High-grade Stenosis Research Articles

Commentary: Stenting in High-Grade Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Commentary: Stenting in High-Grade Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Treatment of Childhood High-Grade Subglottic Stenosis (SGS) Through Laryngotracheoplasty (LTP) in a Tertiary Pediatric Center from 2013 to 2020.

Laryngotracheal reconstruction is the most common and effective treatment in childhood subglottic stenosis (SGS). Our aim is to review the success rate of laryngotracheoplasty (LTP) in pediatric high grade SGS cases in our tertiary center. The retrospective review was conducted on children with high grade subglottic stenosis who had undergone laryngotracheoplasty over a 7-year period (2013-2020) in tertiary pediatric care. A total of 20 patients who had history of high grade SGS during the stipulated period were included. All of them had undergone LTP. Decannulation was considered the primary outcome measure of success. Surveillance bronchoscopy was performed one year post airway reconstruction to detect residual stenosis. From January 2013 to December 2020, 20 patients aged between 1 and 16years old underwent LTP. Among them, 10 patients (50%) had Grade III SGS while 5 had Grade III SGS with glottis stenosis (25%). The remaining 5 (25%) had severe Grade IV stenosis. Decannulation was achieved in 14 patients overall (70%) including 1 with revision. These 14 patients who achieved decannulation included 7 out of the 10 patients (70%) with Grade III, 2 out of the 5 (40%) patients with Grade III with glottic involvement, and 4 out of the 5 patients (80%) with Grade IV SGS. Fifteen (80%) patients had double stage LTP while 5 patients had single stage LTP. The study suggests that LTP is a promising approach in the treatment of Complex SGS. Furthermore, pediatric SGS, which is inherently complicated, can be treated with LTP effectively.

Stenting as a treatment for cranio-cervical artery dissection: Improved major adverse cardiovascular event-free survival.

Cranio-cervical artery dissection (CeAD) is a common cause of cerebrovascular events in young subjects with no clear treatment strategy established. We evaluated the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in CeAD patients treated with and without stent placement. COMParative effectiveness of treatment options in cervical Artery diSSection (COMPASS) is a single high-volume center observational, retrospective longitudinal registry that enrolled consecutive CeAD patients over a 2-year period. Patients were ≥ 18 years of age with confirmed extra- or intracranial CeAD on imaging. Enrolled participants were followed for 1year evaluating MACE as the primary endpoint. One-hundred ten patients were enrolled (age 53 ± 15.9, 56% Caucasian, and 50% male, BMI 28.9 ± 9.2). Grade I, II, III, and IV blunt vascular injury was noted in 16%, 33%, 19%, and 32%, respectively. Predisposing factors were noted in the majority (78%), including sneezing, carrying heavy load, chiropractic manipulation. Stent was placed in 10 (10%) subjects (extracranial carotid n=9; intracranial carotid n=1; extracranial vertebral n=1) at the physician's discretion along with medical management. Reasons for stent placement were early development of high-grade stenosis or expanding pseudoaneurysm. Stented patients experienced no procedural or in-hospital complications and no MACE between discharge and 1 year follow up. CeAD patients treated with medical management only had 14% MACE at 1 year. In this single high-volume center cohort of CeAD patients, stenting was found to be beneficial, particularly with development of high-grade stenosis or expanding pseudoaneurysm. These results warrant confirmation by a randomized clinical trial.

Drug-Coated Balloons for the Treatment of Symptomatic Intracranial High-Grade Stenosis: A Review of the Current Rationale.

Symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease (sICAD) remains a challenging disorder in the neurovascular field. Despite best medical treatment, the recurrence rate for stroke remains high in patients with intracranial high-grade stenosis (>70–99%). Furthermore, two large randomized trials (SAMMPRIS and VISSIT) failed to prove the efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in patients with sICAD. Drug-coated balloon percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (DCB-PTA) represents an alternative treatment modality with therapeutic benefits for interventional cardiology. However, there are very few articles in the existing literature that relate to the use of DCB-PTA in sICAD patients. Here, we aimed to review the rationale underlying the use of DCB-PTA in sICAD patients and summarize recent developments in the neurovascular field.

Stenting in High-Grade Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Carotid artery stenosis is implicated in up to 40% of all ischemic strokes. Accordingly, symptomatic, high-grade carotid artery stenosis portends an especially high risk of future stroke. Intervention via open or endovascular approaches drastically reduces this risk. Under the appropriate conditions, carotid artery stenting serves as a safe and effective alternative to carotid endarterectomy. We present the case of a 57-yr-old male with symptomatic, high-grade stenosis of his right internal carotid artery, for whom a history of radiation to the head and neck represented a relative contraindication to carotid endarterectomy, and thus endovascular treatment with angioplasty and stenting was performed. Informed consent was obtained prior to the procedure. Intraprocedurally, stent delivery past the area of stenosis proved somewhat challenging. However, by employing several nuanced maneuvers, we utilized our guiding catheter in a nonconventional manner in order to successfully perform the procedure. As the field of neuroendovascular surgery evolves, each case provides us unique lessons, which in turn expands our interventional capabilities and adds to the armamentarium of neuroendovascular techniques. We present this surgical video both as a means to provide a general overview of carotid artery stenting, and to share a lesson learned through the implementation of an interesting technical nuance.

Intracranial Stenting: Angioplasty Basic Technique, Indications, and Sizing: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a common cause of stroke. Antiplatelet therapy is the mainstay for symptomatic ICAD treatment. Endovascular management with submaximal angioplasty and/or intracranial stenting is reserved for patients with repeated ischemic events despite optimal medical therapy. We demonstrate intracranial angioplasty and stenting technique, technique indications, and sizing of stent and target vessel diameter. Stenting and angioplasty have been described in the Stenting and Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis and Wingspan Stent System Post Market Surveillance trials.1,2 Submaximal angioplasty has also been described.3 This patient, who had been on dual antiplatelet therapy for several months, initially presented with occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery M2 inferior division and underwent mechanical thrombectomy with successful reperfusion. Postoperatively, the patient's symptoms did not improve. Medical management was optimized with heparin infusion. However, repeat stroke study demonstrated M2 inferior division reocclusion. A decision was made to proceed with intracranial angioplasty and stenting. P2Y12 levels were therapeutic. Under moderate conscious sedation, submaximal angioplasty of up to 80% of the normal M2 caliber was attempted. However, we observed persistent high-grade stenosis of the M2 inferior division. The major risk of crossing the lesion for angioplasty is vessel perforation. To safely perform this maneuver, we used a J-configured Synchro-2 microwire (Stryker). Because of the patient's recent thrombectomy, we also had prior tactile feedback about how much resistance was encountered while crossing the occlusion. We then deployed a balloon-mounted intracranial stent for optimal radial force across the stenotic area to restore perfusion. Postoperative computed tomography perfusion showed resolution of the previously noticed perfusion deficit. The patient gave informed consent for the procedures and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Video. ©University at Buffalo Neurosurgery, September 2020. With permission.

3D cardiac magnetic resonance stress-perfusion in elderly patients

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Swiss National Science Foundation Introduction Age related comorbidities and reduced compliance often limit ischaemia testing in elderly patients. Purpose To assessed the accuracy of 3D cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) stress perfusion in the elderly population. Methods 56 patients aged ≥75 years underwent 3D CMR stress-perfusion and invasive coronary angiography with quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) as part of a multicenter study. The accuracy of 3D CMR stress-perfusion was compared to patients aged <75 years old (n = 360) using qualitative and quantitative imaging parameters. Results Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of qualitative 3D perfusion CMR were similar for both age groups in the detection of high-grade (≥50%) coronary stenosis on QCA and hemodynamically relevant (<0.8) stenosis on FFR, p > 0.05 all. Quantitative myocardial ischemia burden was larger in elderly patients (15% ± 17% vs. 9% ± 13%) with similarly high diagnostic accuracy of quantitative 3D CMR perfusion in both age groups to predict pathological FFR (AUC ≥75: 0.906; AUC <75: 0.866). Conclusions 3D CMR perfusion is well suited for myocardial ischaemia testing in the elderly patients with similarly high diagnostic accuracy as in younger individuals.

Science, Medicine, and the Anesthesiologist

Science, Medicine, and the Anesthesiologist

Decreasing Spatial Variability of Individual Watershed Areas by Revascularization Therapy in Patients With High-Grade Carotid Artery Stenosis.

Carotid artery stenosis can impair cerebral hemodynamics especially within watershed areas (WSAs) between vascular territories. WSAs can shift because of collateral flow, which may be an indicator for increased hemodynamic implications and hence higher risk for ischemic stroke. However, whether revascularization treatment can reverse the spatial displacement of individual WSAs (iWSAs) and impaired hemodynamics remains unknown. That iWSAs spatially normalize because of hemodynamic improvement resulting from revascularization treatment. Prospective. Sixteen patients with unilateral, high-grade carotid artery stenosis confirmed by duplex ultrasonography and 17 healthy controls. A 3 T-magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MPRAGE), gradient-echo echo planar dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC), and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences. Additionally, contrast-enhanced 3D gradient echo magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) spin-echo echo planar imaging were performed. iWSAs were delineated by a recently proposed procedure based on time-to-peak maps from DSC perfusion MRI, which were also used to evaluate perfusion delay. We spatially compared iWSAs and perfusion delay before and after treatment (endarterectomy or stenting). Additionally, the Circle of Willis collateralization status was evaluated, and basic cognitive testing was conducted. Statistical tests included two-sample t-tests and Chi-squared tests. A P value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. After revascularization, patients showed a significant spatial shift of iWSAs and significantly reduced perfusion delay ipsilateral to the stenosis. Spatial shift of iWSA (P=0.007) and cognitive improvement (P=0.013) were more pronounced in patients with poor pre-existing collateralization. Controls demonstrated stable spatial extent of iWSAs (P=0.437) and symmetric perfusion delays between hemispheres over time (P=0.773). These results demonstrate the normalization of iWSA and impaired hemodynamics after revascularization in patients with high-grade carotid artery stenosis. 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Non-Adherence to Antihypertensive Guidelines in Patients with Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis

ImportanceHypertension and carotid stenosis are both risk factors for stroke, but the presence of carotid stenosis might dampen enthusiasm for tight control of hypertension because of concerns for hypoperfusion. ObjectiveTo determine the extent to which there are opportunities to potentially improve pharmacotherapy for hypertension in patients known to have asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis. DesignWe examined anti-hypertensive medication prescription and adherence to evidence-based hypertension treatment guidelines in a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data of patients enrolled in a clinical trial. SettingThe Carotid Revascularization and Medical Management for Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis Trial (CREST-2) is a multicenter prospective randomized open blinded end-point clinical trial of intensive medical management with or without revascularization by endarterectomy or stenting for asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis. Participants1479 participants (38.6% female; mean age 69.8 years) from 132 clinical centers enrolled in the CREST-2 trial as of April 6, 2020 who were taking ≥1 antihypertensive drug at baseline. ExposuresPharmacotherapy for hypertension. Main outcomeAdherence to evidence-based guidelines for treating hypertension. ResultsOf 1458 participants with complete data, 26% were on one, 31% on 2, and 43% on ≥3 antihypertensive medications at trial entry. Thirty-two percent of participants were prescribed thiazide; 74%, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB); 38%, calcium channel blocker (CCB); 56%, a beta blocker; 11%, loop diuretic; and 27%, other. Of those prescribed a single antihypertensive medication, the proportion prescribed thiazide was 5%; ACEI or ARB, 55%, and CCB, 11%. The prevalence of guideline-adherent regimens was 34% (95% CI, 31-36%). Conclusions and relevanceIn a diverse cohort with severe carotid disease and hypertension, non-adherence to hypertension guidelines was common. All preferred classes of antihypertensive drug were under-prescribed. Using staged iterative guideline-based care for hypertension, CREST-2 will characterize drug tolerance and stroke rates under these conditions. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Number NCT02089217.

One-step evaluation of intraplaque hemorrhage in the carotid artery and vertebrobasilar artery using simultaneous non-contrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage

PurposeTo investigate the one-step detection of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) in the carotid artery (CA) and vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) using simultaneous non-contrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage (SNAP). MethodsFrom January 2019 to March 2020, 1820 consecutive patients who visited our emergency room for evaluation of neurologic symptoms underwent brain MR imaging, including the SNAP sequence. SNAP imaging examined the coronal section from the CA to the VBA. IPH was defined as plaque in the CA and VBA with 200 % higher signal intensity on SNAP than in adjacent muscle in at least two consecutive slices. ResultsOf these patients, 360 (19.8 %) had carotid plaque (both sides = 141, 39.2 %; single side = 219, 61.8 %). Of patients with carotid plaque, 185 (51.4 %) had IPH. Of 141 patients with plaques on both sides, 35 (24.8 %) had bilateral IPH. In total, 73 (4.0 %) patients had VBA IPH (30 with carotid plaque, 43 without carotid plaque). In addition, 18 (1.0 %) patients had carotid IPH and VBA IPH. Maximal wall thickness was significantly higher in the carotid IPH groups (4.5 ± 0.1 vs. 4.1 ± 0.1, p = 0.009). Prevalence of high grade stenosis (>70 %) was significantly higher in the carotid IPH group (17.5 % vs. 6.2 %, p < 0.001). ConclusionsSNAP imaging can be evaluated with a one-step examination of CA and VBA IPH.

Utility of the 50% stenosis criterion for patients undergoing stenting for chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction

ObjectiveThe criterion for venous stenting in symptomatic chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction has been the arbitrary use of stenosis of ≥50%. In the present study, we evaluated the intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-determined degree of stenosis in patients who had undergone stenting for quality of life (QOL)-impairing symptoms and assessed the utility of the 50% stenosis cutoff. MethodsA retrospective review of contemporaneously entered electronic medical record data from 480 continuous patients (480 limbs) with initial iliofemoral stents placed (2014 to 2017) for symptomatic chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction impairing their QOL was performed. The IVUS-determined normal minimal luminal areas for the common femoral vein (125 mm), external iliac vein (150 mm), and common iliac vein (200 mm) were used to group limbs as having <50% (low-grade stenosis [LGS]) or ≥50% (high-grade stenosis [HGS]) stenosis. The variables compared included the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score, venous clinical severity score (VCSS; range, 0-27), ulcer healing, supine foot venous pressures, QOL (20-item chronic venous disease QOL questionnaire), and stent patency. A composite chronic venous insufficiency score (CCVIS) incorporating the VAS score, VCSS, and CIVIQ-20 score for predicting improvement after stenting was evaluated. ResultsOf the 480 limbs, 283 and 197 were in the LGS and HGS groups, respectively. A preponderance of women, left laterality, and post-thrombotic syndrome were noted in both groups. At baseline, although no difference was found in the VAS for pain score between groups, the LGS group had a higher VCSS than did the HGS group (P = .05). The baseline median supine foot venous pressure was 15 and 14 mm Hg in the LGS and HGS groups, respectively (P = .17). At 24 months after stenting, the mean VCSS had improved from 6.3 to 4.4 (P < .0001) and from 5.7 to 3.7 (P < .0001) in the LGS and HGS groups, respectively, without significant differences between the two groups (P = .07). A greater prevalence of ulcers was found in the LGS group (18% vs 11%; P = .04), with no differences in healing (P = .41) or recurrence rates (P = .36). The QOL scores had improved in both groups (LGS, from 58 to 37 [P < .0001]; HGS, from 61 to 35 [P < .0001]), without differences between the two groups (P > .3). No significant differences in stent patency or reinterventions rates were found. A baseline CCVIS of ≥84.5, ≥86.9, or ≥105.3 was needed for a 30-, 40-, and 50-point improvement in most limbs after stenting. ConclusionsThe degree of IVUS-determined iliofemoral venous stenosis did not appear to affect the initial clinical presentation, CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic) clinical class, supine foot venous pressure, clinical improvement, QOL improvement, stent patency, or reintervention rates after stenting. Patients presenting with QOL-impairing symptoms in whom conservative treatment has failed merit consideration of correction of their obstruction even if the degree of stenosis is <50%. The use of a CCVIS might be helpful but requires further study.

Biliary-Colonic Fistula Associated With High-Grade Biliary Stenosis From Errant Surgical Clip During Previous Biliary Surgery: Diagnosis and Treatment By ERCP.

Biliary-Colonic Fistula Associated With High-Grade Biliary Stenosis From Errant Surgical Clip During Previous Biliary Surgery: Diagnosis and Treatment By ERCP.

High-Grade Stenosis of a Traumatic Brachiocephalic Pseudoaneurysm and the Change in Cerebral Blood Flow Assessed With Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound CME credit June 2021

High-Grade Stenosis of a Traumatic Brachiocephalic Pseudoaneurysm and the Change in Cerebral Blood Flow Assessed With Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound CME credit June 2021

Revascularization for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis improves balance and mobility

ObjectiveBalance and mobility function worsen with age, more so for those with underlying chronic diseases. We recently found that asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS) restricts blood flow to the brain and might also contribute to balance and mobility impairment. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that ACAS is a modifiable risk factor for balance and mobility impairment. Our goal was to assess the effect of restoring blood flow to the brain by carotid revascularization on the balance and mobility of patients with high-grade ACAS (≥70% diameter-reducing stenosis). MethodsTwenty adults (age, 67.0 ± 9.4 years) undergoing carotid endarterectomy for high-grade stenosis were enrolled. Balance and mobility assessments were performed before and 6 weeks after revascularization. These included the Short Physical Performance Battery, the Berg Balance Scale, the Four Square Step Test, the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), the Timed Up and Go test, gait speed, the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), and the Walking While Talking complex test. ResultsConsistent with our previous findings, patients demonstrated reduced scores on the Short Physical Performance Battery, Berg Balance Scale, DGI, and Timed Up and Go test and in gait speed. Depending on the outcome measure, 25% to 90% of the patients had scored in the impaired range at baseline. After surgery, significant improvements were observed in the outcome measures that combined walking with dynamic movements, including the DGI (P = .02) and Mini-BESTest (P = .002). The proportion of patients with Mini-BESTest scores indicating a high fall risk had decreased significantly from 90% (n = 18) at baseline to 40% (n = 8) after surgery (P = .02). We used Pearson's correlations to examine the relationship between balance and mobility before surgery and the change after surgery. Patients with lower baseline DGI and Mini-BESTest scores demonstrated the most improvement after surgery (r = −0.59, P = .006; and r = −0.70, P = .001, respectively). ConclusionsCarotid revascularization improved patients' balance and mobility, especially for measures that combine walking and dynamic movements. The greatest improvements were observed for the patients who had been most impaired at baseline.

Preoperative Dependent Functional Status Is Associated With Poor Outcomes After Carotid Endarterectomy and Carotid Stenting in Both Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients

BackgroundBoth Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) are the most common procedures to treat patients with symptomatic, and asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis. Poor preoperative functional status (FS) is increasingly being recognized as predictor for postoperative outcomes. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of preoperative functional status on the outcomes of patients who undergo CEA or CAS. MethodsData was obtained from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database from the years 2011–2018. All patients in the database who underwent CEA or CAS during this time period were identified. Patients were then further divided into 2 subgroups: FS-Independent and FS-dependent. Bivariate and multivariate analyses was performed for pre, intra and post-operative variables with functional status. Outcomes for treatment of symptomatic carotid disease were compared to those with asymptomatic disease among the cohort of functionally dependent patients. ResultsA total of 27,163 patients (61.2% Males, 38.8% Females) underwent CEA (n = 26,043) or CAS (n = 1,120) from 2011–2018. Overall, primary outcomes were as follows: mortality 0.77% (n = 210) and stroke 1.87% (n = 507).Risk adjusted multivariate analysis showed that FS-D patients undergoing CEA had higher mortality (AOR 3.06, CI 1.90–4.92, P < 0.001), longer operative times (AOR 1.36, CI 1.17–1.58, P< 0.001) higher incidence of unplanned reoperation (AOR 1.68, CI 1.19–2.37, P = 0.003), postoperative pneumonia (AOR 5.43, CI 1.62 – 18.11, P = 0.006) and ≥3 day LOS (AOR 3.05, CI 2.62–3.56, P < 0.001) as compared to FS-I patients. FS-D patients undergoing CAS had higher incidence of postoperative pneumonia (AOR 20.81, CI 1.66–261.54, P = 0.019) and higher incidence of LOS ≥3 days (AOR 2.18, CI 1.21–3.93, P < .01) as compared to FS-I patients. Survival analysis showed that the best 30-day survival was observed in FS-I patients undergoing CEA, followed by FS-I patients undergoing CAS, followed by FS-D patients undergoing CEA, followed by FS-D patients undergoing CAS. FS-D status increased mortality after CEA by 2.11%. When the outcomes of CAS and CEA were compared to each other for the cohort of FS-D patients, CAS was associated with higher incidence of stroke (AOR 3.46, CI 0.32–1.97, P= 0.046), shorter operative times (AOR 0.25, CI 0.12–0.52, P < 0.001) and higher incidence of pneumonia (AOR 11.29, CI 1.32–96.74, P = 0.027). Symptomatic patientsundergoing CEA had higher LOS as compared to symptomatic patients undergoing CAS, and asymptomatic patients undergoing CEA or CAS. ConclusionsFS-D patients, undergoing CEA have higher mortality as compared to FS-I patients undergoing CAS. FS-D patients undergoing CAS have higher incidence of postoperative pneumonia and longer LOS as compared to FS-I patients. For the cohort of FS-D patients undergoing either CEA or CAS, CAS was associated with higher risk of stroke and reduced operative times. Risk benefit ratio for any carotid intervention should be carefully assessed before offering it to FS-D patients.Preoperative Dependent Functional Status Is Associated with Poor Outcomes After Carotid Endarterectomy and Carotid Stenting in Both Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients

High-Grade Stenosis of a Traumatic Brachiocephalic Pseudoaneurysm and the Change in Cerebral Blood Flow Assessed With Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound

This is a case report of a 35-year-old female pedestrian struck by a semi-truck. computed tomographic angiography (CTA) revealed a pseudoaneurysm at the proximal brachiocephalic artery measuring 1.8 cm in cranio-caudal length and 1.2 × 0.6 cm transverse. Just distal to the pseudoaneurysm, there was severe luminal narrowing caused by either a dissection flap or mural thrombus. Due to profound left-sided weakness, transcranial Doppler ultrasound was performed which demonstrated “hesitant” waveforms in the right middle cerebral and right vertebral arteries secondary to proximal obstruction. Hesitant waveforms display mid-systolic velocity deceleration and may also be referred to as the “bunny” waveform. Emboli monitoring of the right middle cerebral and basilar arteries were positive for active embolization

Race Differences in High-Grade Carotid Artery Stenosis.

Despite a higher incidence of stroke and a more adverse cardiovascular risk factor profile in Blacks and Hispanics compared with Whites, carotid artery revascularization is performed less frequently among these subpopulations. We assessed racial differences in high-grade (≥70% diameter-reducing) carotid stenosis. Consecutive clients in a Nationwide Life Line for-Profit Service to screen for vascular disease, 2005 to 2019 were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. The prevalence of high-grade stenosis, defined by a carotid ultrasound peak systolic velocity of ≥230 cm/s, was assessed. Participants self-identified as White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, or other. Race/ethnic differences were assessed using Poisson regression. The number of individuals in the United States with high-grade stenosis was estimated by applying prevalence estimates to 2015 US Census population estimates. The prevalence of high-grade carotid stenosis was estimated in 6 130 481 individuals. The prevalence of high-grade stenosis was higher with increasing age in all race-sex strata. Generally, Blacks and Hispanics had a lower prevalence of high-grade stenosis compared with Whites, while Native Americans had a higher prevalence. For example, for men aged 55 to 65, the relative risk of stenosis compared with Whites was 0.40 (95% CI, 0.29–0.55) and 0.61 (95% CI, 0.46–0.81) for Blacks and Hispanics, respectively; and 1.53 (95% CI, 1.12–2.10) for Native Americans. When these prevalence estimates were applied to the Census estimates of the US population, an estimated 327 721 individuals have high-grade stenosis, of whom 7% are Black, 7% Hispanic, and 43% women. Despite their having a more adverse cardiovascular risk profile, there was a lower prevalence of high-grade carotid artery stenosis for both the Black and Hispanic relative to the White clients. This lower prevalence of high-grade stenosis is a potential contributor to the lower use of carotid revascularization procedures in these minority populations.

Positive predictive value and stroke workflow outcomes using automated vessel density (RAPID-CTA) in stroke patients: One year experience.

Several new techniques have emerged for detecting anterior circulation large vessel occlusion by quantifying relative vessel density including RAPID-CTA, potentially allowing for faster triage and decreased time to mechanical thrombectomy. We present our one-year experience on positive predictive value of RAPID-CTA for the detection of large vessel occlusion in patients presenting with stroke symptoms and its effect on treatment time and clinical outcomes. Three hundred and ten patients presenting with stroke symptoms with relative vessel density <60% on RAPID-CTA were included (average age 70 years, 145 male, 165 female). Examinations were considered positive if there was evidence of large vessel occlusion or high grade stenosis. Computed tomography angiography to groin puncture time was calculated during one-year time intervals before and after RAPID-CTA installation. Ninety-day Modified Rankin Scale scores were obtained for patients in each cohort. Of the 310 patients, 270 had large vessel occlusion or high grade stenosis (87% positive predictive value), with 161 having large vessel occlusion. Using 45% relative vessel density threshold, 129/161 large vessel occlusion were detected (80% sensitivity) and 163/172 examinations were positive (95% positive predictive value). Computed tomography angiography to groin puncture time was significantly lower after deployment of RAPID-CTA (93 min vs 68 min, p<0.05). Average 90 day modified Rankin Scale score was lower in the RAPID-CTA group with a higher percentage of patients with functional independence, although the data was not statistically significant. RAPID-CTA had high positive predictive value for large vessel occlusion with a 45% relative vessel density threshold, which could facilitate active worklist reprioritization. Time to treatment was significantly lower and clinical outcomes were improved after deployment of RAPID-CTA.

Brain blood flow matters

Compromise in cognitive function in patients with carotid bifurcation disease is well documented. This might result from hypoperfusion of the affected hemisphere. However, not every patient with asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis will have compromised blood flow because collateral blood flow, via the circle of Willis, might provide adequate compensation. In their previous reports, Lal et al1 and Gray et al2 showed a clear correlation between carotid stenosis and impaired cognitive function but did not provide a mechanism.