Severe Carotid Artery Stenosis Research Articles

Stenting for Severe C7 Stenosis of Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) and Related Literature Review

Intracranial Atherosclerosis (ICAS) is a common cerebrovascular lesion worldwide and an important cause of stroke [1]. Nonmodifiable risk factors include age, gender, and genetics, with age being a key factor and atherosclerosis usually progressive, with no clinical manifestations until middle age. Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) has increased fivefold among people aged 40 to 60. Before menopause, women are less prone to atherosclerosis than men, and the incidence of atherosclerosis is increased in postmenopausal women [2,3]. The inheritance of various genetic polymorphisms and the accumulation of family risk factors (such as diabetes and hypertension) create multiple conditions for the formation of atherosclerosis [4]. On the other hand, modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and high blood pressure, can be improved by adjusting daily life. Studies have analyzed that white people are prone to extracranial arterial occlusive disease, while Asian, black and Hispanic people have a higher risk of intracranial atherosclerotic disease [1]. Therefore, the prevention of atherosclerotic disease, has been very urgent, to increase publicity, from the source to solve the problem.

Asymptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage following carotid endarterectomy: illustrative case.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting are common surgical interventions for internal carotid artery stenosis. Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) is a well-known complication of both procedures that can lead to intracranial hemorrhage and worsen clinical outcomes. Here, the authors report a rare case of non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) following CEA and review the relevant literature. A 70-year-old woman with hypertension and diabetes presented with progressive visual loss in the right eye and was diagnosed with ocular ischemic syndrome. Imaging revealed severe right cervical carotid artery stenosis. CEA was performed with no complications. Postoperatively, the patient's blood pressure was tightly controlled, with no evidence of CHS. However, an asymptomatic SAH was detected on postoperative day 7. Careful observation and blood pressure control were maintained. Since follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no enlarging of the SAH and the patient was asymptomatic, she was discharged on postoperative day 15 with a modified Rankin scale score of 0. This case highlights the potential occurrence of non-aneurysmal SAH as a rare complication of CEA, even in asymptomatic patients. Repeated postoperative MRI is necessary to detect such complications. It is crucial to carefully control blood pressure after CEA regardless of symptoms.

Stenting for Severe C7 Stenosis of Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) and Related Literature Review

Intracranial Atherosclerosis (ICAS) is a common cerebrovascular lesion worldwide and an important cause of stroke [1]. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, gender, and genetics, with age being a key factor and atherosclerosis usually progressive, with no clinical manifestations until middle age. Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) has increased fivefold among people aged 40 to 60. Before menopause, women are less prone to atherosclerosis than men, and the incidence of atherosclerosis is increased in postmenopausal women [2,3]. The inheritance of various genetic polymorphisms and the accumulation of family risk factors (such as diabetes and hypertension) create multiple conditions for the formation of atherosclerosis [4]. On the other hand, modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and high blood pressure, can be improved by adjusting daily life. Studies have analyzed that white people are prone to extracranial arterial occlusive disease, while Asian, black and Hispanic people have a higher risk of intracranial atherosclerotic disease [1]. Therefore, the prevention of atherosclerotic disease, has been very urgent, to increase publicity, from the source to solve the problem.

Transradial intra-aortic catheter looping in the angioplasty of severe intracranial symptomatic arteriosclerotic diseases.

This study aims to investigate the effect and feasibility of intra-aortic catheter looping via transradial access in angioplasty for symptomatic intracranial severe (>70%) atherosclerotic stenosis or occlusion of large arteries (SISOLAs). Patients with SISOLAs who underwent transradial endovascular angioplasty using the catheter looping technique in the ascending aorta were retrospectively enrolled. The clinical data and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Fifteen patients aged 48-71 years were enrolled in this study. Left vertebrobasilar artery occlusion was present in 1 (6.7%) patient, severe left middle cerebral artery stenosis in 7 (46.7%) patients, severe left internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis of the ophthalmic segment in 4 (26.7%) patients, severe left ICA stenosis of the cavernous segment in 2 (13.3%) patients, and severe right middle cerebral artery stenosis in 2 (13.3%) patients. The arterial stenosis ranged from 70 to 92% (mean 86%) before stenting. The looping of a guiding catheter in the ascending aorta via transradial access for angioplasty was successful in all patients (100%). The vertebral artery intracranial segment occlusion was successfully recanalized, while severe stenosis in the remaining 14 patients was successfully eliminated. After endovascular recanalization, the residual stenosis was reduced by 12-26% (median 18%). No puncture-related complications or surgical-related neurological complications occurred in these patients. In the follow-up angiography conducted on 10 (66.7%) patients after 6-25 months, no in-stent restenosis was detected. Intra-aortic guiding catheter looping via transradial access for endovascular angioplasty of SISOLAs is technically safe, feasible, and effective, especially when the transfemoral artery approach is difficult or impossible to undertake.

Association of carotid artery stenosis and ischemic stroke in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Background. The incidence of stroke after Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and the effect of carotid artery stenosis for risk assessment of stroke was strongly needed. This study compared the relation of ischemic stroke in the patients posted for CABG with varying degree of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) as measured by carotid artery Doppler. Patients and methods. This prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 422 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent CABG. Out of them 170 patient with concomitant CAD were selected and divided into three groups such as mild, moderate and severe CAS. The occurrence of stroke was measured. Results. Unilateral CAS was common than bilateral CAS (71.2% vs 28.8%). Mild CAS was more than moderate and severe CAS (72.4% vs 21.2% vs 6.5%). Stroke observed in 1.2%, in which one patient had moderate CAS and other had severe CAS on the side of clinical stroke post CABG. Right carotid disease was frequent among 3 groups (51.8% vs 47.6%; 11.8% vs 10.6%; 4.1% vs 3.5%). Patient with old stroke showed significant correlation with the severity of CAD (p=0.02). Post-surgery stroke had significant correlation with previous history of stroke (p=0.001), severity of CAD (p=0.01) and bilateral CAS (p=0.02). Post-operative low volume state requiring prolonged ionotropic support showed significant correlation to stroke (p=0.02). Conclusion. Screening of patients for CAS in patients age >65 years with previous stroke, and comorbidities aids the surgeon to take required measures to prevent stroke as a complication intraoperative or postoperative and decrease morbidity to the patient.

Stenting for severe C7 stenosis of internal carotid artery(ICA) and related literature review

Stenting for severe C7 stenosis of internal carotid artery(ICA) and related literature review

Retinal Microvascular Changes in Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis.

Purpose: We aimed to analyze retinal microvascular parameters, measured by optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis compared to healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: A total of 41 eyes from 30 patients who had varying degrees of carotid stenosis, and 42 eyes from 42 healthy controls, were enrolled in this study. Depending on the degree of stenosis evaluated by Doppler ultrasonographic imaging, the patient group was further subclassified into mild, moderate, and severe carotid artery stenosis. Superficial and deep capillary plexus vessel densities, radial peripapillary capillary vessel density, foveal avascular zone, and flow densities in the choriocapillaris and outer retina were evaluated by optical coherence tomography angiography. Results: The superficial and deep capillary plexus vessel densities were significantly reduced among the groups, only sparing the foveal region. The mean superficial plexus vessel density was 45.67 ± 4.65 and 50.09 ± 4.05 for the patient and control group, respectively (p = 0.000). The mean deep capillary plexus density was 46.33% ± 7.31% and 53.27% ± 6.31% for the patient and control group, respectively (p = 0.000). The mean superficial and deep capillary vessel densities in the foveal region did not show any statistical difference between the patient and control groups (p = 0.333 for the superficial and p = 0.195 for the deep plexus vessel density). Radial peripapillary capillary vessel density was decreased in the patient group (p = 0.004). The foveal avascular zone area was wider in the patient group but this difference did not show a significant difference (p = 0.385). Conclusions: Retinal microvascular changes are a prominent outcome of internal carotid disease, and even mild stenosis can lead to alterations in the retinal microvascular bed which could be detected by OCTA. By early detection of microvascular changes in the retina in this patient group, we might speculate the overall vascular condition.

Carotid artery interventions - endarterectomy versus stenting.

Current management of patients with carotid artery stenosis is based on well-established guidelines, including surgical procedures - carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and endovascular carotid artery stenting (CAS) - and optimal medical treatment alone. Outcomes in the postprocedural period after CAS and CEA are similar, suggesting strong clinical durability for both treatments. Recent advances, which include the emergence of novel endovascular treatment tools and techniques, combined with more recent randomised trial data shed new light on optimal patient selection and treatment in contemporary practice. Improved, modern technologies including enhanced embolic protection devices and dual-layered micromesh stents yield better outcomes and should result in further improvements in CAS. In centres of excellence, nowadays, the majority of patients with severe carotid artery stenosis can be successfully treated with either CEA or CAS.

Association of Whole Blood Viscosity and Severe Extracranial Carotid Artery Stenosis

Association of Whole Blood Viscosity and Severe Extracranial Carotid Artery Stenosis

Imaging modality-dependent carotid stenosis severity variations against intravascular ultrasound as a reference: Carotid Artery intravasculaRUltrasound Study (CARUS)

PurposeDifferent non-invasive and invasive imaging modalities are used to determine carotid artery stenosis severity that remains a principal parameter in clinical decision-making. We compared stenosis degree obtained with different modalities against vascular imaging gold standard, intravascular ultrasound, IVUS.Methods300 consecutive patients (age 47–83 years, 192 men, 64% asymptomatic) with carotid artery stenosis of “ ≥ 50%” referred for potential revascularization received as per study protocol (i) duplex ultrasound (DUS), (ii) computed tomography angiography (CTA), (iii) intraarterial quantitative angiography (iQA) and (iv) and (iv) IVUS. Correlation of measurements with IVUS (r), proportion of those concordant (within 10%) and proportion of under/overestimated were calculated along with recipient-operating-characteristics (ROC).ResultsFor IVUS area stenosis (AS) and IVUS minimal lumen area (MLA), there was only a moderate correlation with DUS velocities (peak-systolic, PSV; end-diastolic, EDV; r values of 0.42–0.51, p < 0.001 for all). CTA systematically underestimated both reference area and MLA (80.4% and 92.3% cases) but CTA error was lesser for AS (proportion concordant-57.4%; CTA under/overestimation-12.5%/30.1%). iQA diameter stenosis (DS) was found concordant with IVUS in 41.1% measurements (iQA under/overestimation 7.9%/51.0%). By univariate model, PSV (ROC area-under-the-curve, AUC, 0.77, cutoff 2.6 m/s), EDV (AUC 0.72, cutoff 0.71 m/s) and CTA-DS (AUC 0.83, cutoff 59.6%) were predictors of ≥ 50% DS by IVUS (p < 0.001 for all). Best predictor, however, of ≥ 50% DS by IVUS was stenosis severity evaluation by automated contrast column density measurement on iQA (AUC 0.87, cutoff 68%, p < 0.001). Regarding non-invasive techniques, CTA was the only independent diagnostic modality against IVUS on multivariate model (p = 0.008).ConclusionIVUS validation shows significant imaging modality-dependent variations in carotid stenosis severity determination.

The Effect of Circle of Willis Morphology on Retinal Blood Flow in Patients with Carotid Stenosis Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

The Circle of Willis (CoW) is the main collateral system, and its morphological variants are more common in patients who have severe carotid artery stenosis. Earlier data suggest that optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) may help to assess the changes in cerebral vascular perfusion by imaging the retinal blood flow. In this single-center prospective clinical study, patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) underwent preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the extra- and intracranial cerebral circulation. OCTA imaging was performed one week before surgery and postoperatively one month later. The patients were divided into two subgroups based on CTA evaluation of CoW: compromised CoW or non-compromised CoW (containing hypoplastic and normal segments). The effect of the patient's age, OCTA scan quality (SQ), CoW morphology, laterality, and surgery on superficial capillary vessel density (VD) in the macula were assessed in multivariable regression models using linear mixed models. We found that VD significantly decreased with aging (-0.12%; 95%CI: -0.07--0.15; p < 0.001) and was significantly higher in patients with non-compromised CoW morphology (by 0.87% 95%CI (0.26-1.50); p = 0.005). After CEA, retinal blood flow significantly improved by 0.71% (95%CI: 0.18-1.25; p = 0.01). These results suggest that in the case of carotid artery occlusion, patients with non-compromised CoW have more preserved ocular blood flow than subjects with compromised CoW due to remodeling of the intra-orbital blood flow. Measuring the retinal blood flow might be used as a relevant and sensitive indicator of collateral cerebrovascular circulation.

A review of carotid endarterectomy in a patient with severe carotid artery stenosis and a review of related literature

At present, cerebral infarction has become a serious disease that endangers human health, and one of the important reasons for cerebral infarction is carotid artery stenosis. Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)is a surgical procedure to treat carotid artery stenosis

Relationship between carotid atherosclerotic plaque characteristics in magnetic resonance imaging and perioperative hemodynamic instability

Objective: To analyze the relationship between carotid atherosclerotic plaque characteristics in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and perioperative hemodynamic instability in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS). Methods: A total of 89 patients with carotid artery stenosis who underwent CAS treatment at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital affiliated to Tsinghua University from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2021, were prospectively included. Among them, 74 were male and 15 were female, with an age range of 43 to 87 years (mean age: 67.8±8.2 years). Preoperative examinations included carotid artery MRI vessel wall imaging to analyze the existence of large lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), and fibrous cap rupture in carotid artery plaques. Plaques without the above-mentioned risk factors were defined as stable plaque group (34 cases), while those with such risk factors were defined as vulnerable plaque group (55 cases). The number of risk factors present in each plaque was also calculated. Intraoperative changes in blood pressure and heart rate were recorded, and the use of dopamine postoperatively was noted. Using the risk factors that the plaque has as independent variables and the clinical outcomes as dependent variables, the RR values were calculated, and the differences in clinical outcomes of patients with different risk factors were compared. Results: The incidence rates of hypotension and bradycardia were higher in patients with vulnerable plaques than those with stable plaques (60.0% (33/55) vs 14.7%(5/34) and 38.2%(21/55) vs 14.7%(5/34), respectively; both P<0.05). Based on MRI imaging features, the large LRNC was present in 45 cases, with RR values for hypotension and bradycardia of 3.15 (1.69-5.87) and 2.20 (1.07-4.53), respectively; IPH was present in 37 cases, with RR values for hypotension and bradycardia of 2.70 (1.61-4.55) and 2.25 (1.15-4.39), respectively; and fibrous cap rupture was present in 29 cases, with RR values for hypotension and bradycardia of 1.50 (0.94-2.40) and 1.29 (0.67-2.49), respectively. The higher the number of risk factors in vulnerable plaques, the higher the incidence of intraoperative blood pressure and heart rate decrease: when the number of risk factors ranged from 0 to 3, the incidence of blood pressure decrease was 14.7% (5/34), 9/18, 11/18, and 13/19, respectively (P<0.001), and the incidence of heart rate decrease was 14.7% (5/34), 6/18, 7/18, and 8/19, respectively (P=0.022). There was no significant difference in the number of cases of dopamine use between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Patients with a higher number of risk factors for vulnerable carotid plaques, as indicated by carotid artery MRI vessel wall imaging, are at a higher risk of experiencing blood pressure and heart rate decrease during CAS surgery.

Lipoprotein lipase gene polymorphisms and their association with the development and severity of carotid artery stenosis

Lipoprotein lipase gene polymorphisms and their association with the development and severity of carotid artery stenosis

A Retrospective Study of Clinical Profile, Management, and Evaluation of Early Outcomes in Endovascular Carotid Artery Stenting for Carotid Artery Stenosis: Our Institutional Experience

ABSTRACT Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical profile and management of carotid artery stenosis in the Indian population treated by endovascular modalities. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of 54 patients with carotid artery stenosis treated at a tertiary care centre for 5 years between November 2018 and February 2023. Endovascular carotid artery stenting (CAS) was performed in all patients, and post-procedural imaging was done to assess the extent of restoration of blood flow through the stenosed segment and cerebral blood flow. Patients were followed up to 6 months post-procedure. Results: Fifty-four patients underwent carotid stenting. Four (7.4%) patients were asymptomatic and 50 (92.6%) were symptomatic. Total male patients were 39 (72.2%) and female patients were 15 (27.7%). Age of these patients ranged from 37 to 77 years, with the average age being 60.8 years. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (88.88%), followed by diabetes mellitus (48.14%). Post-procedure brain and carotid angiogram showed no evidence of restenosis. Two patients had developed post-procedure haemorrhagic stroke, and one patient developed a pseudoaneurysm at the access site of the right femoral artery. Conclusion: Our study showed CAS is a safe and minimally invasive procedure in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis. Managing comorbidities is equally important. The procedure enabled the patients to have an early discharge and minimal limitation of daily activities.

A Novel Staged Revascularization Strategy for Bilateral Severe Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis at High Risk for Hyperperfusion Syndrome

Since bilateral severe internal carotid artery stenosis often is associated with severely decreased cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) due to poor collateral blood flow, revascularization carries a high risk for development of hyperperfusion syndrome. In this study, we report a new staged strategy to prevent postoperative hyperperfusion syndrome in such patients. Bilateral severe cervical internal carotid artery stenosis patients with decreased CVR to 10% or less on one side were prospectively enrolled in this study. We first performed carotid artery stenting on the side with the milder CVR decrease (lower-risk side), aiming to improve hemodynamics associated with the severe CVR decrease on the greater-risk side. Then, carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting was performed on the contralateral side after an interval of 4-8 weeks. In all 3 cases enrolled in this study, CVR on the greater-risk side improved to 10% or more 1 month after the first treatment. The ratio of regional cerebral blood flow on the contralateral greater-risk side was 114% 1 day after the second treatment, and HPS did not develop in any of the cases. Our treatment strategy, in which revascularization on the lower-risk side precedes that on the greater-risk side, is effective for the prevention of HPS in bilateral ICA stenosis patients.

Subclavian Artery-Carotid Artery Bypass for Subclavian Artery or Common Carotid Artery Severe Stenosis or Occlusion.

Various surgical treatments are available for occlusive subclavian and common carotid artery diseases. Nevertheless, to date, when cerebral endovascular treatment is utilized, revascularization via direct surgery may be required. This study reported five symptomatic cases of revascularization for CCA and SCA occlusive and stenotic lesions that were expected to be challenging to treat with endovascular treatment. We performed subclavian artery-common carotid artery or internal carotid artery bypass using artificial blood vessels or saphenous vein grafts in five patients with subclavian steal syndrome, symptomatic common carotid artery occlusion, and severe proximal common carotid artery stenosis. In this study, good bypass patency was achieved in all five cases. Although there were no intraoperative complications, one patient had a postoperative lymphatic leak. Moreover, there was no recurrence of stroke during postoperative follow-up for an average of 2 years. Conclusively, subclavian artery-common carotid artery bypass can be an effective surgical treatment for common carotid artery occlusion, proximal common carotid artery stenosis, and subclavian artery occlusion.

When Carotid Artery Stenosis Cause Posterior Fossa Infarct. An Unusual Case of Persistent Hypoglossal Artery.

The primitive anastomosis between the carotid artery and the vertebrobasilar arteries usually regress, in rare cases they persist beyond fetal development and form vascular anomalies such as primitive persistent hypoglossal artery(PPHA), with prevalence of 0.02-0.1% in the general population. A 77-year-old female presented with aphasia, weakness of both legs and arms. Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) revealed subacute infarct in right pones, severe stenosis of the right internal carotid artery(RICA) and ipsilateral PPHA. We performed Right carotid artery stenting (CAS) using a distal filter into the PPHA to protect the posterior circulation, with good result. The posterior circulation was utterly dependent on the RICA, therefore, despite the general notion that carotid stenosis is usually associated with anterior circulation infarcts, in cases having vascular anomalies it may cause a posterior stroke. Carotid artery stenting offer a safe and simple solution, however the use of EPD requires special considerations regarding decision on the suitable protection technique and placement. Neurological symptoms in the presence of carotid artery stenosis and PPHA can manifest as ischemia of the anterior and/or the posterior circulation. In our opinion, CAS gives a simple and safe treatment solution.

Enhanced external counter pulsation therapy in patients with symptomatic and severe intracranial steno-occlusive disease: a randomized clinical trial protocol.

ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT03921827.

Cerebral collateral circulation as an independent predictor for in-stent restenosis after carotid artery stenting.

In-stent restenosis is a crucial problem after carotid artery stenting, but the exact predictors of in-stent restenosis remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the effect of cerebral collateral circulation on in-stent restenosis after carotid artery stenting and to establish a clinical prediction model for in-stent restenosis. This retrospective case-control study enrolled 296 patients with severe carotid artery stenosis of C1 segment (≥70%) who underwent stent therapy from June 2015 to December 2018. Based on follow-up data, the patients were divided into the in-stent restenosis and no in-stent restenosis groups. The collateral circulation of the brain was graded according to the criteria of the American Society for Interventional and Therapy Neuroradiology/Society for Interventional Radiology (ASITN/SIR). Clinical data were collected, such as age, sex, traditional vascular risk factors, blood cell count, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, uric acid, stenosis degree before stenting and residual stenosis rate, and medication after stenting. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential predictors of in-stent restenosis, and a clinical prediction model for in-stent restenosis after carotid artery stenting was established. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that poor collateral circulation was an independent predictor of in-stent restenosis (P=0.003). We also found that a 1% increase in residual stenosis rate was associated with a 9% increase in the risk of in-stent restenosis (P=0.02). Ischemic stroke history (P=0.03), family history of ischemic stroke (P<0.001), in-stent restenosis history (P<0.001), and nonstandard medication after stenting (P=0.04) were predictors of in-stent restenosis. The risk of in-stent restenosis was lowest when the residual stenosis rate was 12.5% after carotid artery stenting. Furthermore, we used some significant parameters to construct a binary logistic regression prediction model for in-stent restenosis after carotid artery stenting in the form of a nomogram. Collateral circulation is an independent predictor of in-stent restenosis after successful carotid artery stenting, and the residual stenosis rate tends to be below 12.5% to reduce restenosis risk. The standard medication should be strictly carried out for patients after stenting to prevent in-stent restenosis.