Carotid Ultrasound Examination Research Articles

Relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and lipoprotein (a) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) and other blood lipid indexes and carotid artery atherosclerosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A total of 2,018 patients were selected from the hospital "acute stroke intervention and secondary prevention registration database" by identifying blood fat indexes (cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and Lp[a]). Based on the results of carotid artery ultrasound examinations, the patients were divided into a "no plaque" group, comprising 400 patients, a "plaque and no stenosis" group, comprising 1,122 patients and a "carotid stenosis" group, comprising 496 patients. The relationship between Lp(a) and blood lipid indexes and carotid artery atherosclerosis was then investigated using multi-factor logistics regression analysis. There were 400 patients (19.8%) with no carotid plaque, 1,122 patients (55.6%) with plaque and no carotid stenosis and 496 patients (24.6%) with carotid stenosis. As the degree of carotid artery atherosclerosis increased, the Lp(a) level gradually increased; Lp(a) and cholesterol were identified as independent risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis. Lipoprotein (a) and cholesterol are independent risk factors for patients with AIS with carotid atherosclerosis, and their levels increase with the degree of carotid artery atherosclerosis; therefore, attention should focus on levels of cholesterol and Lp(a) in acute stroke patients to control atherosclerosis effectively.

The association of cumulative low-density lipoprotein cholesterol exposure and carotid intima-media thickness in a young adulthood population

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between cumulative exposure to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in the young adulthood population.MethodsYoung adult subject (18-45 year old) from the Kailuan Study group who participated in the same period of follow-up and received carotid artery ultrasound were selected as the observation subjects. Among them, 3651 cases met the inclusion criteria, which required that carotid artery color ultrasound examinations be completed from 2010 to 2016, with complete IMT measurements, LDL-C data collected at least twice before carotid ultrasound, and participants’ age to be ≤ 45 years at the time of carotid artery color ultrasound examination. Linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between time-weighted average (TWA) to LDL-C cumulative exposure and IMT the young population. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of different TWA groups on IMT thickening. Considering that the use of anti hypertensive drugs and lipid-lowering drugs may affect TWA LDL-C, this study excluded people taking antihypertensive drugs and lipid-lowering drugs, and conducted a repeat analysis of the main results.ResultsThere was a positive correlation between TWA LDL-C and IMT, with IMT increasing by 0.017 mm when TWA LDL-C increased by 1 mmol/L * year. The TWA LDL-C in the highest group was identified as a risk factor for IMT thickening, with odds ratio (OR) values of 1.812(1.027 ~ 3.200) in the T3 group. After excluding patients taking antihypertensive drugs and lipid-lowering drugs, the results still showed that the T3 group with the highest TWA LDL-C was a risk factor for IMT thickening, with an OR value of 1.850(0.988–3.464), P for trend is 0.043.ConclusionThis cohort study revealed that TWA LDL-C is positively correlated with IMT in young adulthood for risk stratification, and control LDL-C levels at an earlier age may reduce the lifetime risk of developing atherosclerotic disease.Trial registrationChiCTR-TNC-11001489.

The evaluation value of intracranial magnetic resonance angiography combined with carotid ultrasound in cerebral infarction.

To explore the evaluation value of intracranial magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) combined with carotid ultrasound (CU) in patients with cerebral infarction (CI). A retrospective analysis was conducted on 122 patients with CI who underwent intracranial MRA combined with CU examination in Shengzhou People's Hospital from January 2021 to October 2022. Vascular stenosis rate and CU parameters of patients with different degrees of nerve damage (ND) and size of CI lesion were analyzed. The rate of vascular stenosis and ultrasound parameters significantly varied between patients with different degrees of ND and different sizes of CI lesion. Spearman test showed a significant positive correlation between vascular stenosis, pulsatile index (PI), and resistance index (RI) with the degree of ND and the size of CI lesions in patients. There was a significant negative correlation between peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) and the degree of ND and the size of CI lesions (P<0.05). Intracranial MRA combined with CU can clarify the vascular stenosis and hemodynamic characteristics of patients with CI, and the combined approach closely correlates with the characteristics of CI, which can be used for disease assessment.

A prospective observational study on hemodynamic risk in cerebral aneurysm growth

Introduction: Hemodynamic factors are thought to play a major role in the development, growth, and rupture of cerebral aneurysms, but the hemodynamics related to enlargement remain unclear. We prospectively enrolled patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms and performed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis using 3D CT images to investigate differences in hemodynamic environments between aneurysms that grew and those that did not grow over a 3-year period. Methods: This prospective observational study was approved by the National Hospital Organization Central Ethics Review Board. Hemodynamic distributions were examined using ANSYS-CFX software. Patient-specific arterial geometries and inflow velocities were obtained from 3D-CTA and carotid ultrasound Doppler examinations. The distributions of hemodynamic metrics of 17 enlarged and 70 unenlarged aneurysms was compared. In addition, the distributions of hemodynamic metrics of the neck, body, and dome of the aneurysm was also examined in 9 enlarged and 41 non-enlarged cases. A multivariate logistic analysis was performed to investigate the influence of the six hemodynamic metrics, i.e., the time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), time-averaged WSS gradient (TAWSSG), oscillatory shear index (OSI), gradient oscillatory number (GON), transverse WSS (transWSS), and normalized transWSS (NtransWSS) after adjustment forknown risk factors for aneurysm growth, i.e., age, sex, hypertension, smoking history, and aneurysm location, size, and history of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Results: Regarding the distributions of hemodynamic metrics throughout the aneurysm, NtransWSS was significantly higher in the cases with growth than in the cases without growth (odds ratio 2.09, 95% CI 1.02-4.29). the distributions of hemodynamic metrics at each cerebral aneurysm growth site showed that NtransWSS at the dome was significantly higher in the growth cases than in the non-enlargement cases (odds ratio 4.14, 95% CI 1.02-16.80). Conclusion: The data suggest that multidirectional disturbance of wall shear stress is involved in cerebral aneurysm growth, and the disturbance at the dome of the aneurysm may be particularly strongly related. This study was supported by a Grant-in-Aid from the Japanese National Hospital Organization Multi-Center Clinical Research, AMED under grant no. JP15gm0810006h0301 and a JSPS KAKENHI Grant, no. 15K10323. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

CORRELATION BETWEEN BETA - STIFFNESS INDEX AND ATHEROGENIC LIPID INDICES AS A MARKER OF SUBCLINICAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN PATIENTS WITH BETA THALASSEMIA MAJOR

Objective: Vascular impairment in patients with Beta-thalassemia major (BTM) is an extremely clinically relevant issue, associated with a high risk of accelerated atherosclerosis. Beta-stiffness index (BSI) is an echo-tracking parameter that can reveal increased carotid stiffness. To examine the beta-steffness index in patients with BTM and healthy controls. To analyze parameters of lipid metabolism and atherogenic lipid indices (Castelli Risk Index I, CRI-I, Castelli Risk Index II, CRI-II, Atherogenic index of plasma, AIP, Atherogenic coefficient, as a marker of cardiovascular risk in BTM patients compared with healthy controls and to find out correlations between the BSI and atherogenic lipid indices in patients with BTM. Design and method: 38 children and young patients with BTM (mean age 25.0±10.8 years, 20 female) and 40 healthy controls (mean age 23.1±11.0 years, 20 female). All subjects underwent carotid examination of beta-stiffness index by echo-tracking method with Aloka Hitachi prosound alfa 7, 7.5-MHz linear array of the right and left common carotid arteries about 1 cm proximal to the bulb. Blood test samples for lipid parameters – total cholesterol (TC), LDL, HDL, triglicerides (TG) were performed as well as calculations of the atherogenic lipid indices. Results: The mean AIP values in patients were 0.17±0.30 and in health controls -0,34±0.19, p=0.0001. The Castelli Risk index I in patients was 3.64±1.19 and in healthy controls was 2,75±0.74 (p=0.0001) –tabl.1. There was positive correlation between beta-stiffness index of both carotid arteries and some lipid parameters – tabl.2. Conclusions: Young adults with BTM are at increased risk of atherosclerosis and the subclinical impairment can be easily detected by methods of carotid ultrasound examination using beta-stiffness index and by atherogenic lipid indices.

Abstract 64: Risk Factors for Carotid Artery Lipid Deposition Measured by Gray Scale Median of the Intima-Media in Children and Young Adults Over the Life Course

Introduction: Echogenicity of the carotid arterial wall, measured by gray scale median of the intima-media (GSM-IM), is a unitless measure that reflects lipid deposition in the arterial wall, with lower values indicating greater lipid deposition and atherosclerosis. Due to the relative novelty of GSM-IM, its progression and associated risk factors are incompletely understood. This study investigated the GSM profile in childhood and young adulthood using a longitudinal cohort of individuals followed over time, and conducted a priori analysis on the behavioral, psychosocial, and health risk factors for GSM. Methods: Data were collected as part of the Meta-Air2 follow-up study of participants enrolled in the Southern California Children’s Health Study. A total of 240 study participants underwent a carotid artery ultrasound examination in 2008 (mean age±standard deviation [ SD] : 11.2±0.6 years), and again between 2018 and 2023 (24.2±1.6 years) to assess changes in carotid artery health, including GSM-IM, carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), and carotid artery distensibility. Participants self-reported lifestyle behaviors, psychosocial health, and underwent anthropometric and blood pressure measures at both time points. Mixed effects models were used to predict GSM-IM changes with repeated measurements of lifestyle behaviors, perceived stress, BMI, and blood pressure. Results: Means and SDs of GSM-IM were 110.0±27.4 in childhood, and 75.6±15.8 in adulthood, with an annual change rate of -2.6 per year. Individuals of Hispanic ethnicity, and those with lower parental education levels had significantly lower GSM-IM in both childhood and adulthood. GSM-IM was significantly correlated with other measures of carotid artery atherosclerosis, including CIMT (r=0.28; p &lt;0.001) and carotid artery distensibility (r=0.36; p &lt;0.001). Results of mixed effects models adjusting for covariates, indicated that higher BMI (β=-1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.70, -0.99; p &lt;0.001) and systolic blood pressure (β=-0.32, 95% CI, -0.55, -0.09; p=0.007) were significantly associated with lower GSM-IM. A significant interaction between BMI and age (β difference=0.14; 95% CI, 0.09, 0.20; p &lt;0.001) suggested that a per-unit change in BMI has a greater effect on GSM-IM among adolescents compared to young adults. Health compromising behaviors, including less sleeping time, smoking, drug use, and higher perceived stress were significantly associated with lower GSM-IM in unadjusted models. However, these associations were attenuated after adjustment for covariates. Conclusion: Our study highlights the influence of BMI, particularly during childhood, blood pressure and lifestyle behaviors on adverse changes in GSM-IM, indicative of greater lipid deposition. These risk factors may be key targets for early prevention for atherosclerosis.

Noninvasive carotid ultrasound for predicting vulnerable plaques of the coronary artery based on optical coherence tomography images.

The risk factors for coronary and carotid plaque development are consistent. Coronary plaque rupture is a major cause of adverse cardiovascular events. Ultrasound can evaluate vulnerable carotid plaques and provide information for predicting vulnerable coronary plaques identified by optical coherence tomography (OCT). This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of non-invasive carotid ultrasound in OCT diagnosis of atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque. A total of 70 participants, including 35 patients with and 35 without vulnerable coronary plaque, were enrolled in this case-control study at Beijing Anzhen Hospital from 2016 to 2021. The data of 70 patients with suspected coronary heart disease who had undergone OCT examination during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) surgery and completed carotid ultrasound examination within 3 days before PCI were analyzed retrospectively. According to the OCT diagnostic criteria for vulnerable plaques, the patients were divided into the vulnerable-plaque group and the stable-plaque group. Univariate and binary logistic regression analyses assessed risk factors for vulnerable coronary plaque. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the predictive power of carotid plaque features. The univariate analysis demonstrated that the differences in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and carotid plaque characteristics (irregular fibrous cap, heterogeneous plaque, hypoechoic plaque, plaque calcification, and a plaque thickness of greater than 3 mm) between the two groups were statistically significant. The logistic multivariate regression analysis revealed that an irregular fibrous cap of a carotid plaque [odds ratio (OR) =4.819; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.106-22.867; P=0.048] and a hypoechoic plaque (OR =9.632; 95% CI: 2.138-43.384; P<0.05) were independent risk factors for predicting vulnerable plaques of the coronary artery. Noninvasive carotid ultrasound is feasible and clinically valuable for predicting vulnerable and asymptomatic coronary plaques defined by OCT. With this method, adverse events can be diagnosed and treated in advance.

The prevalence of extracranial carotid atherosclerosis detected via ultrasound imaging: A single-centre study in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

To assess the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data on patients who underwent carotid ultrasound examinations between 2017-2021 were collected retrospectively from the archive of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patient characteristics, blood lipid profiles, and plaque features were extracted from the medical records and ultrasound images. Descriptive data were presented as percentages. In total, 1334 patients were reviewed. Of these, 13.5% had carotid plaques and were included in the analysis. The mean patient age was 69.8±10.4 years, and 76.1% were men. The prevalence of hypertension was 62.7% and the prevalence of diabetes was 50%, and 7.2% of patients were smokers. Regarding blood lipid profiles, 6.5% of patients had high total cholesterol, 15.1% had high triglyceride levels, and 10.7% had high low-density lipoprotein levels. The median (interquartile range) stenosis was 34.4 (17.2) %, while the median plaque length was 5 (6) mm and thickness was 3 (1) mm. The median carotid intima-media thickness was 1 (0.3) mm. Regarding plaque distribution, 62.7% of plaques were in the carotid bulb. Additionally, 28.3% was in the internal carotid artery, 6.1% was in the common carotid artery, and 2.7% was in the external carotid artery. The prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis among patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was low. A high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes (≥50%) was observed among the patients. Multicenter studies involving larger Saudi samples are warranted to explore carotid atherosclerosis risk factors.

Association of carotid atherosclerotic plaque and intima-media thickness with the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio among low-income residents of rural China: a population-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe monocytes to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) has been identified as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In this population-based cross-sectional study, we explored the relationships among carotid artery disease (CAD), including the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), the MHR, and related parameter changes.MethodsThis cross-sectional study, Conducted from April to June 2019 in a rural area of Tianjin, involved middle-aged and elderly participants. Based on carotid ultrasound examinations, participants were divided into CAP and non-CAP groups. Logistic regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were utilized to assess MHR’s predictive value for CAP. Gender-specific analyses were also performed to examine predictive variations. The relationship between CIMT and MHR was evaluated using linear regression.ResultsOf the 2109 participants meeting the inclusion criteria, 51.6% were identified with CAP. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between MHR and CAP prevalence, (OR, 9.670; 95% CI, 2.359–39.631; P = 0.002), particularly in females (OR, 5.921; 95% CI, 1.823–19.231; P = 0.003), after adjusting for covariates. However, no significant correlation was found between CIMT and MHR when adjusted for other factors. The ROC analysis showed the area under the curve for MHR and CAP to be 0.569 (95% CI: 0.544–0.593; P < 0.001).ConclusionsThese findings suggested that it is crucial to enhance early screening and intervention for CAD, specifically focusing on the prevention and progression of CAP, to address the unique health challenges faced by low-income groups in rural settings. Emphasizing these preventive measures could significantly contribute to improving cardiovascular health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

The association between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and the thickness of carotid plaque

BackgroundThe relationship between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and atherosclerosis has been controversial, which has become a hit of recent research. The study aimed to explore the association between MASLD, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVD), and the thickness of carotid plaque which was assessed by ultrasound.MethodsFrom September 2018 to June 2019, 3543 patients were enrolled. We asked participants to complete questionnaires to obtain information. All patients underwent liver ultrasound and bilateral carotid ultrasound to obtain carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and maximum carotid plaque thickness (CPT). Hepatic steatosis was quantified during examination according to Hamaguchi’s ultrasonographic score, from 0 to 6 points. A score < 2 was defined as without fatty liver, and a score ≥ 2 was defined as fatty liver. Information about blood lipids was collected based on the medical records.ResultsWe found common risk factors for CCVD events, MASLD, and atherosclerosis. There was a significant correlation between MASLD and carotid plaque, but not with CPT. No association was found between MASLD and CCVD events. CPT and IMT were thicker in CCVD patients than in non-CCVD patients. No significant difference was found between IMT and CPT in MASLD patients and non-MASLD patients. CCVD was independently and consistently associated with higher IMT, and free fatty acid (FFA).ConclusionsAccording to our results, we recommend carotid ultrasound examination of the patients when FFA is increased, regardless of the presence of risk factors and MASLD. Due to the distribution of CPT of both CCVD and MASLD patients in the CPT 2-4 mm group, contrast-enhanced ultrasound is necessary to assess the vulnerability of the plaque when CPT ≥ 2 mm. Timely treatment of vulnerable plaques may reduce the incidence of future CCVD events.

Carotid blood flow in abnormal head posture: a prospective observational study exploring facial asymmetry in strabismus

To investigate whether abnormal head posture (AHP) induces changes in common carotid artery blood flow (CCBF), thereby leading to the development of facial asymmetry in the setting of strabismus and ocular torticollis. This was a prospective observational study of pediatric subjects in an urban ophthalmology clinic who underwent bilateral carotid artery ultrasound examination with spectral Doppler in an upright, straight-head posture and with a head tilt of 30°-45° to the right and left. The primary outcome was change in carotid flow on the side of the head tilt. The secondary outcome was change in blood flow on the contralateral side of the head tilt. Seventeen subjects were enrolled, and 34 carotid arteries were assessed. There was no significant difference between upright, straight-head position and head tilt in ipsilateral (7.8 ± 1.8 mL/s vs 7.5 ± 2.0 mL/s [P = 0.4312]) or contralateral (7.8 ± 1.8 mL/s vs 8.1 ± 2.4 mL/s [P = 0.3401]) CCBF. CCBF does not fluctuate with AHP and thus does not appear to be the etiology for facial asymmetry in strabismus.

Association between subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiac structure and function-results from the UK Biobank Study.

Heart failure (HF) is a major health problem and early diagnosis is important. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of HF and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a recognized early measure of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate whether increased carotid IMT is associated with changes in cardiac structure and function in middle-aged participants of the UK Biobank Study without overt cardiovascular disease. Participants of the UK Biobank who underwent CMR and carotid ultrasound examinations were included in this study. Patients with heart failure, angina, atrial fibrillation, and history of myocardial infarction or stroke were excluded. We used multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, physical activity, body mass index, body surface area, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, alcohol intake, and laboratory parameters. In total, 4301 individuals (61.6 ± 7.5 years, 45.9% male) were included. Multivariable linear regression analyses showed that increasing quartiles of IMT was associated with increased left and right ventricular (LV and RV) and left atrial volumes and greater LV mass. Moreover, increased IMT was related to lower LV end-systolic circumferential strain, torsion, and both left and right atrial ejection fractions (all P < 0.05). Increased IMT showed an independent association over traditional risk factors with enlargement of all four cardiac chambers, decreased function in both atria, greater LV mass, and subclinical LV dysfunction. There may be additional risk stratification that can be derived from the IMT to identify those most likely to have early cardiac structural/functional changes.

Reference values for carotid artery intima-media thickness among community adult dwellers in Shenzhen City

Objective: To establish reference values for carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) of adult dwellers in Shenzhen City. Methods: The study was conducted based on the Shenzhen heart failure epidemiological survey from 2021 to 2022. In this survey, residents aged 18 years and above in Shenzhen were selected by using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. General information, cardiovascular disease (CVD) related behavior and carotid ultrasound examination and etc. were collected from the participants. People with CVD factors, a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, carotid plaque or having no carotid ultrasound examination results were excluded. The parameter regression model based on fractional polynomial was used to establish the reference values of CIMT by age and sex. Results: A total of 2 163 healthy individuals were enrolled in the final analysis, including 576 males (26.6%) and 1 587 females (73.4%). The fractional polynomial regression of the CIMT mean and standard deviation was obtained. For men, the regression was meanCIMT=0.324 7+0.006 9×age and SDCIMT=0.076 9+0.001 2×age. For women, the regression was meanCIMT=0.354 9+0.005 4×age and SDCIMT=0.041 6+0.002 0×age. Conclusion: The age and sex reference values for CIMT of adult people in Shenzhen established in this study could provide the latest reference standards for early screening of subclinical CVD.

Additive effect between homocysteine and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol upon incidence of novel carotid plaque formation: data from a Chinese community-based cohort

ObjectiveHomocysteine (HCY) has been associated with carotid plaque in cross-sectional studies, but the prospective relationship between HCY and incident carotid plaque has not been well established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between HCY and incidence of novel carotid plaque in a Chinese community-based population without pre-existing carotid atherosclerosis and to assess the additive effect of HCY and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) on the incidence of novel plaque. Methods: At baseline, we measured HCY and other risk factors in subjects aged ≥ 40 years. All participants underwent carotid ultrasound examinations at baseline and after an average of 6.8 years of follow-up. Incidence of plaque was identified if plaque was absent at baseline, but plaque was detected at the end of follow-up. A total of 474 subjects were included in the analysis. Results: The incidence of novel carotid plaque was 24.47%. Multivariate regression analyses showed that HCY was independently associated with a 1.05-fold-higher likelihood for incident novel plaque (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.09, P = 0.008). Using tertile 1 and tertile 2 for reference, the top HCY tertile (T3) showed a 2.28-fold-higher likelihood for incident plaque (adjusted OR = 2.28, 95%CI: 1.33–3.93, P = 0.002). The combination of HCY T3 and LDL-C ≥ 3.4 mmol/L had the highest risk for novel plaque formation (adjusted OR = 3.63, 95%CI: 1.67–7.85, P = 0.001) compared to those without either condition. In the LDL-C ≥ 3.4 mmol/L subgroup, HCY was significantly associated with incidence of plaque (adjusted OR = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.04–1.28, P = 0.005, P-interaction = 0.023). Conclusion: In the Chinese community-based population, HCY was independently associated with the incidence of novel carotid plaque. There were additive effect between HCY and LDL-C on the incidence of plaque, the highest risk was observed in individuals with both high HCY levels and LDL-C ≥ 3.4 mmol/L. Our findings suggest that HCY may be a potential target for preventing the incidence of carotid plaque, particularly in individuals with elevated LDL-C levels.

Application of PDSA Circulation in Carotid Artery Ultrasound Screening for High-Risk Individuals with Stroke

<i>Objective</i> To explore the application effect of PDSA circulation in improving the quality of carotid artery ultrasound screening in high-risk populations for stroke. <i>Methods</i> Refer to PDSA cycle, Randomly select 600 image and text reports (including images and text descriptions) of carotid artery ultrasonic examination from January 2021 to December 2021 in the ultrasonic medical image information system, scored according to the quality scoring standard; The goal of this time is to achieve more than 95% of the reports of Class A image and texts, propose solutions to the problems of image quality and text description in the report. Formulate countermeasures from May to June 2021. Take 50 carotid ultrasound image and text reports after implementing various improvement measures from November 2021 to December 2021 for scoring, compare the differences between 2022 and 2021 ultrasonic image text reports and clinical satisfaction scores. Analyze the changes of image text reports and clinical satisfaction scores before and after the implementation of PDSA cycle, and continuously optimize the carotid ultrasound examination process through training and learning, discussion within the department, and collection of clinical feedback. <i>Result</i> Before implementing the PDSA process of standardized medical quality management, the score of carotid ultrasound image and text reports was (87.46±5.82), the clinical satisfaction was (84.46±6.42), and the number of A-class image and text reports accounted for 58% (348/600); After the implementation of the standardized medical quality management PDSA process, the score of graphic reports increased to (92.74±3.55) points, and the clinical satisfaction increased to (93.14±3.86) points. The number of Class A graphic reports accounted for 82% (492/600), with statistically significant differences (all <I>P</I><0.05). <i>Conclusion</i> PDSA circulation has effectively improved the image and text report of carotid ultrasound screening and clinical satisfaction score, which can be applied to the quality control of other single diseases in the ultrasound department, so as to improve the medical quality of the ultrasound department.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Ischemic Cerebrovascular Events by Carotid Artery Ultrasound

<i>Objective</i>: Analysis of risk factors for ischemic cerebrovascular events using carotid artery ultrasound. <i>Method</i>: A total of 3500 patients who underwent carotid ultrasound examination at the encephalopathy department of our hospital from March 2022 to March 2023 were selected as the study subjects. 1731 males and 1846 females; the age ranged from 20 to 95 years, with an average of 61.48 ± 12.55 years. All patients were divided into age groups under 40 years of age, 41-60 years of age, and over 60 years of age. According to carotid ultrasound results, the study subjects were divided into normal carotid ultrasound, stenosis rate<50%, and stenosis rate ≥ 50%. To observe the incidence of carotid stenosis, compare the differences in the degree of carotid stenosis among patients of different ages and diseases, and use logistic regression analysis to analyze the influencing factors of carotid artery stenosis and predict the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular events. <i>Result</i>: Of the 3500 patients, 2609 had carotid stenosis, with a detection rate of 74.54%. Among them, the carotid stenosis rate was less than 50% in 2472 cases, and the stenosis rate was ≥ 50% in 137 cases; the positive rate was 74.54%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking history and cerebral infarction were independent risk factors for carotid artery stenosis (<I>P</I><0.05). <i>Conclusion</i>: Early carotid ultrasound screening and regular reexamination in high-risk stroke populations are necessary. Constructing a logistic regression model based on high-risk factors can predict the risk of cerebrovascular events as early as possible, providing a reliable basis for timely formulation of prevention and treatment measures in clinical practice. There are many factors influencing cerebrovascular events. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids, and determination of arterial stenosis by carotid ultrasound to predict cerebrovascular events are of great significance for the prevention and treatment of stroke high-risk populations. At the same time, attention should be paid to young people, and correctable risk factors should be identified in a timely manner for early intervention to minimize the risk of stroke in asymptomatic populations.

The impact of traditional cardiovascular risk factor control on 7-year follow-up atherosclerosis progression in systemic lupus erythematosus.

The 2022 EULAR recommendations for cardiovascular risk management in patients with rheumatic disorders, including SLE, call for rigorous management of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). The impact of CVRF target attainment on atherosclerotic plaque progression hasn't been previously evaluated in prospective ultrasound studies. A total of 115 patients with SLE and 1:1 age and sex-matched healthy controls who had a baseline carotid and femoral ultrasound examination in our cardiovascular research unit were invited for a 7-year follow-up assessment of new plaque development. We aimed to compare the incidence of plaque progression between SLE patients and controls and reveal the extent to which it is affected by the attainment of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) targets for modifiable CVRFs (blood pressure, smoking status, body weight, lipids and physical activity), and disease-related features (disease duration, disease activity, autoantibodies, treatments). Eighty-six SLE patients and 42 controls had a 7-year follow-up carotid and femoral plaque examination. New plaque development was observed in 32/86 patients vs 8/42 controls (P = 0.037). Patients with SLE had a 4-fold higher risk for plaque progression than controls (OR: 4.16, CI: 1.22, 14.19, P = 0.023), adjusting for potential confounders. Multivariate regression analyses showed a 50% decrease in plaque progression for every modifiable CVRF fulfilling ESC targets (OR: 0.56, CI: 0.34, 0.93, P = 0.026). Patients with SLE develop a rapid progression of atherosclerotic plaques which may be drastically reduced by CVRF target attainment according to ESC guidelines.

Comparison of Parameters for Assessment of Carotid Stiffness and Their Association with Carotid Atherosclerosis in Rural Australian Adults: A Pilot Study.

Carotid stiffness has been associated with the development and progression of carotid artery disease and is an independent factor for stroke and dementia. There has also been a lack of comparison of different ultrasound-derived carotid stiffness parameters and their association with carotid atherosclerosis. This pilot study aimed to investigate the associations between carotid stiffness parameters (derived via ultrasound echo tracking) and the presence of carotid plaques in Australian rural adults. In cross-sectional analyses, we assessed forty-six subjects (68 ± 9 years; mean ± SD) who underwent carotid ultrasound examinations. Carotid stiffness was assessed by a noninvasive echo-tracking method, measuring and comparing multiple carotid stiffness parameters, including stroke change in diameter (ΔD), stroke change in lumen area (ΔA), β- stiffness index, pulse wave velocity beta (PWV-β), compliance coefficient (CC), distensibility coefficient (DC), Young's elastic modulus (YEM), Peterson elastic modulus (Ep), and strain. Carotid atherosclerosis was assessed bilaterally by the presence of plaques in the common and internal carotid arteries, while carotid stiffness was assessed at the right common carotid artery. β-stiffness index, PWV-β, and Ep were significantly higher (p = 0.006, p = 0.004, p = 0.02, respectively), whilst ΔD, CC, DC, and strain were lower among subjects with carotid plaques (p = 0.036, p = 0.032, p = 0.01, p = 0.02, respectively) comparing to subjects without carotid plaques. YEM and ΔA did not significantly differ among the groups. Carotid plaques were associated with age, history of stroke, coronary artery disease, and previous coronary interventions. These results suggest that unilateral carotid stiffness is associated with the presence of carotid plaques.

Cross-Sectional Association of Dietary Patterns and Supplement Intake with Presence and Gray-Scale Median of Carotid Plaques-A Comparison between Women and Men in the Population-Based Hamburg City Health Study.

This population-based cross-sectional cohort study investigated the association of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diet as well as supplement intake with gray-scale median (GSM) and the presence of carotid plaques comparing women and men. Low GSM is associated with plaque vulnerability. Ten thousand participants of the Hamburg City Health Study aged 45-74 underwent carotid ultrasound examination. We analyzed plaque presence in all participants plus GSM in those having plaques (n = 2163). Dietary patterns and supplement intake were assessed via a food frequency questionnaire. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to assess associations between dietary patterns, supplement intake and GSM plus plaque presence. Linear regressions showed an association between higher GSM and folate intake only in men (+9.12, 95% CI (1.37, 16.86), p = 0.021). High compared to intermediate adherence to the DASH diet was associated with higher odds for carotid plaques (OR = 1.18, 95% CI (1.02, 1.36), p = 0.027, adjusted). Odds for plaque presence were higher for men, older age, low education, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking. In this study, the intake of most supplements, as well as DASH or Mediterranean diet, was not significantly associated with GSM for women or men. Future research is needed to clarify the influence, especially of the folate intake and DASH diet, on the presence and vulnerability of plaques.

Generic and disease-adapted cardiovascular risk scores as predictors of atherosclerosis progression in SLE

ObjectiveStudies show that generic cardiovascular risk (CVR) prediction tools may underestimate CVR in SLE. We examined, for the first time to our knowledge, whether generic and disease-adapted CVR scores may...