Risk Of Atheroembolism Research Articles

Abstract 275: The Association Between Elevated Lipoprotein(a) And In-hospital Outcomes

Purpose: Elevated lipoprotein(a), Lpa, has quickly emerged as an independent cardiovascular disease risk factor with increased risk for adverse atherosclerotic Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, we sought to assess the association of elevated Lp(a) to in-hospital cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: We identified patients with elevated Lpa using ICD-10 code in the NIS data from the year 2019. We compared in-hospital outcomes between elevated and non-elevated Lpa groups before and after propensity score matching. We then performed a regression analysis on the matched cohort. Our predictors of interest were acute myocardial infarction (AMI), cerebrovascular disease (CEVD), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and a composite outcome (cardiorisk) including, AMI, CEVD, and PVD. Results: In the unmatched cohort, the elevated Lpa group had higher incidences of AMI, CEVD, PVD, and the composite outcome (all p<0.05). However, length of stay and cost of hospitalization did not differ considerably. After propensity score matching, the elevated Lpa group had higher rates of AMI (7.1% vs 1.2%, p<0.001), CEVD (11.2% vs 2.8%, p<0.001), PVD (1.8% vs 0.2%, p=0.021), and composite outcome (20% vs 6%, p<0.01). Elevated Lpa group had longer length of stay 5±5 vs 4±3, p=0.002), and higher cost of hospitalization (69,060 ± 76,028 vs 20,992±15,065, p<0.001). Multivariable regression analysis controlling for common predictors of atheroembolic risk showed higher odds of AMI (2.33, p<0.001), CEVD (1.62, p= 0.002), PVD (2.22, p=0.094), and cardiorisk (1.68, p<0.001) among the elevated Lpa group. Conclusion: Elevated Lpa is associated with a higher incidence of atheroembolic disease in this nationally representative sample and associated with a higher length of stay and healthcare costs. Further research is needed to fully understand its mechanism and possible treatment to reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Surgical strategies for severely atherosclerotic (porcelain) aorta during coronary artery bypass grafting.

Porcelain aorta (PA) is an asymptomatic atherosclerotic disease, characterized by circumferential calcification throughout the whole perimeter of the aorta. It is seen in 2% to 9.3% of patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and makes manipulation of the ascending aorta impossible. It has been clearly shown that most emboli seen and detected during the CABG procedure occur during aortic cross-clamping and aortic side-clamping. Manipulation of porcelain or a severely atherosclerotic aorta increases the risk of perioperative stroke. The incidence of stroke after CABG is between 0.48% and 2.9%, and the risk is correlated with the extent and severity of the atherosclerotic disease. A conventional CABG procedure involves successive steps that include cannulation of the ascending aorta, application of a cross-clamp to the aorta, and partial clamping of the aorta to create the proximal anastomosis. Therefore in procedures that involve cannulation, clamping, or proximal anastomosis, and where aortic manipulation is inevitable, preassessment of the atherosclerotic aortic plaques is crucial. Although many surgeons still rely on intraoperative manual aortic palpation, this approach has very low sensitivity and underestimates the severity of the atherosclerotic illness. Imaging methods including preoperative computed tomography or intraoperative epiaortic ultrasonography enable modification of the surgical technique according to the severity of atherosclerosis. Various surgical techniques have been described to reduce the risk of atheroembolism that may lead to cerebrovascular events in patients with severely atherosclerotic ascending aorta. Anaortic or “no-touch” techniques that do not utilize aortic manipulation may significantly decrease the development of neurological complications by avoiding aortic maneuvers known to cause emboli. In cases where severe atherosclerotic disease or other factors preclude safe use of the ascending aorta, modifications in the surgical techniques, such as switching to different cannulation sites including the axillary/subclavian, femoral and innominate arteries, or using hypothermic ventricular fibrillation and in-situ pedicled arterial grafts, or performing proximal anastomoses at alternative anatomical locations will enable CABG operations to be performed safely with low morbidity and mortality rates in patients with porcelain aortas.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in “Shaggy Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms”

A single-center, retrospective, cohort study was performed from January 2005 to May 2019. Of 391 patients evaluated for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), 9 (2%) had had shaggy thoracic aortic aneurysms, defined as an ulcerated atheroma or thrombus thickness ≥5 mm protruding into the aortic lumen and/or occupying more than two thirds of the aortic circumference on computed tomography angiography. Two of the nine patients had presented with blue toe syndrome. Of the seven patients who had undergone TEVAR, embolization occurred in one patient (transient ischemic attack and acute kidney injury) and possibly in another patient who had developed spinal cord ischemia. The risk of atheroembolism in shaggy thoracic aortic aneurysm is a threatening complication but TEVAR proved effective.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in "Shaggy Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms".

To report the outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for shaggy thoracic aortic aneurysms (STA). It is a single center, retrospective, observational, cohort study. Data were collected prospectively between January 2005 and May 2019. STA was defined, based on computed tomography angiography findings, as the presence of an irregular/ulcerated atheroma protruding and/or thrombus thickness ≥ 5mm protruding into the aortic lumen, and/or occupying more than two thirds of the circumference of the aortic diameter axially. Primary outcomes were early (≤ 30days) and late survival and freedom from major complication due to end-organ or peripheral ischemic embolization. Nine (2.3%) of 391 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 71years ± 10 (range 55-83). Mean aneurysm diameter was 68mm ± 0.5 (range 60-75). Four patients presented symptomatic: rupture (n = 2), blue toe syndrome (n = 2). TEVAR was performed in 7 of the 9 patients. Operative-related embolization occurred in 1 patient (transient ischemic attack and acute kidney injury). In-hospital mortality was observed in 1 patient following spinal cord ischemia and multiple organ failure development. Median follow-up was 48months (IQR 5-84). Freedom from major complication due to end-organ or peripheral ischemic embolization was achieved in all patients. No patient developed further localization of STA in the proximal or distal aorta, and did not experience reno-visceral or peripheral atheroembolization episodes. Risk of atheroembolism in STA is still threatening but TEVAR proved to be an effective and durable treatment in this high-risk cohort.

Quantification of aortic shagginess as a predictive factor of perioperative stroke and long-term prognosis after endovascular treatment of aortic arch disease

ObjectiveThoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with supra-aortic debranching has recently been introduced as a treatment option for aortic arch disease. Although less invasive than open repair, TEVAR is associated with a risk of perioperative embolic stroke due to dislodgment of atherosclerotic plaque debris, especially in individuals with atheromatous degeneration of the aortic lumen. It is difficult to determine atheroma vulnerability, and there is no current method for predicting the risk of atheroembolism. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of our method of quantifying the shagginess of the aorta in predicting the short- and long-term outcomes of TEVAR involving the aortic arch. MethodsThe study included 77 patients (63 men and 14 women; median age, 78 years) who underwent elective TEVAR for aortic arch disease between 2009 and 2013. The proximal landing of the stent graft was in zone 0 in 22 patients, zone 1 in 23 patients, and zone 2 in 32 patients. The shagginess score of each patient was calculated from preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography images of the aorta using a workstation. The relationships between preoperative factors, including the shagginess score, and the development of perioperative stroke and late survival were analyzed retrospectively. ResultsPerioperative ischemic stroke occurred in nine patients, and no patient died within 30 days postoperatively. Univariate analyses demonstrated that the shagginess score was significantly higher in patients who developed postoperative cerebral infarction than in those who did not (P = .04). The median follow-up period was 1570 days, and the 5-year cumulative survival rate was 69.2%. Cox proportional hazards analyses showed that comorbid hypercholesterolemia was significantly associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 3.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-8.32; P = .02). As for cardiovascular mortality, the shagginess score was a significant predictive factor (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.04-3.28; P = .04), whereas statin use was significantly protective (HR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02-0.66; P = .02). ConclusionsThe shagginess score may be a useful predictive index of perioperative ischemic stroke as well as a prognostic factor of long-term outcomes after TEVAR with aortic arch involvement.

The effect of predisposing atheroembolic risk factors on renal functional recovery between laparoscopy and open technique in patients with T1-stage renal cell carcinoma who underwent partial nephrectomy: a retrospective comparison study.

The present study aimed to determine the effect of an increasing number of predisposing atheroembolic risk factors on the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) after partial nephrectomy (PN) in patients with T1-stage renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The study included 147 patients with T1-stage RCC with a normal contralateral kidney and without preoperative CKD, who underwent open (OPN, N = 83, 56.5%) or laparoscopic PN (LPN, N = 64, 43.5%) between 2003 and 2014. Postoperative CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. The predictive factors for CKD between OPN and LPN were statistically assessed among various known clinicopathological factors associated with renal function in PN with a significance of two-sided P value <0.05. During a median follow-up of 42 months, the recurrence rate was 0.7% (n = 1), and the rate of postoperative CKD was 11.6% (n = 17). Significant differences in CKD-free survival were observed among patients with atheroembolic risks 5-7, 3-4 and 1-2 (P = 0.027). Regarding the predictive factors for the postoperative development of CKD between OPN and LPN, a predisposing atheroembolic risk ≥3 was significant among other clinicopathological factors in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 3.007, P = 0.031). Patients with T1-staged RCC with ≥3 predisposing atheroembolic risk factors have a significantly higher risk of developing CKD after PN. Patients who underwent LPN had a lesser incidence of CKD development than patients who underwent OPN with ≥3 predisposing atheroembolic risk factors.

Periodontal Disease Associated with Aortic Arch Atheroma in Patients with Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

Periodontal disease (PD) is associated with recurrent vascular event in stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). In this study, we investigated whether PD is independently associated with aortic arch atheroma (AA). We also explored the relationship PD has with AA plaque thickness and other characteristics associated with atheroembolic risk among patients with stroke or TIA. Finally, we confirmed the association between AA and recurrent vascular event in patients with stroke or TIA. In this prospective longitudinal hospital-based cohort study, PD was assessed in patients with stroke and TIA. Patients with confirmed stroke and TIA (n = 106) were assessed by calibrated dental examiners to determine periodontal status and were followed over a median of 24 months for recurrent vascular events (stroke, myocardial infarction, and death). The extent of AA and other plaque characteristics was assessed by transesophageal echocardiography. Within our patient cohort, 27 of the 106 participants had recurrent vascular events (including 16 with stroke or TIA) over the median of 24-month follow-up. Severe PD was associated with increased AA plaque thickness and calcification. The results suggest that PD may be a risk factor for AA. In this cohort, we confirm the association of severe AA with recurrent vascular events. In patients with stroke or TIA, severe PD is associated with increased AA plaque thickness, a risk factor for recurrent events. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding and to determine whether treatment of PD can reduce the rate of AA plaque progression and recurrent vascular events.

A Study of Relationship of Atheroembolic Risk Factors with Postoperative Recovery in Renal Function after Partial Nephrectomy in Patients Staged T1-2 Renal Cell Carcinoma during Median 4-Year Follow-up.

PurposeThe objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship of atheroembolic risk factors with postoperative recovery of renal function after on-clamp partial nephrectomy (PN) with warm ischemia in patients with staged T1-2 renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Materials and MethodsA total of 234 patients from 2004 to 2012 were included, and their clinicopathologic and operative parameters, including atheroembolic risk factors were reviewed retrospectively. Renal function, as determined by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and measurement of serum creatinine level (Cr) at each scheduled follow-up for a median four years, was compared between the high-risk (HR) group (n=49, ≥ five risk factors) and the low-risk (LR) group (n=185, < five risk factors).ResultsExcept for baseline renal function and number of risk factors for atheroembolism, differences in characteristics between groups were comparatively insignificant. At 3 months after the operation, Cr and eGFR differed significantly between the two groups (p < 0.05), but no differences were observed afterward. Significant deterioration from baseline in Cr and eGFR was observed in both groups at 1 month after the operation, with a greater change in the HR group (p < 0.05). From measurement to measurement, significantly faster deterioration in Cr and eGFR was observed in the HR group than in the LR group until 6 months after the operation (Cr: LR, 0.02 mg/dL and HR, 0.13 mg/dL; eGFR: LR, 1.50 mL/min/1.73 m2 and HR, 6.38 mL/min/1.73 m2; p < 0.05).ConclusionThe presence of atheroembolic risk factors may negatively influence postoperative recovery of renal function after PN in patients with localized RCC.

New technique of local ischemic preconditioning induction without repetitive aortic cross-clamping in cardiac surgery.

BackgroundSeveral studies have demonstrated that local ischemic preconditioning can reduce myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury in cardiac surgery patients; however, preconditioning has not become a standard cardioprotective intervention, primarily because of the increased risk of atheroembolism during repetitive aortic cross-clamping. In the present study, we aimed to describe and validate a novel technique of preconditioning induction.MethodsPatients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (12 women and 78 men; mean age, 56 ± 11 years) were randomized into 3 groups: (1) Controls (n = 30), (2) Perfusion (n = 30), and (3) Preconditioning (n = 30). All patients were operated under cardiopulmonary bypass using normothermic blood cardioplegia. Preconditioning was induced by subjecting the hemodynamically unloaded heart to 2 cycles of 3 min of ischemia and 3 min of reperfusion with normokalemic blood prior to cardioplegia. In the Perfusion group, the heart perfusion remained unaffected for 12 min. Troponin I (TnI) levels were analyzed before surgery, and 12, 24, 48 h, and 7 days after surgery. The secondary endpoints included the cardiac index, plasma natriuretic peptide level, and postoperative use of inotropes.ResultsPreconditioning resulted in a significant reduction in the TnI level on the 7th postoperative day only (0.10 ± 0.05 and 0.33 ± 0.88 ng/ml in Preconditioning and Perfusion groups, respectively, P < 0.05). In addition, cardiac index was significantly higher in the Preconditioning group than in the Control and Perfusion groups just after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. The number of patients requiring inotropic support with ≥ 2 agents after surgery was significantly lower in the Preconditioning and Perfusion group than in the Control group (P < 0.05). No complications of the procedure were recorded in the Preconditioning group.ConclusionsThe preconditioning procedure described can be performed safely in cardiac surgery patients. The application of this technique of preconditioning was associated with certain benefits, including improved left ventricular function after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass and a reduced need for inotropic support. However, the infarct-limiting effect of preconditioning in the early postoperative period was not evident. The procedure does not involve repetitive aortic cross-clamping, thus avoiding possible embolic complications.

The Role of Embolic Protection in Peripheral Arterial Atherectomy

Embolic protection devices were initially developed for use in the treatment of saphenous vein aortocoronary bypass graft stenosis as well as in carotid artery stenting because of the significant risk of atheroembolism and their use is well accepted. The use of these devices for lower-extremity arterial interventions is becoming well accepted because of the significant consequences of embolization in patients with limited circulatory runoff. This is especially true in the use of mechanical atherectomy devices for femoropopliteal arterial lesions.

Invited Commentary

Invited Commentary

Angioplastia carotídea com reversão do fluxo em octogenários: relato de caso

Pacientes octogenários submetidos à angioplastia carotídea apresentam maior incidência de eventos neurológicos quando comparados a grupos de pacientes mais jovens e a grupos da mesma faixa etária submetidos à endarterectomia carotídea. A maior taxa de complicações pode ser explicada por fatores anatômicos e anatomopatológicos que aumentam a dificuldade técnica e o risco de ateroembolismo do procedimento endovascular. O procedimento foi realizado no centro cirúrgico, com o paciente em decúbito dorsal e sob anestesia geral. Realizamos acesso cirúrgico transverso limitado, na base do pescoço à direita, com dissecção, identificação e reparo da artéria carótida comum e veia jugular interna. Foram administradas 10.000 U de heparina e puncionada a carótida comum pela técnica de Seldinger com introdução de bainha 8F em sentido cranial. Na sequência, foi puncionada a veia jugular interna com instalação de bainha 8F em sentido caudal. Em seguida, ambas as bainhas foram conectadas, utilizando-se um segmento de equipo de soro. A carótida comum foi fechada por cadarço duplo de silicone e o fluxo retrógrado pela carótida interna foi estabelecido. Subsequentemente, foi introduzido fio guia 0.014 x 190 cm com cruzamento da lesão, realizando-se angioplastia com balão 5 x 20 mm e em seguida stent (Wallstent® 7 x 50 - Boston Scientific) foi introduzido, posicionado e liberado. A angioplastia carotídea com reversão de fluxo, por via transcervical, constitui estratégia de proteção cerebral custo-eficiente e com menor potencial emboligênico em pacientes octogenários com anatomia desfavorável.

Cholesterol Embolization Syndrome

Cholesterol embolization syndrome refers to embolization of the contents of an atherosclerotic plaque (primarily cholesterol crystals) from a proximal large-caliber artery to distal small to medium arteries causing end-organ damage by mechanical plugging and an inflammatory response. Synonyms used in the medical literature include atheromatous embolization, cholesterol crystal embolization, and atheroembolism. Cholesterol embolization syndrome should be distinguished from the related and much more common syndrome of arterio-arterial thromboembolism in which fragments of a thrombus that forms atop an atheromatous plaque in the aorta or a large artery travel distally and occlude medium to large arteries.1 Cholesterol embolization syndrome is generally characterized by a multitude of small emboli (showers of microemboli) occurring over time. This is in contrast to arterio-arterial thromboembolism, which is usually characterized by an abrupt release of 1 or a few large emboli, leading to severe ischemia of target organs. Cholesterol embolization syndrome has a variety of clinical presentations. Cholesterol emboli originating in the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta may lead to renal failure, gut ischemia, and emboli to the skeletal muscles and the skin. Dermatologic manifestations (most commonly livedo reticularis and blue toe syndrome) are usually confined to the lower extremities but may extend to the abdomen and the chest. Cholesterol emboli originating in the ascending aorta may in addition cause neurological damage that is typically diffuse and due to small infarcts. Cholesterol embolization syndrome is also characterized by a nonspecific acute inflammatory response leading to constitutional symptoms (such as fever and malaise) and abnormalities in laboratory tests (such as hypereosinophilia and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate). These manifestations will be discussed in detail later in the text. Danish physician Fenger and his colleagues appear to have provided the first description of atheroembolism in the Danish medical brochure Ugeskrift for Laeger (Doctors’ Weekly).2 In 1844, they …

Safer aortic crossclamping during short-term moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest for cardiac surgery in patients with a bad ascending aorta

Cardiac surgery in patients with severely atherosclerotic or porcelain ascending aorta is technically challenging, with markedly increased risk of atheroembolism. We describe a technique of meticulous crossclamping of a difficult aorta during short-term moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest. From 1997 to 2007, we found 40 patients (mean age, 70 +/- 8 years), including 14 patients undergoing hemodialysis, whose preoperative computed tomographic and intraoperative epiaortic ultrasonographic scans revealed eggshell calcification (n = 15) or protruding atheromas (n = 25) of the ascending aorta. They underwent cardiac surgery (aortic, 31 patients; mitral, 3 patients; both, 5 patients; and coronary alone, 1 patient) by means of meticulous crossclamping during hypothermic circulatory arrest for 3.4 +/- 1.5 minutes at a rectal temperature of 29.0 degrees C +/- 2.3 degrees C. During hypothermic circulatory arrest, we performed only internal inspection to identify the safe location of crossclamping in 21 patients, whereas we required debridement of calcification or atheroma by using the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (Tyco Healthcare, Mansfield, Mass) for safe crossclamping in 19 patients. By using this technique, no patients died during the hospital stay. Stroke occurred in 1 (2.5%) patient, and transient agitation occurred in 1 patient. Re-exploration for bleeding was required in 1 patient, and wound infection occurred in 2 patients. During follow-up, with a median time of 5.2 years, the overall survival rates were 100%, 90%, and 76% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Three patients required reoperations during the follow-up period because of pseudoaneurysm in 2 patients and prosthetic valve infection in 1 patient. Short-term moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest is quite useful for safe aortic crossclamping after internal inspection or debridement in high-risk patients with a severely atherosclerotic aorta.

Atherosclerotic Peripheral Vascular Disease Symposium II

The primary goal of this American Heart Association renal intervention writing group was to discuss current controversies related to renal interventions and to recommend important areas of clinical research and advocacy initiatives in this peripheral arterial bed. The 4 areas covered in this section include (1) management of asymptomatic renal artery disease, (2) treatment of ischemic nephropathy, (3) prevention and treatment of atheroembolism in renal artery interventions, and (4) treatment of renal in-stent restenosis (ISR). Atherosclerotic renal artery disease is an often unrecognized contributor to refractory hypertension, renal insufficiency, and increased risk of cardiovascular death.1,2 Renal artery disease is associated with increased cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, and death), and when associated with symptomatic coronary artery disease, it independently doubles the risk of death.3 Additionally, the presence of bilateral renal artery stenoses is associated with a reduced 4-year survival rate when compared with unilateral disease (47% versus 59%, P <0.001).3 Hypertension, renal insufficiency, and multisystem atherosclerosis are common entities, and the independent occurrence of these conditions is frequent. Thus, the physician must distinguish between association and causation in the evaluation of patients with atherosclerotic renal artery disease and critically appraise the potential for clinical improvement in selecting patients for renal artery intervention. In contrast to other regional manifestations of atherosclerosis, it is impractical to classify patients with atherosclerotic renal artery disease into symptomatic or asymptomatic categories. Two of the cardinal manifestations of renal artery disease, hypertension and renal insufficiency, are frequently “silent” with regard to clinical manifestations until end-organ damage or uremia occurs. Thus, the majority of patients may be deemed asymptomatic. A more appropriate classification of patients with atherosclerotic renal artery disease may be to classify them in relation to potential clinical consequences. We propose the following classification scheme in patients with renal artery disease:

Renal Artery Revascularization: Collaborative Approaches for Specialists

Endovascular revascularization for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS) is the revascularization strategy of choice for patients with hemodynamically and clinically significant renal artery stenosis. Surgical revascularization is reserved for failed endovascular therapy or concomitant abdominal aortic surgery. Endovascular renal artery stenting is associated with excellent technical success, low complication rates, and acceptable long-term patency. This technique has been proven to be beneficial for preserving kidney function and stabilizing or improving blood pressure control in selected patients. Nevertheless, deterioration in kidney function after the procedure in 10% to 20% of cases may limit the immediate benefits of this technique. Atheroembolism appears to play an important role in the cause of kidney dysfunction after renal revascularization. Renal revascularization with a distal embolic protection device is a promising strategy in reducing the risk of atheroembolism and deterioration in kidney function.

Expanding Use of Embolic Protection Devices

Embolic protection devices were initially developed for the treatment of saphenous vein aorto-coronary bypass graft stenosis due to the significant risk of atheroembolism, and their use is well accepted. The use of these devices for carotid arterial interventions is also well accepted due to the significant consequences of embolization in the cerebral circulation. The use of these devices is extending to other vascular beds to include the renal arteries and lower extremities. We review the basic principles of these devices and their uses in various vascular beds based on our own experience as well as that in the literature.