Carotid Stenosis Research Articles

Bow Hunter Phenomenon From Advanced Cerebrovascular Disease Treated With Subclavian Artery Stenting and Carotid Endarterectomy.

Bow Hunter syndrome (BHS) is a rare disorder characterized by mechanical occlusion of the vertebral artery (VA) during neck rotation, resulting in symptomatic, transient, and positional vertebrobasilar insufficiency. We describe a case of a 76-year-old female who presented with dizziness and right ear tinnitus triggered by right head rotation. Her symptoms would immediately resolve upon returning her head to the neutral position. CT angiogram showed 80% stenosis of the left subclavian artery origin, 50%-70% stenosis of the proximal right internal carotid artery (ICA), and near occlusive stenoses of the origins of the bilateral VAs. After failing conservative management, the patient was treated with left subclavian artery stenting, followed by a right carotid endarterectomy (CEA) 6weeks later. Follow-up at 1month showed resolution of paroxysmal symptoms and no neurological sequelae. To our knowledge, there have not yet been reported cases of patients with concurrent BHS, subclavian artery stenosis, and carotid artery stenosis. We suggest that global revascularization via subclavian artery stenting and CEA may be considered as treatment for patients with BHS complicated by other cerebrovascular disease secondary to stenoses of the ICA and subclavian artery. This approach obviates the need for more complex surgery or endovascular intervention of the VA.

Metagenomic analysis of atheroma plaques for identification of microorganisms indicates presence of Toxoplasma gondii as a possible etiological agent

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Vital organs like the heart are affected by the occlusion of blood vessels due to atherosclerotic plaque formation. However, the role of infectious agents has always been an essential subject of investigation. This study investigated the presence of microorganisms, including nanobacteria, in atherosclerotic plaques removed from human carotid arteries by microbiological and metagenomic examination. MethodsAtheroma plaque samples were obtained from 20 patients with carotid artery stenosis who had atherectomy by surgery or percutaneous intervention. Nanobacteria were grown by culturing homogenates of the atheroma plaques. Whole genome sequencing was done for samples. Because of the high percentage of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) DNA, PCR investigation was applied to detect T. gondii DNA in the samples. ResultsA molecular analysis of nanobacteria revealed them to be made of human proteins, supporting the theory that they are not living organisms. According to sequencing results, samples showed that more than 50 % of the metagenomic sequences belonged to Toxoplasma gondii. PCR investigation indicated that T. gondii DNA was positive in 8 (40 %) of 20 plaques. ConclusionsFurther evidence regarding the role of T. gondii in the etiology of plaque formation may help determine the strategy for prevention and treatment of infections in preventing atheroma plaque formation in the future.

Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis is associated with increased Alzheimer’s disease and non-Alzheimer’s disease dementia risk

BackgroundIn the absence of a cerebrovascular accident, whether asymptomatic extracranial carotid atherosclerotic disease (aECAD) affects Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and non-AD dementia risk is not clear. Understanding whether aECAD is associated...

Carotid artery vascular stenosis causes the blood-CSF barrier damage and neuroinflammation

BackgroundThe choroid plexus (ChP) helps maintain the homeostasis of the brain by forming the blood-CSF barrier via tight junctions (TJ) at the choroid plexus epithelial cells, and subsequently preventing neuroinflammation by restricting immune cells infiltration into the central nervous system. However, whether chronic cerebral hypoperfusion causes ChP structural damage and blood-CSF barrier impairment remains understudied.MethodsThe bilateral carotid stenosis (BCAS) model in adult male C57BL/6 J mice was used to induce cerebral hypoperfusion, a model for vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). BCAS-mediated changes of the blood-CSF barrier TJ proteins, apical secretory Na+-K+-Cl− cotransporter isoform 1 (NKCC1) protein and regulatory serine-threonine kinases SPAK, and brain infiltration of myeloid-derived immune cells were assessed.ResultsBCAS triggered dynamic changes of TJ proteins (claudin 1, claudin 5) accompanied with stimulation of SPAK-NKCC1 complex and NF-κB in the ChP epithelial cells. These changes impacted the integrity of the blood-CSF barrier, as evidenced by ChP infiltration of macrophages/microglia, neutrophils and T cells. Importantly, pharmacological blockade of SPAK with its potent inhibitor ZT1a in BCAS mice attenuated brain immune cell infiltration and improved cognitive neurological function.ConclusionsBCAS causes chronic ChP blood-CSF damage and immune cell infiltration. Our study sheds light on the SPAK-NKCC1 complex as a therapeutic target in neuroinflammation.

Effects of Neck Radiation Therapy on Carotid Arteries in Patients with Head and Neck Carcinoma

Background: Radiotherapy is a main treatment modality for cancers of the head and neck (HNC). However, it can cause a number of complications, including carotid artery damage.This study aimed to determine the effect of head and neck radiotherapy on carotid Doppler ultrasound findings in patients with HNC treated at Imam Hossein University Hospital. Materials and Methods: This research is a descriptive-longitudinal and prospective study conducted in 2022 on patients with HNC undergoing neck radiotherapy. In this study, before the initiation of radiotherapy, the patients underwent neck carotid artery Doppler ultrasound and various parameters including peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), internal carotid artery/common carotid artery (ICA/CCA) PSV, the number of plaques, intimal thickness, and percentage of carotid diameter stenosis, were recorded. The Doppler ultrasound was repeated six months later, addressing the same characteristics, and the collected data were compared. Results: Of 49 investigated patients, 32 (65.3%) were male (mean age=59.46 years). PSV, EDV, and ICA/CCA ratios showed no statistically significant difference 6 months following the completion of radiotherapy compared to the initial investigation. On the other hand, the percentage of carotid artery stenosis, the middle intimal membrane thickness, and the number of vascular plaques increased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion: Carotid artery stenosis due to radiotherapy seems to be a common complication; however, radiotherapy probably has minimal effects on other ultrasound parameters of carotid arteries including EDV, PSV, and ICA/CCA ratio.

ThP8.6 - A real-world diagnostic algorithm for identifying carotid artery stenosis

Abstract Aim Eighty-five percent of ischaemic strokes are caused by extracranial atheromatous lesions involving a narrowing of the Internal Carotid Artery so accurate and timely diagnosis is vital for management. The aim of this study was to correlate CT angiogram (CTA) and ultrasound doppler (US) derived measurements of carotid artery stenosis (CAS), with a view to identify those cases where second modality is required to reduce potential errors. Methods All consecutive carotid US and CTA examinations performed in 2021 and 2022 were included for comparison in this retrospective cohort study. Collected data was then reviewed and evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) and St Mary’s criteria were used to narrow down the percentage stenosis. Result There were fifty-one patients (102 carotid arteries) over this period who had both studies performed. Twenty-nine males and twenty-three females with a median age of seventy-three. Initial data analysis showed no discrepancy in ninety-one (90%) carotid arteries between both modalities. After MDT review, there were eight (7.1%) false positive results and three (2.9%) true positive (2 symptomatic & 1 asymptomatic). In three (2.9%) cases quantification was significantly inaccurate in the initial imaging modality because of heavily calcified vessels. Conclusion This study supports the use of US or CTA as a single modality in grading CAS. Heavily calcified vessels on the first test should be a ‘red flag’ for triggering further alternative imaging to reduce the risk of error. Persistent discrepancies even after the second modality will require a further modality e.g. enhanced magnetic resonance angiography.

Stroke after heart valve surgery: a single center institution report

IntroductionStroke is a potentially debilitating complication of heart valve replacement surgery, with rates ranging from 1 to 10%. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, the incidence of postoperative stroke remains a significant concern, impacting patient outcomes and healthcare resources. This study aims to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of in-hospital adverse neurologic events, particularly stroke, following valve replacement. The analysis focuses on identifying patient characteristics and procedural factors associated with increased stroke risk.MethodsThis retrospective study involves a review of 417 consecutive patients who underwent SVR between January 2004 and December 2022. The study cohort was extracted from a prospectively recorded cardiac intensive care unit database. Preoperative and perioperative data were collected, and subjects with specific exclusion criteria were omitted from the analysis. The analysis includes demographic information, preoperative risk factors, and perioperative variables.ResultsThe study identified a 4.3% incidence of postoperative stroke among SVR patients. Risk factors associated with increased stroke susceptibility included prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp duration exceeding 90 min, prior stroke history, diabetes mellitus, and mitral valve annulus calcification. Patients undergoing combined procedures, such as aortic valve replacement with mitral valve replacement or coronary artery bypass grafting with AVR and MVR, (OR = 10.74, CI:2.65–43.44, p-value = < 0.001) and (OR = 11.66, CI:1.02–132.70, p-value = 0.048) respectively, exhibited elevated risks. Internal carotid artery stenosis (< 75%) and requiring prolonged inotropic support were also associated with increased stroke risk(OR = 3.04, CI:1.13–8.12, P-value = 0.026). The occurrence of stroke correlated with extended intensive care unit stay (OR = 1.12, CI: 1.04–1.20, P-value = 0.002) and heightened in-hospital mortality.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study identifies key risk factors and underscores the importance of proactive measures to reduce postoperative stroke incidence in surgical valve replacement patients.

SP7.11 - Long term mortality risk factors for patients that underwent a Carotid surgery

Abstract Aims Carotid endarterectomy is the gold standard intervention to reduce carotid stenosis induced embolic cerebrovascular events. Current literature lacks long-term large sample analysis for post-carotid surgery mortality risks. The aim of this study was to determine long term all-cause mortality after carotid surgery. Method Single centre 10-year retrospective observational study of CEA mortality evaluating pre, intra and post-operative factors between 2010 and 2020. The data was manually extracted from the hospital’s database. Odds ratios and mortality rates were calculated and adjusted for age by adapting linear regression. Results 970 patients’ data were identified with an average follow up of 6.65 ±3.37 years for an average mortality rate of 31.9%. There was a non-significant (p&amp;gt;0.05) age adjusted odd of survival between gender (aOR 1.81 ±0.298) elective admission (aOR 0.932 ±0.321) and symptomatic patients (aOR 1.274 ±0.47). There was a significantly (p&amp;gt;0.05) decreased chance of survival for current smokers (aOR 0.433 ±0.54) and patients on ACE/ARB (aOR 0.516 ±0.091). On the other hand, single (aOR 2.934 ±0.531) and dual anti-platelet (aOR 4.964 ±0.286) showed a significant (p&amp;gt;0.05) protective effect. The 5-year age-adjusted death rate was elevated for all patients at 1.42. Conclusion The results highlight the smoking cessation, DAPT and appropriate prophylaxis remain important factors in increasing survival odds post carotid surgery. 30% mortality at 5 years is similar to those after Aortic interventions in these arteriopathic patients with extensive co morbidities.

Utility of ultrasound in the perioperative phase of carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stent implantation.

This article reviews the latest research results of the use of ultrasound technology in the perioperative period of carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting and discusses the role of ultrasound technology in accurately evaluating carotid stenosis and plaque stability, assisting in selecting the most suitable surgical method, and providing optimal perioperative imaging to guide carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) to reduce the occurrence and progression of stroke. The research published in recent years on the application of ultrasound in the perioperative period of CEA and CAS was reviewed through the databases of CNKI, Pubmed, and Web of Science. Ultrasound has high clinical value in preoperative screening for indications, assessing the degree of carotid artery stenosis and the nature of plaque; monitoring hemodynamic changes intraoperatively to prevent cerebral ischemia or overperfusion; and evaluating surgical outcomes postoperatively and in late follow-up review. Ultrasound is currently widely used perioperatively in CEA and CAS and has even become the preferred choice of clinicians to evaluate the efficacy of surgery and follow-up. The presence of vulnerable plaque is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is an excellent tool to assess plaque stability. In most studies, ultrasound has been used only in a short follow-up period after CEA and CAS, and data from longer follow-ups are needed to provide more reliable evidence.

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).

The Dual-layer CGuard Stent Is Safe and Effective in Emergent Carotid Artery Stenting and in Tandem Occlusions: aMulti-centric Study.

Dual-layer stents have fallen into disrepute after several studies reported high rates of in-stent occlusions in acute stroke treatments. The CGuard stent is anew-generation hybrid dual-layer stent that has been designed to provide less thrombogenicity and to prevent peri- and postinterventional emboli. The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the CGuard stent for the acute treatment of occlusion or high-grade stenosis of the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with and without concomitant intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO). All patients who underwent emergent carotid artery stenting (CAS) with the CGuard stent were identified and analyzed from the stroke registries from four tertiary German stroke centers. Clinical, procedural, and imaging data were evaluated. Stent patency within 72 h, intracranial hemorrhage, and modified Rankin score (mRS) at discharge were the safety and efficacy end points. Overall, ninety-six patients were included (mean age70.2 ± 11.8, 66males (68.8%), median NIHSS score at admission 11 (7-17), IVlysis: n = 44 (45.8%)). Stent placement was successful in all patients. Eighty-three (86.4%) patients had tandem occlusions. In-stent occlusion occurred in 5patients (5.2%) and 3patients developed early in-stent stenosis (3.1%). Median mRS at discharge was 2 (1-4). In this multicenter study, the use of the dual-layer CGuard stent for emergent CAS, particularly in tandem occlusions, was safe and resulted in low rates of in-stent occlusions.

Relationship between CT-derived cervical muscle mass and quality, systemic inflammation, and survival in symptomatic patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.

Sarcopenia appears to be associated with inferior outcomes in surgical conditions. Chronic systemic inflammation confers an inferior long-term prognosis in cardiovascular disease and is associated with the development of sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to describe the prognostic role of sarcopenia assessed using computed tomography (CT)-derived body composition analysis and systemic inflammation in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis. In this retrospective cohort study, patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis between 1 January 2011 and 1 October 2021 at four referral centres were included. The C3 skeletal muscle index and C3 skeletal muscle density were recorded from preoperative CT images. Systemic inflammation was assessed using the preoperative systemic inflammatory grade (SIG). The primary outcome was overall mortality during the study interval. A total of 618 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 69 (interquartile range 34-85) months. On univariable analysis, age greater than or equal to 75 years (P < 0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade greater than II (P < 0.001), low C3 skeletal muscle index (P = 0.002), low C3 skeletal muscle density (P < 0.001), SIG greater than or equal to 2 (P < 0.001), and low L3 derived skeletal muscle index (P < 0.001) were associated with increased mortality, whereas body mass index greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2 was associated with decreased mortality (P = 0.023). On multivariable analysis, age 75 years or older (HR 2.17 (95% c.i. 1.58 to 2.97), P < 0.001), ASA grade greater than II (HR 2.06 (95% c.i. 1.35 to 3.12), P < 0.001), low C3 skeletal muscle density (HR 1.84 (95% c.i. 1.33 to 2.54), P < 0.001), and SIG greater than or equal to 2 (HR 1.63 (95% c.i. 1.33 to 1.99), P < 0.001) were independently associated with increased mortality. Cervical CT-derived muscle mass and density, and markers of systemic inflammation, such as systemic inflammatory grade, may be associated with an inferior long-term prognosis after carotid endarterectomy.

Evolution of Medical and Surgical Management of Carotid Disease from Carotid Endarterectomy to Transfemoral Carotid Stenting to TCAR

Patients with carotid stenosis can be broadly classified into two categories: symptomatic and asymptomatic. While there is little disagreement about surgical management of symptomatic carotid stenosis, the optimal management strategy for the patients with asymptomatic carotid disease has undergone significant evolution over past five decades. With increasing focus on role of plaque morphology on the etiology of symptoms, there has been an increased focus on optimizing the medical management targeted at plaque stabilization, especially for the patients with asymptomatic carotid disease, while reserving the most aggressive surgical treatment options for the patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. This review summarizes the scientific evidence based on multiple large clinical studies showing how the modern-day management of carotid stenosis has evolved. Multiple, large randomized clinical trials have established carotid endarterectomy (CEA) as the treatment of choice for symptomatic patients with symptomatic, >50% stenosis of carotid artery or those who have asymptomatic high grade carotid stenosis. With the advancements in endovascular techniques, the technique of Trans Femoral Carotid Artery Stenting (TF-CAS) was popularized, but after multiple, large randomized controlled trials demonstrated superiority of CEA, the indications for TF-CAS as the initial operation of choice for carotid disease for all patients have been reduced. In the past five years, the introduction of the newer technique of Trans Carotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) has shown promising results with significant reduction in the incidence of perioperative complications as compared to CEA and TF-CAS, however, there have been no randomized controlled trials comparing TCAR to either CEA or TF-CAS. Moreover, with the developments in the medical field with introduction of several new medications which have been demonstrated to successfully change the plaque morphology, there has been a renewed interest in exploring if the indications for surgical management for the asymptomatic carotid disease should be revisited.

Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis, Cognitive Function, and the Impact of Carotid Revascularization: A Narrative Review

ObjectivesThe association between asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis and impaired cognition, and the cognitive changes after revascularization remain active areas of interest in the field of carotid disease. This narrative review focuses on the association between carotid artery atherosclerosis and impaired cognitive function, proposed mechanisms, and the effects of carotid revascularization on cognition. MethodsA critical review of the literature to identify studies evaluating carotid artery stenosis, cognition, and carotid revascularization was performed using PubMed to query the MEDLINE database through March 2023. ResultsMany studies demonstrate a link between carotid disease and cognitive impairment but direct evidence is lacking. Revascularization may offer cognitive benefits but the effect is likely subtle and affected by the choice of revascularization procedure. ConclusionsIntegrating cognitive outcomes into ongoing randomized controlled trials such as the nested CREST-H arm of the CREST-2 trial hold promise for offering new insight into the role of carotid artery stenosis and carotid revascularization on cognition.

Off versus on pump myocardial revascularization in patients with severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis.

Coronary artery disease is a global cause of morbidity and mortality, often managed by coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study addresses a critical decision-making dilemma in CABG procedures for patients with severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis, comparing off-pump and on-pump techniques. We conducted a retrospective single-center analysis, employing propensity scored matched-pair methodology to compare perioperative outcomes in patients with asymptomatic severe carotid stenosis undergoing off-pump or on-pump CABG. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of perioperative stroke. Secondary endpoints included postoperative delirium, intrahospital mortality, intensive care unit stay, length of hospitalization and long-term survival. The study involved 243 patients with asymptomatic severe carotid stenosis operated between July 2009 and October 2018, subsequently propensity score matched into two groups of 78 patients each (off-pump and on-pump). The incidence of perioperative stroke was significantly higher in the On-Pump group compared to the off-pump group (10.3% vs. 1.3%, P=0.03). However, secondary endpoints, such as intrahospital mortality and length of hospitalization, showed no significant differences between the two groups. Long-term survival rates were also comparable. Our findings indicate that off-pump CABG significantly reduces the risk of perioperative stroke in patients with severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis compared to on-pump CABG, without compromising long-term outcomes. These results support the preference for off-pump CABG in this high-risk patient population, highlighting the need for tailored surgical approaches based on individual patient risk profiles.

Timing of Intervention in Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis

Symptomatic carotid artery stenosis is defined as an acute neurologic deficit (transient ischemic attack or stroke) occurring in the last six months that is ipsilateral to an extracranial carotid artery with at least 50% stenosis. Previous studies have identified the benefit of surgical intervention on symptomatic carotid stenosis, but the ideal timing is less clear. The timing of intervention must balance the risk of perioperative stroke and death (higher during the hyperacute period within 48 hours) and the risk of recurrent stroke while waiting to intervene, particularly if delayed beyond 14 days. Several factors such as acuity of neurological deficit, degree of stenosis or contralateral occlusion, and other comorbidities, may contribute to the risk of perioperative stroke or death when intervening within the acute period. The Society for Vascular Surgery recommends carotid endarterectomy as the intervention for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, but recent studies have shown that transcarotid revascularization may also have similar outcomes.

Abstract P439: An Uncommon and Missed Diagnosis of Hypertension: Fibromuscular Dysplasia

Introduction: Fibromuscular dysplasia is a noninflammatory vascular disease most commonly affecting carotid and renal arteries, especially in young to middle aged women. Renal artery stenosis may cause refractory and severe hypertension in these patients without traditional risk factors. Case: A 58-year-old woman with uncontrolled hypertension on calcium channel and angiotensin receptor blocker and history of left carotid artery stenosis, and carotid endarterectomy at the age of 48 years, was referred cardiac evaluation. Patient’s twin sister had a diagnosis of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). Her blood pressure was 190/90 mmHg at presentation. Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) of the abdomen/pelvis showed a typical nodular stenosis of the mid renal artery consistent with FMD. Patient underwent renal angiogram and successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. She still required medical therapy but her BP significantly improved. Discussion: Our patient had severe hypertension, carotid artery stenosis and even surgery but had missed FMD diagnosis for &gt; 10 years. Physicians should have a high level of clinical suspicion for young and middle aged women with refractory hypertension and/or artery stenosis, aneurysm, or dissection in any vascular bed. CTA should be performed for renal and carotid artery imaging looking for typical “string of beads” appearance. Cerebral artery aneurysm should also be evaluated. The inheritance pattern for FMD such as PHACTR1 is most consistent with an autosomal dominant trait with variable penetrance. Renal artery angioplasty may lessen the degree of refractory or severe hypertension.

Carotid Artery Stenting by Direct Punctures of Cervical Carotid Artery Stenoses Using an Exoscope in a Hybrid Operating Room: A Technical Report.

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been established as an effective surgical treatment for internalcarotid artery stenosis and/or common carotid artery stenosis (ICAS/CCAS). Typically, CAS is performed via a transfemoral, transbrachial, or transradial approach. However, direct puncture CAS (DP-CAS) is preferred in cases where conventional access routes are challenging, such as in the presence of cervical vascular tortuosity or thoracic aortic aneurysm. Since 2020, our institution has selectively adopted DP-CAS, utilizing 3D exoscopy through the ZEISS KINEVO 900 microscope (Carl Zeiss AG, Oberkochen, Germany) or the ORBEYE exoscope (Sony Olympus Medical Solutions Inc., Tokyo, Japan) for carotid artery surgical exposure and puncture under high magnification in a hybrid operating room. In the hybrid operating room, exoscopic and angiographic fluoroscopic monitors were positioned side by side, enabling the surgeon to simultaneously visualize both during the puncture procedure. In cases utilizing the ORBEYE exoscope, its compact design minimized interference with the fluoroscopic arm, thereby facilitating improved working angles during CAS. This technical report reveals the current status of DP-CAS at our institution and focuses on the effectiveness of DP-CAS using an exoscope based on our clinical experience.

Raman spectroscopy combined with machine learning and chemometrics analyses as a tool for identification atherosclerotic carotid stenosis from serum

Atherosclerosis carotid stenosis (ACS) is one of the main causes of stroke. Unfortunately, the highest number of people go to the doctor with an advanced disease or as a result of a stroke, because carotid atherosclerosis does not cause obvious symptoms. Therefore, it is important to find a diagnostic method to detect the disease during routine tests (using blood or serum). Consequently, in this article, Raman spectroscopy was tested as a potential diagnostic method. Indeed, Raman spectra of serum collected from ACS and control patients showed decrease of Raman peak around 1520 cm−1 and increase of peak around 3050 cm−1 in people with ACS. Moreover in people with ACS shift of peaks originating from amides II, I and lipids vibrations were noticed in comparison with control group. Interestingly, decision tree algorithm showed that peaks at 1656 cm−1 and 2957 cm−1 could be a spectroscopy markers of atherosclerotic carotid stenosis. Continuing, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) clearly showed distinguishing between serum collected from ACS and control patients, while machine learning algorithms showed high value of accuracy, sensitivity and selectivity (more than 90 %). Finally, value of area under the curve of Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUC-ROC) showed value of 0.81 for Raman range between 800 cm−1 and 1800 cm−1 and 0.86 for 2800 cm−1–3000 cm−1 range. Obtained results clearly showed possibility of Raman spectroscopy in detection of ACS from serum.

Toward a Diagnostic Imaging Algorithm for Undifferentiated Pulsatile Tinnitus.

Decisions around the diagnostic evaluation for pulsatile tinnitus (PT) remain challenging. We describe the usage patterns and diagnostic accuracy of imaging modalities and propose an evidence-based diagnostic approach for undifferentiated PT. Retrospective. Single otology/neurotology clinic. Patients with PT presenting between 2009 and 2020. Sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic yield, and diagnostic accuracy. A total of 315 subjects met inclusion criteria (74% female, mean ± SD age = 52 ± 17 years). Subjects were divided into four cohorts based on exam findings: normal (n = 229), venous cohort (n = 34), arterial cohort (n = 16), and outer/middle ear pathology cohort (n = 40). In total, 53% of patients received a nonidiopathic diagnosis for PT. The most common identifiable cause was sigmoid sinus dehiscence (78%) in the venous cohort, carotid stenosis (36%) in the arterial cohort, and glomus tumor (56%) in the outer/middle ear pathology cohort. There was a higher diagnostic rate among patients with positive exam findings compared to those with unrevealing exams ( p = 0.04). Imaging studies with the highest diagnostic yield were computed tomography (CT) venography (44%), formal angiography (42%), and magnetic resonance venography (40%); studies with the highest specificity were formal angiography (0.82), CT angiography (0.67), and CT venography (0.67). A diagnostic algorithm is proposed. Reaching a diagnosis in patients with PT requires a systematic approach, taking into account both clinical and radiographic information. Physical examination is a key first step for differentiating patients into venous, arterial, and other cohorts to narrow down the likely pathology and determine which radiographic studies have the highest yield and accuracy.