Prevalence Of Carotid Artery Stenosis Research Articles

Carotid ultrasound to identify head and neck cancer survivors with high cardiovascular risk after radiation therapy: rationale and design of a prospective, cross-sectional pilot study.

Background: Radiation therapy is an integral component of treatment that can predispose to carotid artery stenosis (CAS) and increase the risk of cerebrovascular events for head and neck cancer survivors. The utility of screening for CAS with carotid ultrasound in asymptomatic head and neck cancer survivors is unclear.Methods: In this prospective, cross-sectional pilot study, 60 patients who have no evidence of cancer at least 2years from completion of RT will undergo screening carotid ultrasound to identify patients with high risk of cardiovascular events.Results: Outcomes will include clinically significant CAS, carotid intima-media thickness, acceptability/feasibility of screening, barriers to care and preliminary data on changes to medical management because of screening. Correlative multi-omics analyses will examine biomarkers of CAS after radiation therapy.Conclusion: The results of this study will provide valuable data on the prevalence of CAS and preliminary patient-centered data that will inform the design of a future large-scale, multi-site clinical trial.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05490875 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Prevalence of Carotid Artery Stenosis in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Admitted to a Coronary Care Unit and its Relationship with Coronary Angiographic Findings

Objectives: The prevalence and clinical significance of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients remain uncertain. This study aims to evaluate CAS prevalence and its association with coronary artery disease (CAD) severity in AMI patients admitted to a coronary care unit (CCU). Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, 100 consecutively selected AMI patients underwent ultrasound Doppler carotid artery assessments, including measurements of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), identification of plaque (stenosis >0%), and calculation of internal carotid artery/common carotid artery (ICA/CCA) peak systolic velocity ratio. Angiographic findings, including the number of diseased vessels and Syntax score (SS), were also recorded. Results: Among the study cohort (mean age 55.1±11.2 years, 78 males), 32 patients exhibited CAS, with 8 having cIMT>1.2mm, 3 showing ICA/CCA PSV ratio>2, and 25 presenting plaque. CAS prevalence did not significantly correlate with CAD severity, regardless of the number of diseased vessels or SS. Similarly, CAS rates did not significantly differ based on SS categories (low, intermediate, high). While CAS prevalence trended higher in patients with conventional atherosclerotic risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity), these associations were not statistically significant. Conclusion: CAS was prevalent in approximately one-third of AMI patients, yet it did not demonstrate a significant association with CAD severity or SS. However, CAS rates tended to increase with the presence of conventional atherosclerotic risk factors. Further research is warranted to elucidate the clinical implications of CAS in AMI patients and its relationship with CAD severity.

Prevalence of carotid artery stenosis and intra-cranial lesions in patients with aortic arch aneurysm and its association with intraoperative regional cerebral oxygen saturation and postoperative neurological outcomes.

Although aortic aneurysm is associated with vascular aging and atherosclerosis, carotid and intracranial vascular disease prevalence in patients with aortic arch aneurysm remains unclear. Similarly, the effect of carotid and intracranial lesions on postoperative outcomes is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis and intracranial lesions in patients with aortic arch aneurysm and its association with intraoperative regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) and postoperative neurological outcomes, including delirium and cerebral infarction. This retrospective observational study included 133 patients with true aortic arch aneurysm who underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We evaluated the prevalence of carotid and intracranial arterial lesions. Symptomatic cerebral infarction and delirium, defined by the confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit, were evaluated for their association with preoperative cerebrovascular lesions. Additionally, changes in regional saturation of the cerebral tissue at different surgical phases were evaluated for patients with and without cerebrovascular lesions. Fifteen (11.3%) patients experienced symptomatic cerebral infarction, and 64 (48.1%) had postoperative delirium. Preoperative MRI showed old infarction, microbleeds, significant carotid artery stenosis, and intracranial lesions in 21.1%, 14.3%, 10.5%, and 7.5% of the patients, respectively. White matter hyperintensities with Fazekas scale 2 were observed in 40.6% of the patients, while Fazekas scale 3 were observed in 18.8% of the patients. Preoperative MRI findings and postoperative neurological outcomes were not significantly different. Seventy-six patients underwent rScO2 monitoring intraoperatively. Changes in rScO2 in patients with and without carotid/cerebrovascular lesions were not significantly different. However, rScO2 was significantly lower in patients who developed cerebral infarction. Significant carotid artery stenosis and intracranial lesions were observed in 10.5% and 7.5% of the patients, respectively. Although preoperative MRI findings and changes in rScO2 or postoperative outcomes showed no significant association, patients with postoperative cerebral infarction showed significantly lower rScO2 intraoperatively.

Study the carotid Doppler and computed tomography of head in ischemic stroke patients

Background: A stroke is an episode of acute neurological dysfunction from either ischemic infarction or a collection of blood within the brain or ventricular system with resultant focal injury of the central nervous system. The estimated global incidence of stroke is 2–3/1000 person-years, with older patients and patients with carotid artery stenosis or atrial fibrillation having the highest risk. Hence, carotid studies may help with early prevention and management in patients. Aims and Objectives: We aimed to study the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis in acute ischemic stroke and the association of risk factors. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted in the department of internal medicine over a period of 6 months. It was carried out in 125 ischemic stroke patients’ inpatient departments. The ischemic stroke was established with history, examination, and computed tomography (CT) with carotid color Doppler study for percentage of stenosis. Results: The 47 (37.6%) stroke patients had carotid stenosis <50% and 78 (62.4%) had >50%; out of them, 32% (40) had (≥50–69%) stenosis, 24% (30) exhibited 70–99%, and 6.4% (8) reported total occlusion. In the CT brain, lacunar infarcts were found in 42 (33.6%), normal and middle cerebral artery infarcts in 27 (21.6%), anterior cerebral artery infarcts in 17 (13.6%), and posterior cerebral artery infarcts in 12 (9.6%). In clinical profiles, 75 (60%) patients presented with right-sided hemiparesis, 50 (40%) with left-sided hemiparesis, 62 (49.6%) with loss of consciousness, 28 (22.4%) with dizziness, and 31 (24.8%) with motor aphasia. Conventional risk factors include hypertension in 68 (54.4%), diabetes in 39 (31.2%), dyslipidemia in 58 (46.4%), heart disease in 65 (52%), and smoking in 51 (40.8%). In the present study, the majority of patients found carotid stenosis >50%, lacunar infarcts were the most common CT findings, and right hemiparesis was common paresis. Hypertension was the most common risk factor among others, and all were significant (P<0.05) for the stroke. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of carotid stenosis, with >50% in ischemic stroke patients with hypertension being the most common risk factor.

Carotid Artery Stenosis on Panoramic Radiographs and CT Scans in Patients With Malignancies After Radiotherapy.

This study aimed to identify the progression of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in patients with head and neck cancer following radiation therapy (RT) by characterizing associated risk factors. Panoramic radiographs (OPG), computed tomography (CT) scans, cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans, and ultrasonography (US) of 69 patients with head and neck tumors were selected and analyzed to identify the presence of CAS. Data on tumor location, smoking status, hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia (HLD), diabetes mellitus (DM), and treatment were collected from the patients' medical records. Patients who received chemotherapy or no treatment were excluded from the study. The differential diagnosis of other radiopacities and anatomical landmarks were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups: those with CAS (group1) and those without CAS (group 2) and their clinical information was compared. The overall prevalence of CAS on the panoramic radiographs was 16%. Of the 69 patients, 44 underwent radiography before and after radiotherapy, only seven had mild CAS on radiographs after radiotherapy, and no significant difference in CAS was identified before and after radiotherapy. There were also no differences between the groups regarding age, sex, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, tumor location, and RT dose before and after radiation (p>0.05). Radiotherapy does not seem to affect the prevalence of CAS, although it has been identified in some patients after radiotherapy completion.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Carotid Artery Stenosis (CAS) Among Cardiac Surgery Patients.

Cardiac disease and carotid atherosclerosis rates have increased in recent years. Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) has been recognized as a high-risk factor of perioperative stroke among cardiac surgery patients. Aims: The aims of the study are to identify the prevalence and common risk factors of CAS among patients undergoing cardiac surgery that include coronary artery bypass surgery or valvular cardiac surgery. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the radiology department at Medina Cardiac Center, Al Madinah Al-Munawara. The inclusion criteria for the study were patients aged ≥ 20 years who were scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery or valvular cardiac surgery and had carotid duplex examination before surgery. A Philips X matrix IU22 linear-array ultrasound probe (Philips,Bothell, WA) was used to scan the common carotid artery (CCA), internal carotid artery (ICA), external carotid artery(ECA), and vertebral artery. Results: Of the 261 patients in this study, 78.5% (n= 205) were male. The mean age of patients was 61.6 ± 11.3 years (median: 62.0; range: 55.5-68.0). The overall prevalence of CAS was 71% (n= 187): 52% (n= 136) with bilateral CAS and 19.5% (n= 51) with unilateral CAS. Age group was significantly associated with bilateral CAS and the severity of CAS (p= 0.001). Diabetes mellitus, hypertension and both diabetes mellitus and hypertension together were significantly associated with CAS status (p< 0.05, for all). A significantly higher proportion of smokers had a mild level of CAS on the left side compared to non-smokers (55.8% vs. 46.5%,p= 0.033). Gender and weight status were not linked to severity of CAS. This study shows a high prevalence of CAS among cardiac surgery patients. In addition, older age, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were found to be major risk factors for CAS. Gender and weight status were not associated with CAS. Preoperative carotid duplex scan is a useful exam to identify CAS among cardiac surgery patients and, therefore,to predict and reduce postoperative neurological complications.

Neurovascular Outcomes in Relation With Carotid Artery Stenosis in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Data regarding the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are scarce. Whether CAS, especially severe or bilateral, is a predictor of worse prognosis after TAVI is unknown. We aimed to address these questions. We included all patients who underwent TAVI between 2018 and 2021. Using pre-TAVI carotid Doppler ultrasound, atherosclerosis of the right and left carotid internal arteries was assessed. CAS was defined as moderate (50%-69% stenosis, peak systolic velocity of 125-230 cm/sec) or severe (≥70% stenosis, peak systolic velocity of >230 cm/sec). When both carotid arteries presented with ≥50% stenosis, CAS was defined as bilateral. Endpoints included the 30-day incidence of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), 30-day all-cause mortality, and periprocedural complications. Among 448 patients, 56 (12.5%) had CAS, of which 15 had bilateral and 15 had severe CAS. Patients with CAS were more often men and had higher rates of peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, and previous percutaneous coronary intervention. There was no association between CAS and 30-day stroke or TIA (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-8.91; P=.14), even when considering severe CAS only. However, a significant association was found between bilateral CAS and 30-day stroke or TIA (aHR, 8.399; 95% CI, 1.603-44.000; P=.01). No association between CAS and 30-day mortality or periprocedural complications was found. CAS is common among TAVI patients. While CAS as a whole was not a predictor of neurovascular complications, the subgroup of bilateral CAS was associated with an increased risk of stroke.

Prevalence of carotid artery stenosis with coronary artery disease in Japanese patients: A single-center study

There are a few reports of the prevalence of extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) in Asian patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This was a prospective registry study of 157 consecutive Japanese patients undergoing coronary angiography that aimed to determine the prevalence of extracranial ICAS in recent Japanese patients. The associations between ICAS and the extent or the maximal stenosis of CAD were also investigated. The 131 eligible patients with suspected CAD were prospectively analyzed. Their mean age was 69.0 ± 8.2 years, and 75.6% were males. A total of 111 patients (84.7%) were angiographically diagnosed with CAD. ICAS (area stenosis ≥50% on ultrasonography) was present in 9 patients, and the prevalence in patients with CAD was 8.1%. All patients in the ICAS group had CAD, and this group was significantly more likely to have a history of stroke (p = 0.03). Although no significant relationships were found between the severity of ICAS and the maximal stenosis of CAD, the severity of ICAS increased gradually with the extent of CAD. The prevalence of ICAS in patients with CAD treated with current medical treatment was relatively low (8.1%) compared to previous reports, and the severity of ICAS was significantly associated with the extent of CAD.

Forecasting risk analysis of detection for carotid artery stenosis based on serum levels grading of lipoprotein (a)

Aim of the study: to assess the relationship between Lp(a) serum levels grading and carotid artery stenosis (CAS). The Duplex Registry database was used for this study. CAS was verified by duplex scanning in the presence of an atherosclerotic plaque (AP), stenosing the lumen of the carotid artery (CA) by 20 % or more. Patients who underwent a blood test for Lp(a) and the results were entered into the registry database were selected for this study. The immunoturbidimetric method was used to determine the serum level of Lp(a) (mg/dl). Data from 51 patients (66.6 % men) were included in the final analysis: median age 49.0 [46.0; 59], total cholesterol (TC) 5.93 [5.13; 6.56], Lp(a) 26.5 [14.2; 76.0]. Spearman rank correlation analysis showed the presence of significant relationships (p &lt; 0.05) between Lp(a) and age (r = 0.3), gender (r = 0.3), the presence of AP in the right ICA (r = 0.5), HDL (r = 0.3). OR and 95 % CI were calculated to determine the effect of Lp(a) grades on the probability of CAS detection: Lp(a) &lt; 30 mg/dl OR 0.36 [0.11; 1.14] p = 0.04; Lp(a) &gt; 30 mg/dl OR 1.42 [0.44; 4.58] p = 0.27. The prevalence of CAS in the group with Lp(a) level &lt; 30 mg/dl was 33.3 %, 30–50 mg/dl – 50 %, 50–100 mg/dl – 40 %, &gt; 100 mg/dl – 37.5 %. The model of multiple regression analysis for Lp(a) with TC in relation to the right ICA stenosis predicting showed R = 0.51, F = 8.4, p = 0.0007. The statistics of 3M model of the logistic regression function for CAS predicting based on the Lp(a) and TC data showed: -2 • log(likelihood) = 57.16, Chi-square = 8.17 (cc = 2), p = 0.016. The present study confirmed the relationship between the Lp(a) level and the CAS detection and the presence of an additive effect of total cholesterol on this. The reference role of Lp(a) gradation at the level of 30 mg/dl was determined as significant in relation to predicting CAS detection.

Анализ прогнозирования выявления каротидного атеросклероза в зависимости от градаций уровня липопротеина (а)

Aim of the study: to assess the relationship between Lp(a) serum levels grading and carotid artery stenosis (CAS). The Duplex Registry database was used for this study. CAS was verified by duplex scanning in the presence of an atherosclerotic plaque (AP), stenosing the lumen of the carotid artery (CA) by 20 % or more. Patients who underwent a blood test for Lp(a) and the results were entered into the registry database were selected for this study. The immunoturbidimetric method was used to determine the serum level of Lp(a) (mg/dl). Data from 51 patients (66.6 % men) were included in the final analysis: median age 49.0 [46.0; 59], total cholesterol (TC) 5.93 [5.13; 6.56], Lp(a) 26.5 [14.2; 76.0]. Spearman rank correlation analysis showed the presence of significant relationships (p &lt; 0.05) between Lp(a) and age (r = 0.3), gender (r = 0.3), the presence of AP in the right ICA (r = 0.5), HDL (r = 0.3). OR and 95 % CI were calculated to determine the effect of Lp(a) grades on the probability of CAS detection: Lp(a) &lt; 30 mg/dl OR 0.36 [0.11; 1.14] p = 0.04; Lp(a) &gt; 30 mg/dl OR 1.42 [0.44; 4.58] p = 0.27. The prevalence of CAS in the group with Lp(a) level &lt; 30 mg/dl was 33.3 %, 30–50 mg/dl – 50 %, 50–100 mg/dl – 40 %, &gt; 100 mg/dl – 37.5 %. The model of multiple regression analysis for Lp(a) with TC in relation to the right ICA stenosis predicting showed R = 0.51, F = 8.4, p = 0.0007. The statistics of 3M model of the logistic regression function for CAS predicting based on the Lp(a) and TC data showed: -2 • log(likelihood) = 57.16, Chi-square = 8.17 (cc = 2), p = 0.016. The present study confirmed the relationship between the Lp(a) level and the CAS detection and the presence of an additive effect of total cholesterol on this. The reference role of Lp(a) gradation at the level of 30 mg/dl was determined as significant in relation to predicting CAS detection.

Prevalence of carotid artery stenosis and perioperative stroke in neurologically asymptomatic patients undergoing off pump coronary artery bypass grafting in a tertiary care hospital: An observational study

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis, it’s severity and relation with peri-operative stroke in neurologically asymptomatic patients undergoing CABG for coronary artery disease (CAD) in a tertiary care hospital. It also evaluates the relationship of hemodynamic alterations with the prevalence of stroke. It is a cross sectional study with prospective observations. 97 neurologically asymptomatic patients with CAD in NYHA classification I, II and III scheduled for Off Pump CABG in our cardiac surgery operation theatre. Colour doppler ultrasound was performed in all patients prior to induction to determine the presence of carotid artery stenosis. Based on parameters measured in ultrasound, CAS was classified as per the Society of Radiologists criteria. Prevalence of carotid artery stenosis was assessed. The prevalence of carotid artery stenosis in our study population was 40.2%. The risk factors associated with CAS in our study were BMI &amp;#62;25kg/m2, smoking, left main coronary artery involvement, left ventricular systolic dysfunction (EF&amp;#60;50%). However, risk of CAS was also increased in hypertensive patients and those of age more than 55 years. This study suggested relatively wide prevalence (40.2%) of carotid artery disease in neurologically asymptomatic patients undergoing CABG for coronary artery disease in the elective setting. It demonstrated the importance of subjecting these patients to evaluation by doppler ultrasound of the carotid vessels in the operating room immediately before induction of anaesthesia and the subsequent planning of anaesthetic management as well as surgical approach.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Analysis of Carotid Stenosis Among Ischaemic Heart Diseases Patient in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of carotid stenosis among ischaemic heart disease (IHD) patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and identify risk factors associated with carotid stenosis at a tertiary-level hospital in Bangladesh.Patients and MethodsThis cross-sectional study examined 200 IHD patients scheduled for isolated and elective CABG surgery, and multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the impact of independent variables on carotid stenosis with coronary artery disease. A vascular surgeon and sonographer assessed carotid stenosis, and the severity of stenosis was classified according to the current Grayscale and Doppler US diagnosis models.ResultsWe observed that the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis was 13.5%, and the male was significantly higher (85.2%) in the carotid stenosis group. A multivariate regression analysis observed that age (OR 1.79), dyslipidaemia (OR 2.19), uncontrolled hypertension (OR 2.38), uncontrolled DM (OR 2.51), multivessel coronary artery disease (OR 3.79), and multiple comorbidities (OR 4.46) are potential predictors of having significant carotid stenosis in a patient undergoing CABG surgery.ConclusionIn Bangladesh, multivessel coronary artery disease, especially in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, are 4 (four) times higher risk to have significant carotid artery stenosis. Preoperative carotid duplex screening should be performed to curtail the risk of postoperative adverse cerebrovascular events, particularly those who have carotid stenosis associated potential risk factors.

Abstract 123: Carotid Artery Stenosis In Underrepresented Populations Defined By Factors Other Than Race/ethnicity: Results From All Of Us

Background: While existing evidence points to differences in the prevalence of Carotid Artery Stenosis (CAS) across race/ethnic groups, these differences have not been fully studied in underrepresented populations defined by other factors. We leveraged the recently introduced NIH All of Us Research Program to test the hypothesis that CAS disproportionally affects underrepresented groups defined by factors other than race/ethnicity. Methods: We evaluated data from the All of Us Research Program. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis including study participants with available data from both baseline questionnaires and electronic health records. We ascertained CAS using validated ICD-9/10 codes and corresponding Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership codes. Following the conceptual framework provided by All of Us, we considered underrepresented groups defined not only by race/ethnicity but also by gender identity/sexual orientation, education and income. We fitted multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for vascular risk factors. Results: We included 203,813 study participants in the analysis (mean age 51.5 (SD 16.7), 124,735 (61%) were female). The prevalence of CAS in the overall cohort was 2.7% (n=5,420). For underrepresented groups defined by factors other than race/ethnicity, income &lt;$35K USD (OR 1.16; 1.08-1.25; p&lt;0.001) was associated with higher odds of CAS whereas having less than high school degree (OR 0.87; 0.75-1.00; p=0.05) was associated with lower odds of CAS in multivariable analyses. No significant differences were seen for sexual/gender minorities (p=0.95). For underrepresented groups defined by race/ethnicity, Black (OR 0.87; 95%CI 0.78-0.96; p=0.005) and Hispanic participants (OR 0.83; 95%CI 0.73-0.94; p=0.003) had lower odds of CAS. Conclusions: Among participants enrolled in the All of Us Research Program, lower income was associated with higher risk of CAS whereas Hispanic and Black race/ethnicity were associated with lower risk of CAS. These results underscore the importance of evaluating underrepresented groups beyond those defined by race/ethnicity and highlight the potential of the NIH All of Us Research Program to accelerate health disparities research on this topic.

Prevalence and correlates of carotid artery stenosis in a cohort of Sri Lankan ischaemic stroke patients

BackgroundLarge artery atherosclerotic disease is an important cause of stroke, accounting for 15–46% of ischaemic strokes in population-based studies. Therefore, current guidelines from west recommend urgent carotid imaging in all ischaemic strokes or transient ischaemic attacks and referral for carotid endarterectomy. However, the clinical features and epidemiology of stroke in Asians are different from those in Caucasians and therefore the applicability of these recommendations to Asians is controversial. Data on the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) among South Asian stroke patients is limited. Therefore, we sought to determine the prevalence and associated factors of significant CAS in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients with ischaemic stroke.MethodsWe prospectively studied all ischaemic stroke patients who underwent carotid doppler ultrasonography admitted to the stroke unit of a Sri Lankan tertiary care hospital over 5 years. We defined carotid stenosis as low (< 50%), moderate (50–69%) or severe (70–99%) or total-occlusion (100%) by North American Symptomatic Trial Collaborators (NASCET) criteria. We identified the factors associated with CAS ≥ 50% and ≥ 70% by stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 550 ischaemic stroke patients (326 (59.3%) male, mean age was 58.9 ± 10.2 years) had carotid doppler ultrasonography. Of them, 528 (96.0%) had low-grade, 12 (2.2%) moderate and 7 (1.3%) severe stenosis and 3 (0.5%) had total occlusion. On multivariate logistic regression, age was associated with CAS ≥ 50% (OR 1.12, p = 0.001) and CAS ≥ 70% (OR 1.14, p = 0.016), but none of the other vascular risk factors studied (sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, past history of TIA, stroke or ischemic heart disease) showed significant associations.ConclusionsCarotid stenosis is a minor cause of ischemic stroke in Sri Lankans compared to western populations with only 4.0% having CAS ≥ 50 and 3.5% eligible for carotid endarterectomy. Our findings have implications for the management of acute strokes in Sri Lanka.

Carotid Ultrasound Screening Programs in Rural Communities: A Systematic Review.

Carotid atherosclerosis assessments inform about stroke and cardiovascular risk. It is known that stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence is higher in rural communities than in urban communities. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of rural carotid ultrasound screening programs to define carotid atherosclerosis using traditional and emerging imaging biomarkers, prevalence, and risk factors. We searched Ovid/MEDLINE, Ovid/EMBASE, SCOPUS and CINAHL from inception to 3 April 2020 for rural population studies that utilized carotid ultrasound screening for adults ≥40 years of age and free of known cerebrovascular disease. Studies were included if participants received a bilateral ultrasound scanning of the carotid arteries and reported at least one marker of carotid atherosclerosis pathology. A random effect meta-analyses calculated the estimated prevalence of carotid plaque. In total, 22/3461 articles that met all of the inclusion criteria were included. Studies reported increased intima media thickness (IMT), carotid plaque presence and carotid artery stenosis. There were no studies reporting on novel imaging markers, such as carotid stiffness, carotid plaque morphology or neovascularization. The overall random effect pooled prevalence of carotid plaque was 34.1% (95% CI, 33.6–35.0); the prevalence of increased IMT was 11.2–41.5%, and the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis was 0.4–16.0%. There is an absence of data necessary to understand the carotid atherosclerosis prevalence across global rural populations. Represented studies have focused on East Asian countries where a high burden of rural carotid artery disease has been reported. There is no rural evidence to guide the use of novel ultrasound carotid biomarkers such as stiffness or neovascularization.

The use of curved sheath technique to facilitate difficult internal carotid artery occlusions

Carotid Artery Occlusive Disease or Carotid Artery Stenosis (CAS), a widely prevalent disease, involves blockage of the arterial wall through atherosclerotic plaques. Due to the high prevalence of carotid artery stenosis, innovative approaches to improve the outcome are required, particularly for more difficult and unique cases. Within this report, we present a particularly difficult case of Type III Aortic Arch – Right Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) stenosis making it a challenging case. We describe a symptomatic 87-year-old male who presented to Cardiology clinic. CT angiogram showed 70% occlusion of right internal carotid artery and patient was deemed high risk for carotid artery surgery; hence, the patient underwent internal carotid artery stenting. After the procedure, angiogram results were excellent, and the patient was transferred to CICU in stable hemodynamic condition. This case demonstrates the significance of innovative new techniques in the development of medical treatment.&#x0D; Keywords: Carotid Artery Stenting, Curve Sheath Technique, Type 3 Aortic Arch, Right Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis

Prevalence, predictors and outcome of carotid stenosis: a sub study in the Preventive Antibiotics in Stroke Study (PASS)

BackgroundThe prevalence of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients is historically reported at 15–20%, but an up-to-date estimate is lacking. We hypothesise it is lower than historically reported, due to better risk management to date. The study aims to study prevalence, predictors and survival of CAS in AIS patients.MethodsWe included patients with AIS from the Preventive Antibiotics in Stroke Study (PASS), a large Dutch randomized, multicentre, open-label phase III trial that included 2538 patients with acute stroke and randomised between standard care or preventive ceftriaxone. Patients with stroke in the anterior circulation that underwent diagnostic testing of the internal carotid artery (ICA) were eligible for this sub study and used in these secondary analyses. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors for CAS ≥ 50%. Additionally, an ordinal regression was performed to assess the association between presence of CAS at baseline and functional outcome at three months on the modified Rankin scale (mRS).Results1480 patients with AIS were included; 277 had CAS (18.7%; 95%CI:17.7-19.7). Age, hypertension, smoking and male gender were found as best-fit predictors for presence of CAS. Significant shift in mRS score after 90 days for CAS ≥50% towards a higher mRS score with an OR of 1.66 (95% CI 1.30-2.10) was found.ConclusionsCurrent prevalence of CAS is 18.7%, which is higher than we expected. Gender, smoking and hypertension are important factors associated with CAS. Patients with CAS had a significantly higher mRs score after 90 days.Trial registrationUnique identifier:ISRCTN66140176

Carotid Ultrasound Screening Programs in Rural Communities: A Systematic Review

Carotid atherosclerosis assessments inform about stroke and cardiovascular risk. It is known that stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence is higher in rural communities than in urban communities. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of rural carotid ultrasound screening programs to define carotid atherosclerosis using traditional and emerging imaging biomarkers, prevalence, and risk factors. We searched Ovid/MEDLINE, Ovid/EMBASE, SCOPUS and CINAHL from inception to 3 April 2020 for rural population studies that utilized carotid ultrasound screening for adults ≥40 years of age and free of known cerebrovascular disease. Studies were included if participants received a bilateral ultrasound scanning of the carotid arteries and reported at least one marker of carotid atherosclerosis pathology. A random effect meta-analyses calculated the estimated prevalence of carotid plaque. In total, 22/3461 articles that met all of the inclusion criteria were included. Studies reported increased intima media thickness (IMT), carotid plaque presence and carotid artery stenosis. There were no studies reporting on novel imaging markers, such as carotid stiffness, carotid plaque morphology or neovascularization. The overall random effect pooled prevalence of carotid plaque was 34.1% (95% CI, 33.6–35.0); the prevalence of increased IMT was 11.2–41.5%, and the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis was 0.4–16.0%. There is an absence of data necessary to understand the carotid atherosclerosis prevalence across global rural populations. Represented studies have focused on East Asian countries where a high burden of rural carotid artery disease has been reported. There is no rural evidence to guide the use of novel ultrasound carotid biomarkers such as stiffness or neovascularization.

A Study on First Ischemic Stroke Patients for Prevalence of Extracranial Carotid Artery Stenosis and Risk Factors: Our Experience in Northeast India and Review of Literature

Objective: To assess the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis and risk factors in stroke patients of northeast India. This is a prospective hospital-based study on 157 first ischemic stroke patients of the region. Method: A total of 157 patients presenting with first ever sudden onset focal neurological deficit lasting for more than 24 hours due to acute ischemic brain infarction were selected, after excluding other causes of focal neurological deficit by imaging. All extracranial carotid arteries were evaluated with carotid ultrasonography. Forty-four patients also had computed tomography (CT) angiography of intracranial and extracranial arteries. Risk factors of stroke were recorded for each patient. Results: Only 8.92% patients had significant extracranial carotid artery stenosis. There was high prevalence of intracranial artery stenosis compared to extracranial artery stenosis in patients who had CT angiography. There was high prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. Increased age and male sex were important factors associated with first ischemic stroke. Conclusion: The prevalence of significant extracranial carotid artery stenosis is low in northeast Indian patients with first ischemic stroke, indicating that it is not a major cause of ischemic stroke in this population. There may be high prevalence of intracranial artery stenosis compared to extracranial artery stenosis.

An exploratory cross-sectional study of subclinical vascular damage in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica

The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of subclinical vascular damage in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). We enrolled PMR patients having major cardiovascular risk factors (MCVRF) and, as controls, patients with MCVRF. All underwent: color Doppler ultrasound to evaluate the common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), the anterior–posterior abdominal aortic diameter (APAD), and the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis; the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) to measure arterial stiffness together with the ankle-brachial index (ABI) to investigate the presence of lower-extremity peripheral arterial disease. Finally, we measured the serum levels of adipocytokines implicated in vascular dysfunction. As a result, 48 PMR and 56 MCVRF patients were included. An increase of IMT (1.07/0.8–1.2 vs 0.8/0.8–1.05; p = 0.0001), CAVI (8.7/7.8–9.3 vs 7.6/6.9–7.8; p < 0.0001) and APAD values (21.15/18.1–25.6 vs 18/16–22; p = 0.0013) was found in PMR patients with respect to controls. No differences were reported in the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis or ABI values between the two groups. A significant correlation between IMT and CAVI in PMR and MCVRF subjects (r2 = 0.845 and r2 = 0.556, respectively; p < 0.01) was found. Leptin levels (pg/mL; median/25th–75th percentile) were higher in PMR than in MCVRF subjects (145.1/67–398.6 vs 59.5/39.3–194.3; p = 0.04). Serum levels of adiponectin (ng/mL) were higher in PMR patients (15.9/10.65–24.1 vs 6.1/2.8–22.7; p = 0.01), while no difference in serum levels of resistin (ng/mL) was found between PMR and MCVRF subjects (0.37/0.16–0.66 vs 0.26/0.14–1.24). Our study shows an increased subclinical vascular damage in PMR patients compared to those with MCVRF, paving the way for further studies aimed at planning primary cardiovascular prevention in this population.