scholarly journals Computer-assisted Ultrasound Assessment of Plaque Characteristics in Radiation-induced and Non-radiation-induced Carotid Atherosclerosis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanxi Li ◽  
Dora LW Kwong ◽  
Vincent WC Wu ◽  
Shea-Ping Yip ◽  
Helen KW Law ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Carotid Plaque ◽  
Carotid Atherosclerosis ◽  
Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Plaque Formation ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Carotid Plaques ◽  
Grey Scale ◽  
Radiation Induced

Abstract Background Carotid atherosclerosis is common in post-radiotherapy (post-RT) patients and subjects with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs). The associated development of carotid plaques (CPs), particularly unstable plaques, is a major cause of cerebrovascular disease. Therefore, accurate detection and evaluation of CP characteristics is of essence. This study investigated the feasibility of using a computer-assisted method to evaluate and differentiate the CP characteristics in radiation-induced and non-radiation-induced CA. Methods 107 post-RT NPC and 110 CVRF subjects were recruited. Each participant had a carotid ultrasound examination of CPs and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). The carotid plaque characteristics were evaluated for grey-scale median (GSM) and detailed plaque texture analysis (DPTA) using specific computer software. In DPTA, five different intra-plaque components were color-coded according to different grey scale ranges. Multivariate regression model was used to evaluate the correlation of risk factors and carotid plaque characteristics. Results Post-RT NPC patients have significantly higher CIMT (748±15.1µm, p=0.001), more incidence of plaque formation (80.4%, p<0.001) and larger number of plaques (2.3±0.2, p<0.001) than CVRF subjects (680.4±10.0µm, 38.2% and 0.5±0.1 respectively). Among the five intra-plaque components, radiation-induced carotid plaques had significantly larger area of calcification (4.8 ±7.7%, p=0.012), but lesser area of lipid (42.1%±16.9%, p=0.034) when compared to non-radiation-induced CPs (3.0%±5.7% and 46.3%±17.9% respectively). Age, radiation and number of CVRF were significantly associated with the CA burden (p<0.001). Besides, age was significantly associated with the amount of lipid and calcification within CPs (p<0.001). Conclusions Compared to CVRF subjects, post-RT NPC patients were more susceptible to carotid plaque formation with less lipid content. Considering both CA burden and plaque component, both post-RT NPC patients and individuals with CVRF have a high risk of cerebrovascular diseases.

Apolipoprotein(a), Fibrinopeptide A and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Middle-Aged Men

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (04) ◽  
pp. 563-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuomo Rankinen ◽  
Sari Väisänen ◽  
Michele Mercuri ◽  
Rainer Rauramaa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Carotid Atherosclerosis ◽  
Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Carotid Bifurcation ◽  
Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Fibrinopeptide A ◽  
Carotid Imt ◽  
Apolipoprotein A ◽  
The Difference

SummaryThe association between apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)], fibrinogen, fibrinopeptide A (FPA) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was analyzed in Eastern Finnish men aged 50 to 60 years. Apo(a) correlated directly with carotid bifurcation (r = 0.26, p = 0.001), but not with common carotid IMT. Men in the lowest quartile of apo(a) had thinner (p = 0.013) IMT in bifurcation [1.59 mm (95% Cl 1.49; 1.68)] compared to the men in the highest [1.91 mm (95% Cl 1.73; 2.09)] apo(a) quartile. The difference remained (p=0.038) after adjusting for confounders. Plasma fibrinogen was not related to carotid IMT, whereas FPA correlated with common carotid (r = 0.21, p = 0.016) and carotid bifurcation (r = 0.21, p = 0.018) IMT. These associations abolished after adjusting for the confounders. The data suggest that apo(a) associate with carotid atherosclerosis independent of other risk factors for ischemic cardiovascular diseases.

P5293Effect of metabolically health obesity on carotid intima-media thickness in general population: a community-based cohort study

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Itoh ◽  
H Kaneko ◽  
H Kiriyama ◽  
Y Yoshida ◽  
K Nakanishi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
General Population ◽  
Abdominal Obesity ◽  
Carotid Plaque ◽  
Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Plaque Formation ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Obese Subjects

Abstract Introduction Obesity is a common and independent risk factor for all-cause mortality. More specifically, obesity is a major component of atherosclerosis in association with metabolic disorders including metabolic syndrome (MetS), resulting in various cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Alternatively, obese subjects without MetS are prevalent, also referred to as metabolically healthy obesity (MHO). However, most preceding studies regarding MHO have been limited by small cohorts. Therefore, the effect of MHO on atherosclerosis in the general population remains unclear. Purpose In this study, we sought to clarify the effect of MHO on carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) as a marker of early stage atherosclerosis using a community-based cohort in general population. Methods We examined subjects who underwent medical check-up at our University Hospital. We defined obesity as body mass index ≥25.0 kg/m2. Abdominal obesity, defined as waist circumstance at umbilical level ≥85 cm in men and ≥90 cm in women, was obligatory for the diagnosis of MetS. In addition to abdominal obesity, any two of the following three abnormalities should be observed for the diagnosis of MetS, [1] Dyslipidemia: triglyceride ≥150 mg/dL, HDL-C <40 mg/dL, or use of lipid lowering medication, [2] Hypertension: systolic blood pressure ≥130 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mmHg, or use of antihypertensive medication, and [3] Hyperglycemia: fasting plasma glucose ≥110 mg/dL or use of hypoglycemic medication. MHO was defined as obese subjects without MetS, whereas we defined metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) as obese subjects with MetS. We defined carotid plaque as IMT ≥1.1 mm. Results Among 1,241 subjects, 857 subjects (69%) were categorized in the normal body weight group, whereas 275 subjects (22%) were categorized as MHO, and 109 subjects (9%) were categorized as MUO. Compared to non-obese subjects, prevalence of classical cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia increased in subjects with MHO, and further increased in those with MUO. IMT was higher in obese subjects compared to those without obesity. Similarly, the prevalence of carotid plaque formation was also higher in obese subjects. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age ≥60 years, male sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, MHO subjects (Odds ratio [OR]; 1.6, p=0.005), and MUO subjects (OR 1.7, p=0.04) were independently associated with carotid plaque formation. There was no statistical difference in the risk of carotid plaque formation between subjects with MHO and MUO. IMT and Carotid Plaque Conclusions IMT and the prevalence of carotid plaque are higher in both subjects with MHO and MUO compared to non-obese subjects in the general population. We need to take obesity regardless of the presence of MetS into consideration as high-risk subjects for subsequent CVD.

Association of Carotid Plaques and Common Carotid Intima-media Thickness with Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 105671
Author(s):  
Pedro J. Santos-Neto ◽  
Eduardo H. Sena-Santos ◽  
Danilo P. Meireles ◽  
Márcio Sommer Bittencourt ◽  
Itamar S. Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Carotid Plaques ◽  
Media Thickness

scholarly journals Prevalence of Microalbuminuria and Its Association with Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis in Middle Aged, Nondiabetic, Low to Moderate Cardiovascular Risk Individuals with or without Hypertension

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1716
Author(s):  
Eva Szabóová ◽  
Alexandra Lisovszki ◽  
Eliška Fatľová ◽  
Peter Kolarčik ◽  
Peter Szabó ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Carotid Plaque ◽  
Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Functional Markers ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Media Thickness

Microalbuminuria is closely associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in the general population. Less is known about its relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis. We aimed to assess the prevalence of microalbuminuria and its relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis in middle-aged, nondiabetic, apparently healthy individuals (N = 187; 40.1% men, 59.9% women; aged 35–55 years) as well as to evaluate its potential associations with established risk modifiers, especially with the presence of carotid plaque. Clinical and laboratory parameters, the estimated 10-year fatal cardiovascular risk (SCORE), as well as circulating, functional (flow mediated vasodilation, ankle-brachial index, augmentation index, and pulse wave velocity), and morphological markers (mean carotid intima–media thickness, and carotid plaque) of subclinical atherosclerosis were analysed in group with vs. without microalbuminuria. Microalbuminuria was present in 3.8% of individuals with SCORE risk 0.43 ± 0.79%. Functional markers predominated in both groups. Carotid intima–media thickness (mean ± SD) in both groups was in range: 0.5–0.55 ± 0.09–0.14 mm. Carotid plaque was more frequent in group with (14.3%) vs. without (4.4%) microalbuminuria. Microalbuminuria had no statistically significant effect on most markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, but the increasing value of microalbuminuria was significantly associated with the occurrence of carotid plaque (p = 0.035; OR = 1.035; 95% CI = 1.002–1.07). Additional multiple logistic regression analysis, where variables belonged to microalbuminuria, number of risk factors, and family history, finally showed only two variables: microalbuminuria (p = 0.034; OR = 1.04; 95%CI = 1.003–1.09) and the number of risk factors (p = 0.006; OR = 2.15; 95% CI = 1.24–3.73) with independent and significant impact on the occurrence of carotid plaque. Our results may indicate an association of microalbuminuria with the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque; in addition, microalbuminuria and the number of risk factors appear to be possible predictors of the carotid plaque occurrence. Monitoring microalbuminuria may improve the personalized cardiovascular risk assessment in nondiabetic, low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk individuals with or without hypertension.

The association between aortic arterial stiffness, carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaques in community-dwelling older adults: A population-based study

Vascular ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 405-412
Author(s):  
Oscar H Del Brutto ◽  
Victor J Del Brutto ◽  
Robertino M Mera ◽  
Aldo F Costa ◽  
Rubén Peñaherrera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
High Blood Pressure ◽  
Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Multivariate Models ◽  
Carotid Plaques ◽  
Independent Association

Objective Information on the associations among arterial stiffness, carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid plaques as biomarkers of atherosclerosis is limited in diverse populations. We aimed to assess whether aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) – as a surrogate of arterial stiffness – is associated with increased cIMT and the presence of carotid plaques in a cohort of older adults of Amerindian ancestry. Methods Atahualpa residents aged ≥60 years ( n = 320) underwent aPWV determinations, and carotid ultrasounds for cIMT and plaque assessment. Multivariate models were fitted to assess the independent association between the aPWV, and cIMT and carotid plaques, after adjusting for relevant confounders. Differences in risk factors across these biomarkers were investigated. Results Mean values of aPWV were 10.3 ± 1.8 m/s, and those of cIMT were 0.91 ± 0.21 mm (24% had a cIMT >1 mm). Carotid plaques were observed in 118 (37%) subjects. In univariate analyses, risk factors associated with an increased aPWV included age, female gender, poor physical activity and high blood pressure. An increased cIMT was associated with age, male gender, a poor diet, high blood pressure and severe tooth loss. The presence of carotid plaques was associated with increasing age, poor physical activity and high blood pressure. Multivariate models showed a significant association between aPWV and cIMT (β: 0.028; 95% C.I.: 0.001–0.056; p =  0.047) but not between aPWV and carotid plaques (OR: 1.14; 95% C.I.: 0.83–1.56; p =  0.423). Conclusions This study shows an independent association between aPWV and cIMT but not with carotid plaques. These biomarkers may indicate distinct phenotypes for atherosclerosis.

P1535Clinical impact of carotid plaque score rather than carotid intima-media thickness on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Tada ◽  
T Nakagawa ◽  
H Okada ◽  
T Nakahashi ◽  
M Mori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Carotid Plaque ◽  
Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Plaque Burden ◽  
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Plaque Score ◽  
Media Thickness

Abstract Background Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) assessed by ultrasound has been widely accepted as a surrogate marker of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, carotid plaque score (cPS) reflecting throughout the carotid artery plaque burden may be better marker. Methods We retrospectively examined 2,035 patients who underwent carotid ultrasonography between January 2006 and December 2015 at our University Hospital. Median follow-up period was 4 years. We used Cox models that adjusted for established risk factors of ASCVD, including age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and serum lipids to assess the association of cIMT as well as cPS with major adverse cardiac events (MACE). MACE was defined as all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for a cardiovascular-related illness Results During follow-up, 243 participants experienced MACE. After adjustment for established risk factors, cPS was associated with MACE (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.38 for top quintile vs. bottom quintile of cPS; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.82 to 6.27; P-trend = 1.4×10–8), while cIMT was not (HR = 0.88, P=0.57). Addition of the cPS to established risk factors significantly improved risk discrimination (C-index 0.726 vs. 0.746; P=0.017) Conclusion As a marker, cPS, rather than cIMT can identify 20% of individuals who are at more than three-fold increased risk for MACE. Targeting diagnostic or therapeutic interventions to this subset may prove clinically useful.

scholarly journals Similar progression of carotid intima–media thickness in 7-year surveillance of patients with mild SLE and controls, but this progression is still promoted by dyslipidaemia, lower HDL levels, hypertension, history of lupus nephritis and a higher prednisolone usage in patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e000362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Ajeganova ◽  
Thomas Gustafsson ◽  
Linnea Lindberg ◽  
Ingiäld Hafström ◽  
Johan Frostegård
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Lupus Nephritis ◽  
Carotid Plaque ◽  
Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽  
Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Average Dose ◽  
Media Thickness ◽  
History Of

ObjectiveTo compare progression of subclinical atherosclerosis and factors promoting it in patients with SLE and controls.MethodsConsecutive patients with SLE and age-matched, sex-matched population controls from the SLEVIC cohort were assessed at inclusion and after 7 years with standardised data collection and carotid ultrasound. Effect of risk factors on carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) progression was examined with adjusted linear mixed models.ResultsA total of 77 patients and 74 controls, 68% and 61% of the original cohort, completed follow-up. The patients were (mean) 47 years old, 90% were women, and controls were 51 years old, 92% women. Patients had disease duration of (mean) 11 years, mild disease activity and low severity at both assessments. Baseline cIMT did not differ between the groups. An average absolute cIMT progression was 0.009 mm/year in patients and 0.011 mm/year in controls, intergroup difference p=0.9.Of factors at inclusion, dyslipidaemia, lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and carotid plaque in patients and controls, and higher systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol:HDL and LDL:HDL ratios and triglycerides in patients were associated with cIMT progression. Of factors at follow-up, hypertension and blood lipids in patients and HDL in controls were significantly associated with cIMT progression. History of lupus nephritis and a higher average dose of prednisolone used since diagnosis were associated with cIMT progression in patients. Associations of risk factors with cIMT progression were stronger in presence of plaques.ConclusionWe observed a statistically comparable progression of cIMT in patients with mild SLE and controls over 7 years, which implies that progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in some patients with SLE could follow that of the general population. Traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, history of lupus nephritis and higher use of corticosteroids promote cIMT progression in SLE. Detection of carotid plaque may add to CV risk stratification.

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