has emerged as an alternative to the transfemoral (TF) approach in carotid artery stenting (CAS) because of its perceived benefits in access site complications and overall patient experience. To assess outcomes of TF vs TR approach for CAS. This is a retrospective single-center review of patients receiving CAS through the TR or TF route between 2017 and 2022. All patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid disease who underwent attempted CAS were included in our study. A total of 342 patients were included in this study: 232 underwent CAS through TF approach vs 110 through the TR route. On univariate analysis, the rate of overall complications was more than double for the TF vs TR cohort; however, this did not achieve statistical significance (6.5% vs 2.7%, odds ratio [OR] = 0.59 P = .36). The rate of cross-over from TR to TF was significantly higher on univariate analysis (14.6 % vs 2.6%, OR = 4.77, P = .005) and on inverse probability treatment weighting analysis (OR = 6.11, P < .001). The rate of in-stent stenosis (TR: 3.6% vs TF: 2.2%, OR = 1.71, P = .43) and strokes at follow-up (TF: 2.2% vs TR: 1.8%, OR = 0.84, P = .84) was not significantly different. Finally, median length of stay was comparable between both cohorts. The TR approach is safe, feasible, and provides similar rates of complications and high rates of successful stent deployment compared with the TF route. Neurointerventionalists adopting the radial first approach should carefully assess the preprocedural computed tomography angiography to identify patients amenable to TR approach for carotid stenting.

Abstract Number ‐ 168: Conventional angiography versus non‐invasive imaging in the assessment of symptomatic carotid disease

Introduction The indication for carotid endarterectomy in symptomatic carotid stenosis of 50% or more was established based on catheter angiography. Yet, in practice, operative referral is still largely based on non‐invasive imaging. We sought to determine the discrepancy between the two modalities in our retrospective cohort. Methods We retrospectively collected data from consecutive symptomatic patients between 2019 and 2021 at our institution who were referred for evaluation and possible stenting of carotid disease based on non‐invasive imaging showing moderate to severe stenosis or occlusion. All patients underwent digitally subtracted angiography (DSA) and were treated with stenting if there was stenosis of 50% or above or if there was presence of a string sign. Otherwise, they were continued on best medical therapy. Results 98 total patients were referred for evaluation of carotid disease (Median age 60, 37% women). 21/98 were found to have a carotid occlusion on non‐invasive imaging, of those, 6 (28%) were found to have a string sign on CTA and were treated with stenting. 77/98 were found to have moderate to severe carotid artery stenosis based on non‐invasive imaging. Of those, 31 patients (40%), were not found to have significant carotid artery stenosis and were not treated with stenting. Out of total 99 patients who were referred for carotid intervention based on non‐invasive imaging, 38 (40%) patients had a change in the treatment plan. Conclusions 40% of the patients who were referred for revascularization based on non‐invasive imaging had a change in the treatment after conventional catheter angiography. Larger studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Timing of carotid intervention in symptomatic carotid artery stenosis: a topical review.

Criteria and optimal timing for carotid artery revascularization have been polarizing subjects for investigators and clinicians dedicated to carotid artery atherosclerotic disease. A topical review was performed with the purpose of 1) providing an overview of the evidence on the definition of index event and on the definition of delay of intervention; 2) summarizing the rationale for the current definition for the optimal timing for carotid intervention, and 3) drawing a sketch for future directions implementing the aspect of timing in daily clinical practice. A literature search was performed using the Medline database and the following query ("Endarterectomy, Carotid"[Mesh]) AND ("Stroke" [Mesh] OR Symptomatic) AND "Randomized Controlled Trial"). A comprehensive review of manuscripts addressing timing of intervention was also performed. A total of eleven RCTs were identified and data on index event definition, timing of intervention and BMT were resumed. The definition of the index event can have a significant impact on the delay times but has (surprisingly) received little attention. Different definitions in itself may be correct, but in terms of stroke prevention, it is most important to understand and emphasize that the risk of recurrent stroke. The optimal timing of CEA after stroke remains an important but unresolved question. No prospective, randomized study has ever been undertaken to specifically determine which patients and when they might safely undergo expedited CEA after recent stroke. Collecting data on events during waiting time to intervention and developing reporting standards for these waiting times seem to be the key for unraveling this controversy.

Association between the Metabolically Healthy Overweight/Obesity Phenotype and Carotid Atherosclerotic Disease in a Taiwanese Population

&lt;p&gt;目的：代謝症候群與心血管疾病的關聯性已經相當確立，然而代謝健康的過重/肥胖(metabolically healthy overweight/obesity, MHOO)族群與心血管疾病的關係卻沒有明確的定論，這篇研究希望找出MHOO和頸動脈斑塊的關係。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;方法：本篇研究蒐集了5,418位前往台北馬偕紀念醫院健康檢查的民眾。過重/肥胖定義為身體質量指數(BMI)大於等於24 kg/m2，代謝健康的定義為不符合代謝症候群的族群。我們將參與者們分成四組：代謝健康的體重正常(metabolically healthy normal weight, MHNW)；代謝健康的過重/肥胖(MHOO)；代謝不健康的體重正常(metabolically unhealthy normal weight, MUNW)；代謝不健康的體重過重/肥胖(metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity MUOO)。頸動脈斑塊則透過頸動脈超音波檢查，斑塊的定義為頸動脈周邊厚度大於50%或0.5 mm，或是頸動脈內壁中層厚度大於1.5 mm。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;結果：在本篇的5,418位民眾中女性約佔46.4%，平均年齡為52.5&amp;plusmn;11.4歲。頸動脈斑塊的盛行率在MHNW組為15.5%，而MHOO組為21.4%。多元羅吉斯迴歸的分析顯示相較於MHNW組，MHOO組有增加頸動脈斑塊的風險[odds ratio (OR) 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.51]，同樣的結果也發生在MUNW組(OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.27-1.95)以及MUOO組(OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.60-2.27)。用性別以及年齡層（&lt;65或&amp;ge;65歲）的次群組分析也分別有同樣的趨勢。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;結論：本篇研究顯示代謝健康的過重/肥胖族群仍然有較高的心血管疾病風險，且無論性別或年齡層都顯示類似的趨勢。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Purpose: The relationship between metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease is well established. However, the relationship between metabolically healthy overweight/obesity (MHOO) and atherosclerotic disease remains unclear. This study evaluated the association between the MHOO phenotype and the risk of carotid artery plaque development.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Methods: We examined 5,418 patients who underwent health check-ups at the Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan. Overweight/obese was defined as a body mass index &amp;ge;24 kg/m2. Metabolically healthy was defined as individuals who did not meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome. Participants were classified into four groups: metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW); MHOO; metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW); and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity (MUOO). The carotid artery was examined using carotid duplex ultrasound by experienced clinicians and defined as focal wall thickening &gt;50% (or 0.5 mm) of the surrounding intima&amp;ndash;media thickness (IMT) or carotid IMT (cIMT) &gt;1.5 mm.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Results: A total of 5,418 participants (46.4% female) were enrolled, with a mean age of 52.5&amp;plusmn;11.4 years. The prevalence of carotid artery plaque was 15.5% in the MHNW group and 21.4% in the MHOO group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the MHOO group had a higher risk of carotid artery plaque formation [odds ratio (OR) 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.51] than the MHNW group. Similar results were found in the MUNW (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.27-1.95) and MUOO (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.60-2.27) groups. Subgroup analysis stratified by sex and age (&lt;65 or &amp;ge;65 years) also showed a similar pattern.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Conclusions: Individuals with a MHOO phenotype are at a higher risk of carotid atherosclerotic disease, irrespective of sex or age.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Physician Approaches to Antithrombotic Therapies for Recently Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis.

Whereas the beneficial effect of antiplatelet therapy for recurrent stroke prevention has been well established, uncertainties remain regarding the optimal antithrombotic regimen for recently symptomatic carotid stenosis. We sought to explore the approaches of stroke physicians to antithrombotic management of patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. We employed a qualitative descriptive methodology to explore the decision-making approaches and opinions of physicians regarding antithrombotic regimens for symptomatic carotid stenosis. We conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 22 stroke physicians (11 neurologists, 3 geriatricians, 5 interventional-neuroradiologists, and 3 neurosurgeons) from 16 centers on four continents to discuss symptomatic carotid stenosis management. We then conducted thematic analysis on the transcripts. Important themes revealed from our analysis included limitations of existing clinical trial evidence, competing surgeon versus neurologist/internist preferences, and the choice of antiplatelet therapy while awaiting revascularization. There was a greater concern for adverse events while using multiple antiplatelet agents (e.g., dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT)) in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy compared to carotid artery stenting. Regional variations included more frequent use of single antiplatelet agents among European participants. Areas of uncertainty included antithrombotic management if already on an antiplatelet agent, implications of nonstenotic features of carotid disease, the role of newer antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants, platelet aggregation testing, and timing of DAPT. Our qualitative findings can help physicians critically examine the rationale underlying their own antithrombotic approaches to symptomatic carotid stenosis. Future clinical trials may wish to accommodate identified variations in practice patterns and areas of uncertainty to better inform clinical practice.

Local and Systemic Hypoxia as Inductors of Increased Aluminum and Iron Brain Accumulation Promoting the Onset of Alzheimer's Disease.

Human environment is highly contaminated with aluminum, and aluminum is toxic to majority of tissues, particularly to neurons. In previous decades, aluminum exposure was frequently linked with the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and increased levels of Al were detected in the brains of individuals with AD. People who live in a certain area are exposed to aluminum in a similar way (they eat the same vegetable and other foodstuffs, use similar cosmetics, and buy medications from the same manufacturer), nevertheless not all of them develop Alzheimer's disease. Majority of known risk factors for AD promote atherosclerosis and consequently reduce brain blood supply. In this review, we highlighted the significance of local (carotid disease and atherosclerosis of intracranial blood vessels) and systemic hypoxia (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and anemia) in the development of AD. Nerve tissue is very sophisticated and sensitive to hypoxia and aluminum toxicity. As a side effect of compensatory mechanisms in case of hypoxia, neurons start to uptake aluminum and iron to a greater extent. This makes perfect a background for the gradual onset and development of AD.

Abstract 27: Effect Of Automated Large Vessel Occlusion Detection On Door-in-door-out Times At Primary Stroke Centers: A Multi-center Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Automated LVO detection and software-based care team integration has been shown to improve door-to-groin time metrics at comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs). The impact of this software on accelerating transfers out of primary stroke centers (PSCs) for LVO AIS patients remains undetermined. Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study across 11 stroke centers (7 PSCs and 4 CSCs) in the greater Houston area from January 1st 2021 - February 24th 2022. An automated LVO detection and workflow manager software (Viz.AI) was implemented at all the hospitals. Patients were included if they were diagnosed with LVO AIS based on CT angiogram at a PSC and were transferred to CSC. Patients who presented during a 2-week transition period at the time of LVO detection software activation were excluded. The primary outcome was time from PSC arrival to departure to CSC (door-in-door-out, DIDO) before and after software implementation and was performed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test (STATA v.15). Results: Among 234 patients that met inclusion criteria, median age was 65 [58-76] years, NIHSS 3 [1-8] and 45% were female. Mean time from last known well to PSC arrival was 512 +/- 281 minutes and mean DIDO was 176 +/- 77 min. A total of 156 patients were evaluated in the pre-software implementation period and 78 after. There were no significant differences in the pre- and post-implementation cohorts with respect to age, risk factors (HTN, HLD, Afib, carotid disease, diabetes), although a greater proportion of patients in the pre-implementation phase were female (52% vs. 31%, p&lt;0.01). There was a significant reduction in the median DIDO time with software implementation (163 vs. 130 minutes, p=0.014). Discussion: In this multicenter cohort study, implementation of automated LVO detection with coupled care-team communication tool improved PSC transfer performance by over 30 minutes. These findings corroborate the findings for care acceleration at CSCs with similar software implementations.

Abstract TMP66: Correlation Of Cerebrovascular Reserve Assessed By Acetazolamide-stress Spect With Collaterals On Arterial Spin-labeling MRI In Patients With Carotid Occlusive Disease

Introduction: We investigated the relationship between the level of cerebral collateral circulation on arterial spin-labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) on acetazolamide (ACZ)-stress single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain scans in internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. Methods: This study enrolled 129 patients with severe ICA stenosis (&gt;70%). Collateral circulation was assessed in pulsed ASL images based on the presence of arterial transit artifact (ATA) that late-arriving flow appears as serpiginous high ASL signal within cortical vessels. CVR based on rest-SPECT and ACZ-stress SPECT with Tc-99m-ECD was calculated. The ASL CBF maps were independently assessed by two neuroradiologists blinded to clinical information. The two neuroradiologists graded on two slices of ASL images corresponding to Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) location using a 4-point scale for ASL intensity. Results: With ACZ-stress SPECT, the 88/129 (68%) patients showed normal CVR and 41/129 (32%) patients showed decreased CVR. In 73/88 (82%) of the normal CVR group patients, ASL showed ATA in ipsilateral to the stenosis. In 19/41 (46%) of the decreased CVR group patients, ASL showed no evidence of ATA in ipsilateral to the stenosis. Significant positive relationship was observed between the normal CVR group and the ATA showing group in ICA stenosis patients (p = 0.001, chi-square test). The ASL-based ASPECTS scores of brain in the ipsilateral side was lower than the scores in the contralateral side to the ICA stenosis (p &lt; 0.0001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). The ASL-based ASPECTS scores of brain ipsilateral side to the ICA stenosis was lower in the reduced CVR group than normal CVR group (p = 0.005). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the statistically significant positive correlation between good collaterals on ASL MRI and intact CVR in patients with ICA stenosis.

Abstract WMP78: Predictors Of Memory And Carotid Intervention-related Memory Changes

Introduction: Carotid atherosclerosis is the culprit of stroke and dementia. It has been linked to cognitive impairment in cerebrovascular diseases . A bulk of evidence suggests that carotid interventions improve cognitive functions in appropriately selected patients. We aim to investigate the factors that modulate changes in episodic memory following carotid recanalization procedures. Methods: A total of 170 subjects undergoing carotid revascularization procedures were recruited prospectively. Neuropsychometric testing was performed preoperatively, and at 1-,6-, and 12-month postoperatively. Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) was used to assess episodic memory. Changes in RAVLT sum scores at individual time points were compared to the baseline. Linear and logistic regression models were fitted to predict RAVLT sum baseline score, and postop changes at each time point compared to preop, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses (after adjusting for risk factors and patient demographics) were performed and variables with p &lt;0.25 were included in the multivariable analysis. Results: At baseline, having a prior stroke, and being older than 80 years of age were independent predictors of a low preop RAVLT sum score (p=0.001 and p=0.001 respectively). Interestingly, a low preop RAVLT sum score is the only independent predictor of post-intervention cognitive improvement at all three time points compared to preop (P&lt;0.01). CEA and Age &lt;80 years predicted short-term improvement at 1 and 6 months postop. Conversely, carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an independent predictor of verbal memory decline at 1-month post-intervention (p=0.039), while being older than 80 years of age predicted the decline at 1-month (p= 0.046) and 6-month (p= 0.043) postoperatively. Conclusion: Younger patients with severe atherosclerotic carotid disease and low baseline episodic memory scores benefit most from carotid intervention, specifically CEA, whereas age ≥80 years predicts poor baseline memory score and worse intervention-related memory change. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm the characteristics of patients with carotid occlusive disease who could benefit from revascularization procedures.

Early Stent Patency After Endovascular Therapy for Tandem or Isolated Carotid Steno-Occlusive Disease

Early Stent Patency After Endovascular Therapy for Tandem or Isolated Carotid Steno-Occlusive Disease

Same-Day Carotid Artery Stenting and Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

The optimal treatment strategy for patients with severe carotid artery disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting is still problematic. The important question is whether it is necessary to treat significant carotid disease in patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting. This study analyzed short- and midterm results after same-day carotid artery stenting and coronary artery bypass grafting. From 2013 to 2020, a total of 69 patients were enrolled in the study. Same-day carotid artery stenting and coronary artery bypass grafting were performed in all patients. The study's primary end points were the evaluation rate of stroke, myocardial infarction, and death within short- and midterm periods after the procedures. The 30-day mortality was 0%. The occurrences of perioperative adverse events, namely stroke, myocardial infarction, and transient ischemic attack, were 1 (1.4%), 1 (1.4%), and 4 (5.8%), respectively. Mean (IQR) follow-up time was 28 (IQR, 17-43) months. Six (8.8%) patients died during this period. Fatal stroke was registered in 2 cases, and 1 patient experienced a disabling stroke with a fatal outcome. The other 3 patients died because of chronic renal disease, a traffic accident, and for an unknown reason, respectively. Midterm survival in the group was 91.2%. The study showed that same-day carotid artery stenting and coronary artery bypass grafting for concomitant carotid and coronary disease treatment could be a promising and feasible therapeutic strategy.

Association between platelet lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and clinical outcomes following carotid endarterectomy.

Approximately 30% of stroke cases result from carotid disease. Although several risk factors for complications after carotid endarterectomy have been identified, the existence of a biomarker that can estimate postoperative risk in these patients has not yet been proven. This study aimed to investigate correlations between the platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and postoperative clinical outcomes in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. A retrospective study was conducted, including 374 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy between 2002 and 2019 due to moderate to high extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis. Their platelet-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios were obtained from the same blood samples. There was a statistically significant correlation between the PLR and the occurrence of restenosis (p < 0.01) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after endarterectomy (p = 0.03). Additionally, there was a statistically significant correlation between the PLR and the combined outcomes stroke and/or AMI and/or death (p = 0.03) and stroke and/or AMI and/or death and/or restenosis (p < 0.01). However, there were no significant correlations between NLR and these outcomes (p = 0.05, p = 0.16). The platelet-lymphocyte ratio proved to be a useful test for predicting occurrence of strokes, acute myocardial infarctions, and deaths during the postoperative period after carotid endarterectomy. It was also associated with the risk of postoperative restenosis.

Research Priorities for Carotid Conditions: results of the UK Vascular James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Process

Introduction: Recent estimates of the prevalence of carotid plaque disease and carotid stenosis in people aged 39–79 years are 21.2% and 1.5% of the global population, respectively. Carotid artery disease and its management has one of the largest evidence-based areas of surgical practice, but several important questions remain unanswered. The Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland (VSGBI) in association with the James Lind Alliance (JLA) undertook a national Priority Setting Process (PSP) to identify carotid disease research priorities. This paper presents the results of this process. Methods: A modified JLA Priority Setting Partnership was developed to gather clinician, patient and carer research priorities for vascular conditions. Consensus workshops were held to discuss clinician and patient priorities and agree a list of joint research priorities. Consensus was achieved using a nominal group technique and a ranked ‘top 10’ list of research priorities for carotid conditions was established. Results: In the first phase (survey), 481 clinicians submitted 1,231 research priorities related to general vascular conditions. There were overlapping themes within the 1,231 priorities and, of these, 68 were carotid-specific research priorities which were reduced to six main priorities recirculated for interim scoring. In the second phase (patient and carer-led survey), 373 patients and carers submitted 582 vascular research priorities. Of these, 18 carotid priorities were reduced to 10 and recirculated for interim scoring. In the third phase (consensus workshop), clinician and patient priorities were amalgamated into 14 priorities for discussion. Finally, a ranked final ‘top 10’ list of carotid research priorities was established addressing themes including risk predication, personalised treatment, prevention, screening and surveillance. Conclusion: The ‘top 10’ carotid-related research priorities identify areas considered to be most important from the perspective of patients, carers and healthcare professionals. Researchers can now focus their efforts on addressing these important questions and funders should increase their investment to support new studies in these areas of greatest importance.

Complication Rate After Carotid Endarterectomy Comparing Patch Angioplasty and Primary Closure: Long-Term Outcome

Objective: In patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic severe internal carotid artery stenosis, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been shown to reduce risk for stroke. The optimal surgical technique remains subject of debate. In the latest European Society of Vascular Surgery (ESVS) guidelines on the management of atherosclerotic carotid disease, routine patching is preferred to routine primary closure. However, there are no RCT’s evaluating selective patching strategies. This follow-up study aimed to assess long term complication rate and restenosis after carotid endarterectomy with selective patching. Methods: Two hundred thirteen consecutive carotid endarterectomies over a 3-year period from January 5th 2011 to December 19th 2013 were prospectively analyzed in a follow-up study over 5 years (mean 4.6, range 3.17-6.17). Patient population consisted of 141 procedures on males and 72 on females with mean age 73 years at the time of surgery (standard deviation (SD) 8.57, range 53-95). There was a follow-up of 89%. Postoperative risk factors were assessed such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease and smoking. Postoperative symptoms of cranial nerve injury, transient ischemic events, cerebrovascular events and mortality were evaluated. Duplex ultrasound was performed by a radiologist blinded to the operative technique to evaluate patency of the carotid artery after carotid endarterectomy. Results: Primary closure was used in 110 operations, and patch angioplasty in 103 procedures (Dacron patch). Primary closure was performed when the carotid artery had a diameter above 5 mm, when there was a high carotid bifurcation or when the contralateral carotid artery was occluded. There were no significant differences among groups' baseline characteristics at the time of surgery. Primary closure was performed significantly more in male patients (P= .02). Overall complication rate was 3.76% postoperatively (1.8% after primary closure, 5.8% after patch angioplasty) and after 5 years 5.29% (2.0% after primary closure, 9.1% after patch angioplasty). There are no significant differences in results between the two groups (P= .09 and P= .05). In four cases patients experienced symptoms of cranial nerve damage postoperatively, two in each group. In one of the two cases in each group, the patient fully recovered and the other had persistent complaints (P-value= 1). None of the patients experienced amaurosis fugax during the 5-year follow up period. In five cases a patient had an ipsilateral cerebrovascular thrombosis in the group after patch angioplasty compared to zero in the primary closure group (P-value= .02). In the group of primary closure there was a mortality of 26 patients (23.6%) compared to 26 (25.2%) patients after patch angioplasty (P-value = .70). One was caused by cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome within one month postoperative after patch angioplasty and none were caused by an ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Objective duplex ultrasound showed no significant difference comparing restenosis in both groups (P-value= .43). In twelve cases patients showed a restenosis between 50-70% (6 primary closure and 6 patch angioplasty), none of the patients had high grade restenosis of more than 70%. Patient characteristics did not show a significant effect on long term outcomes. There was a correlation between postoperative use of antihypertensive medication and long-term stroke (P-value= .006), restenosis (P-value= .01) and mortality (P-value= .003). Conclusion: After long-term follow-up we found primary closure and patch angioplasty to be equivalent with respect to complication rate and restenosis when used in selected cases. Best medical treatment and especially the use of antihypertensive medication should be emphasized.

Evaluation of Carotid Arteries in Stroke Patients using Colour Doppler Sonography: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Cerebral ischaemic stroke is a neurological condition that can be fatal and debilitating and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The major benefit of sonography is its capacity to describe plaque and identify plaques with increased risk of embolisation, in addition, to evaluate the degree of stenosis. Aim: To diagnose and characterise the plaque morphology in extracranial portion of carotid arteries using colour Doppler sonography in patients with stroke. Materials and Methods: A time-bound, hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, MGM Medical College and MY Hospital, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India from August 2021 to July 2022. There were 80 stroke patients in the study. Risk factors like smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and family history were recorded. B- mode ultrasonography was used to assess carotid arteries and various Doppler parameters like Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV). Plaque characteristics and morphology like smooth margin, irregular margin, ulceration and haemorrhage were evaluated. Statistical parameters such as Student’s t-test were used for association between ICA PSV and ICA/CCA PSV with degree of stenosis. Results: Hypertension was the most common risk factor 57 (71.1%). A total of 54 (67%) stroke patients were found to have plaque in their carotid vasculature. A total of 21 (38.8%) of patients had type-3 plaque followed by type-1 plaque 14 (25.9%). Out of 67% of patients who had plaque, majority of patients 38 (47.5%) had &lt;50% stenosis and 16 (29.6%) of patients had significant stenosis (&gt;50%). Conclusion: It was shown that carotid Doppler ultrasonography can be used as a screening tool for patients, who have risk factors for stroke to find asymptomatic carotid disease.

Vascular Retinal Event Secondary to Ocular Ischemic Syndrome, Improved With QIAPI 1: Case Report

Ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS) is a rare condition, which is caused by ocular hypoperfusion due to stenosis or occlusion of the common or internal carotid arteries. Atherosclerosis is the major cause of changes in the carotid arteries. Since OIS is associated with atherosclerosis, patients usually have other related co-morbidities. Hypertension is found in 73% of the patients and diabetes mellitus in 56%. The first case of OIS was reported in 1963 by Hedges as a case with retinal hemorrhages and venous dilatation in a patient with complete occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). The only therapy is to treat the neovascular complications. Recent studies suggest that OIS is associated with a significant risk of cerebrovascular, ocular, and systemic morbidity. OIS has a poor visual prognosis. It is imperative that the clinician be aware of the signs and symptoms of carotid disease to facilitate prompt diagnosis and appropriate referral, because OIS may be the presenting sign of serious ischemic cerebrovascular and ischemic heart disease. The 5-year mortality rate in OIS patients is as high as 40%. Most deaths are due to cardiac disease Controversy in the management of OIS arises from the fact that most patients reported in the literature are part of small retrospective series or case reports. Besides the uncertainty about the physio-pathogenic of the disease. Pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) is the accepted treatment for retinal ischemia predisposing to neovascularization due to retinal ischemia supposedly triggers the production of angiogenic growth factors. However, the main stimulus to abnormal angiogenesis is hypoxia more than ischemia, and opposite the best antiangiogenic factor is high levels of oxygen in tissues. Thereby, our discovery about the unexpected capacity of several organic molecules of the human body that can take the oxygen from intracellular water, like in plants, open a new way to treat these difficult cases, improving the prognosis.

Radial and ulnar approach for carotid artery stenting with Roadsaver™ double layer micromesh stent:Early and long-term follow-up.

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of carotid artery stenting (CAS) with a newly designed double-layer micromesh stent using wrist approach in patients with significant carotid disease. Between January 2016 and December 2021, 105 patients undergoing CASwith Roadsaver™ stent were enrolled in a single center prospective study. Follow-up assessments included neurological exams, duplex ultrasound (DUS), and 12-lead ECG. The primary endpoint was the 30-day composite rate of stroke, death, and myocardial infarction. Secondary endpoints included procedure success, access site complications, device success, target lesion revascularization, and in-stent restenosis evaluated with DUS. Long-term outcomes up to 72 months of follow-up were assessed in all eligible patients. The study population was predominantly male (69.5%) with a median age of 68 ± 8 years. Patients were symptomatic in 80% of the cases, and 35% fulfilled the high-risk criteria for surgical endarterectomy. The right internal carotid artery was the target artery in 56 (53.4%), and the left in 49 (46.6%) of the cases. All procedures were successfully completed from the right wrist, with right radial access in 94 (89.5%) cases and ulnar artery access with previous radial artery occlusion in 11 (10.5%) cases. All patients were treated successfully with the study device. The primary endpoint was met with a 30-day major adverse eventrate of 0.9% (1/105). Up to 72 months of follow-up (median 30 ± 20 months) there were no strokes, neurological deaths, or target lesion revascularization of the treated lesion. Doppler ultrasound examination revealed nonsignificant in-stent restenosis in two asymptomatic patients. There was no hand ischemia detected in any patient. Results from this study demonstrate the radial and ulnar access for CASwith double layer micromesh Roadsaver™ stent is safe and feasible and associated with favorable early and long-term follow-up.