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Wang DD, Lin S, Lyu GR. Advances in the Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Ultrasound Diagnosis of Vulnerable Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2025; 51:607-614. [PMID: 39828500 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2024.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2024] [Revised: 12/16/2024] [Accepted: 12/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2025]
Abstract
Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque is a type of plaque that poses a significant risk of high mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. Ultrasound has long been used for carotid atherosclerosis screening and plaque assessment due to its safety, low cost and non-invasive nature. However, conventional ultrasound techniques have limitations such as subjectivity, operator dependence, and low inter-observer agreement, leading to inconsistent and possibly inaccurate diagnoses. In recent years, a promising approach to address these limitations has emerged through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into ultrasound imaging. It was found that by training AI algorithms with large data sets of ultrasound images, the technology can learn to recognize specific characteristics and patterns associated with vulnerable plaques. This allows for a more objective and consistent assessment, leading to improved diagnostic accuracy. This article reviews the application of AI in the field of diagnostic ultrasound, with a particular focus on carotid vulnerable plaques, and discusses the limitations and prospects of AI-assisted ultrasound. This review also provides a deeper understanding of the role of AI in diagnostic ultrasound and promotes more research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Dan Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China; Group of Neuroendocrinology, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Guo-Rong Lyu
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China; Departments of Medical Imaging, Quanzhou Medical College, Quanzhou, China.
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Georgiopoulos G, Athanasopoulos S, Mavraganis G, Konstantaki C, Papaioannou M, Delialis D, Angelidakis L, Sachse M, Papoutsis D, Cavlan B, Tual-Chalot S, Zervas G, Sopova K, Mitrakou A, Stellos K, Stamatelopoulos K. Incremental Value of Blood-Based Markers of Liver Fibrosis in Cardiovascular Risk Stratification. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2025; 110:1115-1127. [PMID: 39257198 PMCID: PMC11913098 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with advanced liver fibrosis is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). OBJECTIVE This work aimed to examine if markers of vascular injury mediate the link between liver fibrosis noninvasive tests (LFNITs) and CVD events, and to compare the incremental predictive value of LFNITs over established CVD risk scores. METHODS Consecutively recruited individuals (n = 1692) with or without clinically overt coronary artery disease (CAD) from the Athens Cardiometabolic Cohort, were analyzed. Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), NAFLD Fibrosis score (NFS), and BARD score were evaluated for direct and indirect associations with indices of subclinical arterial injury including carotid maximal wall thickness (maxWT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) and with a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) that consisted of cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction, or coronary revascularization (39-month median follow-up). RESULTS FIB-4 was the only LFNIT that was consistently associated with multiple markers of vascular injury, irrespective of CAD presence and after controlling for traditional risk factors, surrogates of insulin resistance, or obesity (adjusted P < .05 for all). FIB-4 was also independently associated with CAD presence (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 6.55; 3.48-12.3; P < .001). Increased FIB-4 greater than 2.67 was incrementally associated with an increased risk for MACE (OR [95% CI] 2.00 [1.12-3.55], ΔAUC [95% CI] 0.014 [0.002-0.026]). These associations were mediated by maxWT rather than PWV. Only FIB-4 (>3.25) was independently and incrementally associated with all-cause mortality (adjusted P < 0.05). CONCLUSION In a cardiometabolically diverse population, the incremental associations of LFNITs with CVD outcomes were mediated by atherosclerotic burden rather than arterial stiffening. FIB-4 consistently demonstrated associations with all study end points. These findings provide mechanistic insights and support the clinical applicability of FIB-4 in CVD prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Georgiopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Stavros Athanasopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Mavraganis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Konstantaki
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Papaioannou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Delialis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Lasthenis Angelidakis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Marco Sachse
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Papoutsis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Beyza Cavlan
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Simon Tual-Chalot
- Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Georgios Zervas
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Kateryna Sopova
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Asimina Mitrakou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Stellos
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kimon Stamatelopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11528 Athens, Greece
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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Fonkoue IT, Silva M, Racette SB, Safo SE, de Las Fuentes L, Lowe D, Ebong IA, Buysse D, Reis SE, Saeed A. Sleep as a possible mediator in the association of mental health parameters with cardiovascular health indices in women: exploratory analyses from the Heart SCORE Study. Menopause 2025; 32:142-150. [PMID: 39774696 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2025]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This exploratory study aimed to determine the possible role of sleep in the relationships of depression and anxiety, with early surrogate markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, such as brachial artery (BA) diameter and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in women. METHODS We included 1,075 self-reported postmenopausal women, 45 to 75 years from the Heart Strategies Concentrating on Risk Evaluation Study. Exposure variables were depression and anxiety assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Outcome variables were BA diameter and CIMT measured using ultrasonography. The mediator, sleep, was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Symptom Questionnaire-Insomnia. Ordinary least squares regression was used for mediation analyses. RESULTS Of the 1,075 participants, 56.3% were White and 43.7% were Black. Our analyses revealed significant associations of depression and anxiety with sleep ( P < 0.001 for all). After adjusting for confounders, depression was associated with max CIMT (R 2 = 0.15, P = 0.004), but not BA diameter (R 2 = 0.09, P = 0.083). Although the mediating role of sleep in the association between anxiety and BA diameter was not statistically significant [proportion mediated (CI); 0.41 (-2.77, 4.06); P = 0.219], we observed differential results within each racial group. Sleep appeared to partially mediate the association of anxiety with BA diameter in White [0.21 (0.54, 0.80); P = 0.044] women only. CONCLUSIONS We found preliminary indications that sleep might mediate the association of anxiety with BA diameter in White women but does not appear to serve as a mediator in all the other relationships we examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida T Fonkoue
- From the Divisions of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Milena Silva
- Division of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Susan B Racette
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Sandra E Safo
- Division of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | - Dawn Lowe
- From the Divisions of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Imo A Ebong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | - Daniel Buysse
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Steven E Reis
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Anum Saeed
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
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Chung NT, Hsu CY, Shih NC, Wu JJ. Elevated concurrent carotid atherosclerosis rates in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) compared to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): A cross-sectional observational study. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2025; 35:103767. [PMID: 39561692 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2024.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 09/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/05/2024] [Indexed: 11/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been recognized as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Recently, there has been a shift towards diagnosing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), offering simplified criteria and improved risk assessment. However, the association between MAFLD and carotid atherosclerosis remains poorly understood. METHODS AND RESULTS The study analyzed the association of concurrent carotid atherosclerosis between NAFLD and MAFLD patients with a retrospective cohort design. The study enrolled participants who underwent abdominal and carotid artery ultrasounds from a medical center in Taiwan. NAFLD and MAFLD were diagnosed based on imaging and specific criteria. Associations between NAFLD, MAFLD, and carotid atherosclerosis were analyzed using logistic regression. Among 11,194 participants, 57.1 % were diagnosed with fatty liver disease, among which the NAFLD-MAFLD group comprised 4689 individuals, with 900 in the NAFLD-only group and 669 in the MAFLD-only group. Significant demographic and clinical differences were observed between groups. Logistic regression showed that the MAFLD-NAFLD group and MAFLD-only group had significantly higher odds of concomitant carotid atherosclerosis. Among MAFLD patients, 65.5 % had concurrent carotid arteriosclerosis with an odds ratio of 2.35 compared to non-MAFLD patients. The odds ratios for variables in MAFLD patients, such as diabetes mellitus, Fibrosis-4(FIB-4), number of FIB-4 > 1.3, and number of NAFLD fibrosis score > -1.455 were all greater than 2. CONCLUSIONS MAFLD is associated with a higher prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis, compared to NAFLD. This suggests that MAFLD may serve as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nien-Ting Chung
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chiann-Yi Hsu
- Biostatistics Group, Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Chen Shih
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Jyun Wu
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Health Policy and Management, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Fan L, Liu J, Hu W, Chen Z, Lan J, Zhang T, Zhang Y, Wu X, Zhong Z, Zhang D, Zhang J, Qin R, Chen H, Zong Y, Zhang J, Chen B, Jiang J, Cheng J, Zhou J, Gao Z, Liu Z, Chai Y, Fan J, Wu P, Chen Y, Zhu Y, Wang K, Yuan Y, Huang P, Zhang Y, Feng H, Song K, Zeng X, Zhu W, Hu X, Yin W, Chen W, Wang J. Targeting pro-inflammatory T cells as a novel therapeutic approach to potentially resolve atherosclerosis in humans. Cell Res 2024; 34:407-427. [PMID: 38491170 PMCID: PMC11143203 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-024-00945-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS), a leading cause of cardio-cerebrovascular disease worldwide, is driven by the accumulation of lipid contents and chronic inflammation. Traditional strategies primarily focus on lipid reduction to control AS progression, leaving residual inflammatory risks for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). While anti-inflammatory therapies targeting innate immunity have reduced MACEs, many patients continue to face significant risks. Another key component in AS progression is adaptive immunity, but its potential role in preventing AS remains unclear. To investigate this, we conducted a retrospective cohort study on tumor patients with AS plaques. We found that anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody (mAb) significantly reduces AS plaque size. With multi-omics single-cell analyses, we comprehensively characterized AS plaque-specific PD-1+ T cells, which are activated and pro-inflammatory. We demonstrated that anti-PD-1 mAb, when captured by myeloid-expressed Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs), interacts with PD-1 expressed on T cells. This interaction turns the anti-PD-1 mAb into a substitute PD-1 ligand, suppressing T-cell functions in the PD-1 ligands-deficient context of AS plaques. Further, we conducted a prospective cohort study on tumor patients treated with anti-PD-1 mAb with or without Fc-binding capability. Our analysis shows that anti-PD-1 mAb with Fc-binding capability effectively reduces AS plaque size, while anti-PD-1 mAb without Fc-binding capability does not. Our work suggests that T cell-targeting immunotherapy can be an effective strategy to resolve AS in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Fan
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junwei Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zexin Chen
- Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Department of Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Lan
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Basic Medical School of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tongtong Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Center for Integrated Oncology and Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianpeng Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhong
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Danyang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinlong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui Qin
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-machine Integration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Chen
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfeng Zong
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bing Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jifang Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingyi Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiwei Gao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhenjie Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Chai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junqiang Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pin Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinxuan Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuefeng Zhu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Respiratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pintong Huang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huiqin Feng
- Department of Clinical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaichen Song
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xun Zeng
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinyang Hu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Weiwei Yin
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- The MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-machine Integration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jian'an Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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6
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Cress HJ, Mitchell CC, Wilbrand SM, Wesley UV, Morel Valdés GM, Hess T, Varghese T, Maybock J, Metoxen M, Riesenberg A, Vandenberg C, Blohowiak CJ, Kennard J, Danforth D, Dempsey RJ. Methods in Stroke Prevention in the Wisconsin Native American Population. Neuroepidemiology 2024; 58:300-309. [PMID: 38295773 DOI: 10.1159/000536426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Native American individuals are more frequently affected by cerebrovascular diseases including stroke and vascular cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to determine stroke risk factors that are most prevalent in Wisconsin Native Americans and to examine how education at the community and individual level as well as intensive health wellness coaching may influence modification of stroke risk factors. Additionally, we will investigate the role novel stroke biomarkers may play in stroke risk in this population. This paper details the aims and methods employed in the "Stroke Prevention in the Wisconsin Native American Population" (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04382963) study including participant health assessments, clinical ultrasound exam of the carotid arteries, cognitive testing battery, and structure and execution of the coaching program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Cress
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Carol C Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Stephanie M Wilbrand
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Umadevi V Wesley
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gloria M Morel Valdés
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Timothy Hess
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Tomy Varghese
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jenna Maybock
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Melissa Metoxen
- Native American Center for Health Professions, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jay Kennard
- Oneida Comprehensive Health Division, Oneida, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Debra Danforth
- Oneida Comprehensive Health Division, Oneida, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Robert J Dempsey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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7
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Efremova D, Ciobanu N, Glavan D, Leahu P, Racila R, Bălănuță T, Matei A, Vasilieva M, Cheptea C, Bîtcă P, Damian C, Bondarciuc A, Bejenari I, Cojocaru A, Manea D, Ciocanu M, Zota E, Ciolac D, Groppa SA. Serum Urate Levels and Ultrasound Characteristics of Carotid Atherosclerosis across Obesity Phenotypes. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1897. [PMID: 37509536 PMCID: PMC10376805 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing evidence suggests a close link among high levels of serum urate (SU), obesity and carotid atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the interrelations between SU levels and carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with different obesity phenotypes. METHODS In this study, a total of 2076 subjects (mean age 48.1 ± 13.1 years; 1307 women) were recruited: 59 with general obesity, 616 with central obesity, 715 with mixed (general-central) obesity and 686 non-obese. Anthropometric measurements, vascular risk factors, blood biochemistry analysis (including SU levels), and carotid ultrasound were performed. Ultrasound assessment included evaluation of intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque characteristics, including number, total area and type (vulnerable vs. stable) of plaques. RESULTS After adjustment for potential confounders, the highest levels of SU were observed in subjects with mixed obesity, followed by subjects with central obesity, general obesity and the non-obese (309.4 ± 82.2 vs. 301.2 ± 73.1 vs. 272.9 ± 61.8 vs. 234.2 ± 59.8 μmol/L, respectively; F = 149.2, post hoc p < 0.001). Similarly, subjects with mixed and central obesity presented higher values of IMT compared to subjects with general obesity and the non-obese (0.68 ± 0.16 vs. 0.67 ± 0.16 vs. 0.62 ± 0.14 vs. 0.57 ± 0.13 mm, respectively; F = 54.2, post hoc p < 0.001). No difference in number, total area and type of plaques among obesity groups were attested (all p > 0.05). Significantly higher IMT values were observed in subjects with increased SU levels compared to subjects with normal SU levels (0.70 ± 0.10 vs. 0.62 ± 0.14 mm, p = 0.02) only within the central obesity group. Increasing levels of SU were associated with a higher frequency of increased IMT only in subjects with central obesity (OR 1.033, 95% CI 1.025-1.041). Similarly, SU levels yielded a satisfactory performance in detecting subjects with increased IMT (AUC 0.65, 95% CI 0.50-0.73, subjects with carotid plaques (0.62, 95% CI 0.55-0.68) and subjects with vulnerable plaque types (0.68, 0.59-0.76) only within the central obesity group. CONCLUSIONS Among the studied obesity types, the association between SU levels and markers of carotid atherosclerosis was of particular significance in subjects with central obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Efremova
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Natalia Ciobanu
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Danu Glavan
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Pavel Leahu
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Renata Racila
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Tatiana Bălănuță
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Alexandru Matei
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Maria Vasilieva
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Cristina Cheptea
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Paula Bîtcă
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Cristina Damian
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Ana Bondarciuc
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Irina Bejenari
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Adelina Cojocaru
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Diana Manea
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Mihail Ciocanu
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Eremei Zota
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Dumitru Ciolac
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Stanislav A Groppa
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
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8
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Lu J, Peng W, Yi X, Fan D, Li J, Wang C, Luo H, Yu M. Inflammation and endothelial function-related gene polymorphisms are associated with carotid atherosclerosis-A study of community population in Southwest China. Brain Behav 2023:e3045. [PMID: 37137812 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationships between 18 single nucleotide polymorphisms with carotid atherosclerosis and whether interactions among these genes were associated with an increased risk of carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS Face-to-face surveys were conducted with individuals aged 40 or older in eight communities. A total of 2377 individuals were included in the study. Ultrasound was used to detect carotid atherosclerosis in the included population. 18 loci of 10 genes associated with inflammation and endothelial function were detected. Gene-gene interactions were analyzed using generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR). RESULTS Among the 2377 subjects, 445 (18.7%) subjects had increased intima-media thickness in the common carotid artery (CCA-IMT), and 398 (16.7%) subjects were detected with vulnerable plaque. In addition, NOS2A rs2297518 polymorphism was associated with increased CCA-IMT, IL1A rs1609682, and HABP2 rs7923349 polymorphisms were associated with vulnerable plaque. Besides, GMDR analysis showed significant gene-gene interactions among TNFSF4 rs1234313, IL1A rs1609682, TLR4 rs1927911, ITGA2 rs1991013, NOS2A rs2297518, IL6R rs4845625, ITGA2 rs4865756, HABP2 rs7923349, NOS2A rs8081248, HABP2 rs932650. CONCLUSION The prevalences of increased CCA-IMT and vulnerable plaque were high in Southwestern China's high-risk stroke population. Furthermore, inflammation and endothelial function-related gene polymorphisms were associated with carotid atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lu
- Department of Neurology, Geriatric Diseases Institute of Chengdu/Cancer Prevention and Treatment Institute of Chengdu, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Affiliated Fifth People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Peng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Geriatric Diseases Institute of Chengdu/Cancer Prevention and Treatment Institute of Chengdu, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Affiliated Fifth People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Chengdu, China
| | - Xingyang Yi
- Department of Neurology, the People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Daofeng Fan
- Department of Neurology, Longyan First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Neurology, the People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Chun Wang
- Department of Neurology, the People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Hua Luo
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Ming Yu
- Department of Neurology, the Suining Central Hospital, Suining, Sichuan, China
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9
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An adaptively weighted ensemble of multiple CNNs for carotid ultrasound image segmentation. Biomed Signal Process Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2023.104673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
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10
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Assies JM, Sältz MD, Peters F, Behrendt CA, Jagodzinski A, Petersen EL, Schäfer I, Twerenbold R, Blankenberg S, Rimmele DL, Thomalla G, Makarova N, Zyriax BC. Cross-Sectional Association of Dietary Patterns and Supplement Intake with Presence and Gray-Scale Median of Carotid Plaques-A Comparison between Women and Men in the Population-Based Hamburg City Health Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:1468. [PMID: 36986198 PMCID: PMC10054689 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This population-based cross-sectional cohort study investigated the association of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diet as well as supplement intake with gray-scale median (GSM) and the presence of carotid plaques comparing women and men. Low GSM is associated with plaque vulnerability. Ten thousand participants of the Hamburg City Health Study aged 45-74 underwent carotid ultrasound examination. We analyzed plaque presence in all participants plus GSM in those having plaques (n = 2163). Dietary patterns and supplement intake were assessed via a food frequency questionnaire. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to assess associations between dietary patterns, supplement intake and GSM plus plaque presence. Linear regressions showed an association between higher GSM and folate intake only in men (+9.12, 95% CI (1.37, 16.86), p = 0.021). High compared to intermediate adherence to the DASH diet was associated with higher odds for carotid plaques (OR = 1.18, 95% CI (1.02, 1.36), p = 0.027, adjusted). Odds for plaque presence were higher for men, older age, low education, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking. In this study, the intake of most supplements, as well as DASH or Mediterranean diet, was not significantly associated with GSM for women or men. Future research is needed to clarify the influence, especially of the folate intake and DASH diet, on the presence and vulnerability of plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Maria Assies
- Midwifery Science—Health Care Research and Prevention, Research Group Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, Institute for Health Service Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, W26, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.M.A.); (M.D.S.); (B.-C.Z.)
| | - Martje Dorothea Sältz
- Midwifery Science—Health Care Research and Prevention, Research Group Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, Institute for Health Service Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, W26, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.M.A.); (M.D.S.); (B.-C.Z.)
| | | | | | | | - Elina Larissa Petersen
- Population Health Research Department, University Heart and Vascular Center, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ines Schäfer
- Population Health Research Department, University Heart and Vascular Center, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Raphael Twerenbold
- Population Health Research Department, University Heart and Vascular Center, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Blankenberg
- Population Health Research Department, University Heart and Vascular Center, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - David Leander Rimmele
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Götz Thomalla
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nataliya Makarova
- Midwifery Science—Health Care Research and Prevention, Research Group Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, Institute for Health Service Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, W26, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.M.A.); (M.D.S.); (B.-C.Z.)
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Birgit-Christiane Zyriax
- Midwifery Science—Health Care Research and Prevention, Research Group Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, Institute for Health Service Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, W26, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.M.A.); (M.D.S.); (B.-C.Z.)
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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11
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Zhou R, Ou Y, Fang X, Azarpazhooh MR, Gan H, Ye Z, Spence JD, Xu X, Fenster A. Ultrasound carotid plaque segmentation via image reconstruction-based self-supervised learning with limited training labels. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:1617-1636. [PMID: 36899501 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Carotid total plaque area (TPA) is an important contributing measurement to the evaluation of stroke risk. Deep learning provides an efficient method for ultrasound carotid plaque segmentation and TPA quantification. However, high performance of deep learning requires datasets with many labeled images for training, which is very labor-intensive. Thus, we propose an image reconstruction-based self-supervised learning algorithm (IR-SSL) for carotid plaque segmentation when few labeled images are available. IR-SSL consists of pre-trained and downstream segmentation tasks. The pre-trained task learns region-wise representations with local consistency by reconstructing plaque images from randomly partitioned and disordered images. The pre-trained model is then transferred to the segmentation network as the initial parameters in the downstream task. IR-SSL was implemented with two networks, UNet++ and U-Net, and evaluated on two independent datasets of 510 carotid ultrasound images from 144 subjects at SPARC (London, Canada) and 638 images from 479 subjects at Zhongnan hospital (Wuhan, China). Compared to the baseline networks, IR-SSL improved the segmentation performance when trained on few labeled images (n = 10, 30, 50 and 100 subjects). For 44 SPARC subjects, IR-SSL yielded Dice-similarity-coefficients (DSC) of 80.14-88.84%, and algorithm TPAs were strongly correlated (r=0.962-0.993, p < 0.001) with manual results. The models trained on the SPARC images but applied to the Zhongnan dataset without retraining achieved DSCs of 80.61-88.18% and strong correlation with manual segmentation (r=0.852-0.978, p < 0.001). These results suggest that IR-SSL could improve deep learning when trained on small labeled datasets, making it useful for monitoring carotid plaque progression/regression in clinical use and trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Zhou
- School of Computer Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanghan Ou
- School of Computer Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyue Fang
- School of Computer Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Haitao Gan
- School of Computer Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiwei Ye
- School of Computer Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - J David Spence
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Xiangyang Xu
- Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Aaron Fenster
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
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12
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The E. Improving residual risk stratification of cardiovascular events using carotid ultrasonography. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2022; 29:1770-1772. [PMID: 35862117 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwac141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erlinda The
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Box C-320, 12700 E 19th Avenue, Aurora, 80045, CO, USA
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13
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Georgiopoulos G, Mavraganis G, Delialis D, Georgiou S, Aivalioti E, Patras R, Petropoulos I, Dimopoulou MA, Angelidakis L, Sianis A, Bampatsias D, Dimoula A, Maneta E, Kosmopoulos M, Vardavas C, Stellos K, Stamatelopoulos K. Carotid ultrasonography improves residual risk stratification in guidelines-defined high cardiovascular risk patients. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2022; 29:1773-1784. [PMID: 35580589 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwac095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical value of carotid atherosclerosis markers for residual risk stratification in high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk patients is not established. AIMS We aimed to derive and validate optimal values of markers of carotid subclinical atherosclerosis improving risk stratification in guidelines-defined high ASCVD risk patients. METHODS We consecutively analysed high or very high ASCVD risk patients from a cardiovascular (CV) prevention registry (n = 751, derivation cohort) and from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study (n = 2,897, validation cohort). Baseline ASCVD risk was defined using the 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines (clinical ESCrisk). Intima-media thickness (IMT) excluding plaque, average maximal (avg.maxWT), maximal wall thickness (maxWT) and number of sites with carotid plaque were assessed. As primary endpoint of the study was defined the composite of cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction (MI) and revascularization after a median of 3.4 years in both cohorts and additionally for 16.7 years in the ARIC cohort. RESULTS MaxWT > 2.00 mm and avg.maxWT > 1.39 mm provided incremental prognostic value, improved discrimination and correctly reclassified risk over the clinical ESCrisk both in the derivation and the validation cohort (p < 0.05 for NRI, IDI, and Delta Harrell's C index). MaxWT < 0.9 mm predicted very low probability of cardiovascular events (negative predictive value = 97% and 92% in the derivation and validation cohort, respectively). These findings were additionally confirmed for very long-term events in the validation cohort. CONCLUSION Integration of carotid ultrasonography in guidelines-defined risk stratification may identify very high risk patients in need for further residual risk reduction or at very low probability for events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Georgiopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 80 Vas. Sofias Str, Athens 11528, Greece.,Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7EH, London, UK
| | - Georgios Mavraganis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 80 Vas. Sofias Str, Athens 11528, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Delialis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 80 Vas. Sofias Str, Athens 11528, Greece
| | - Stelios Georgiou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 80 Vas. Sofias Str, Athens 11528, Greece
| | - Evmorfia Aivalioti
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 80 Vas. Sofias Str, Athens 11528, Greece
| | - Raphael Patras
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 80 Vas. Sofias Str, Athens 11528, Greece
| | - Ioannis Petropoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 80 Vas. Sofias Str, Athens 11528, Greece
| | - Maria-Angeliki Dimopoulou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 80 Vas. Sofias Str, Athens 11528, Greece
| | - Lasthenis Angelidakis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 80 Vas. Sofias Str, Athens 11528, Greece
| | - Alexandros Sianis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 80 Vas. Sofias Str, Athens 11528, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Bampatsias
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 80 Vas. Sofias Str, Athens 11528, Greece
| | - Anna Dimoula
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 80 Vas. Sofias Str, Athens 11528, Greece
| | - Eleni Maneta
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 80 Vas. Sofias Str, Athens 11528, Greece
| | - Marinos Kosmopoulos
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, 401 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Constantine Vardavas
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, University Campus of Voutes, 700 13, Heraklion, Crete.,Center for Global Tobacco Control, Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Konstantinos Stellos
- Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Department of Cardiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Rd, High Heaton, NE7 7DN, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.,German Center of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Rhein-Main Partner Site, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department of Cardiovascular Research, European Center for Angioscience, University of Heidelberg, Ludolf-Krehl-Straße 13-17, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kimon Stamatelopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 80 Vas. Sofias Str, Athens 11528, Greece.,Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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14
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Britov AN, Eliseeva NA, Deev AD, Shalnova SA. Possibilities of Detecting Pre-clinical Forms of Atherosclerosis During Periodic Preventive Inspections in Organized Collectives at Workers of Machine Building Enterprises. RATIONAL PHARMACOTHERAPY IN CARDIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.20996/1819-6446-2022-04-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim. To study the structural and functional features of the carotid and femoral arteries using ultrasound duplex scanning of them in patients with hypertension undergoing periodic preventive medical examination.Material and methods. Periodic preventive examination was carried out for 2431 employees (1311 men and 1120 women) aged 20-65 years using a specially developed questionnaire, blood pressure measurement, anthropometry, total cholesterol test. Hypertensive men were assessed for preclinical manifestations of atherosclerosis by ultrasound duplex scanning of the carotid and femoral arteries.Results. Hypertensive men (BP ≥140/90 mmHg and/or taking antihypertensive drugs; n=176, mean age 43.5 years) were included in the study. An increase in the thickness of the intima-media complex in the carotid arteries was found in 22.2% (n=38) people, in the femoral arteries – in 34.1% (n=60) people, in both basins – in 16.5% (n= 29) man. Atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries were found in 40.3% of people (n=71), and in the femoral arteries – in 34.7% (n=61) of people, in both pools – in 23.9% (n=42) of men.Conclusion. Ultrasound diagnostic using modern ultrasound scanners is a highly informative method for non-invasive diagnosis of atherosclerosis in the arteries of the carotid and femoral basins in employees of a large industrial enterprise with arterial hypertension in the conditions of the medical and sanitary department. Carrying out these diagnostic approaches is advisable when organizing periodic medical examinations in order to improve primary prevention, as well as to prevent the aggravation of the identified pathological process, reduce complications, improve quality and increase life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. N. Britov
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | - N. A. Eliseeva
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | - A. D. Deev
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | - S. A. Shalnova
- Primary care compartment №170, Federal Medical and Biological Agency
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15
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Object-Specific Four-Path Network for Stroke Risk Stratification of Carotid Arteries in Ultrasound Images. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2014349. [PMID: 35509862 PMCID: PMC9061007 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2014349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic carotid plaques have been shown to be closely associated with the risk of stroke. Since patients with symptomatic carotid plaques have a greater risk for stroke, stroke risk stratification based on the classification of carotid plaques into symptomatic or asymptomatic types is crucial in diagnosis, treatment planning, and medical treatment monitoring. A deep learning technique would be a good choice for implementing classification. Usually, to acquire a high-accuracy classification, a specific network architecture needs to be designed for a given classification task. In this study, we propose an object-specific four-path network (OSFP-Net) for stroke risk assessment by integrating ultrasound carotid plaques in both transverse and longitudinal sections of the bilateral carotid arteries. Each path of the OSFP-Net comprises of a feature extraction subnetwork (FE) and a feature downsampling subnetwork (FD). The FEs in the four paths use the same network structure to automatically extract features from ultrasound images of carotid plaques. The FDs use different object-specific pooling strategies for feature downsampling based on the observation that the sizes and shapes in the feature maps obtained from FEs should be different. The object-specific pooling strategies enable the network to accept arbitrarily sized carotid plaques as input and to capture a more informative context for improving the classification accuracy. Extensive experimental studies on a clinical dataset consisting of 333 subjects with 1332 carotid plaques show the superiority of our OSFP-Net against several state-of-the-art deep learning-based methods. The experimental results demonstrate better clinical agreement between the ground truth and the prediction, which indicates its great potential for use as a risk stratification and as a monitoring tool in the management of patients at risk for stroke.
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16
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Colaco K, Lee KA, Akhtari S, Winer R, Welsh P, Sattar N, McInnes IB, Chandran V, Harvey P, Cook RJ, Gladman DD, Piguet V, Eder L. Association of Cardiac Biomarkers With Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis: A Longitudinal Cohort Study. Arthritis Rheumatol 2022; 74:1184-1192. [PMID: 35261189 PMCID: PMC9545279 DOI: 10.1002/art.42079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective In patients with psoriatic disease (PsD), we determined whether cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and N‐terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) were associated with carotid plaque burden and the development of cardiovascular events independent of the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Methods Among 1,000 patients with PsD, carotid total plaque area (TPA) was measured in 358 participants at baseline. Cardiac troponin I and NT‐proBNP were measured using automated clinical assays. The association between cardiac biomarkers and carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by multivariable regression after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. Improvement in the prediction of cardiovascular events beyond the FRS was tested using measures of risk discrimination and reclassification. Results In univariate analyses, cTnI (β coefficient 0.52 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.3, 0.74], P < 0.001) and NT‐proBNP (β coefficient 0.24 [95% CI 0.1, 0.39], P < 0.001) were associated with TPA. After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, the association remained statistically significant for cTnI (adjusted β coefficient 0.21 [95% CI 0, 0.41], P = 0.047) but not for NT‐proBNP (P = 0.21). Among the 1,000 patients with PsD assessed for cardiovascular risk prediction, 64 patients had incident cardiovascular events. When comparing a base model (with the FRS alone) to expanded models (with the FRS plus cardiac biomarkers), there was no improvement in predictive performance. Conclusion In patients with PsD, cTnI may reflect the burden of atherosclerosis, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Cardiac troponin I and NT‐proBNP are associated with incident cardiovascular events independent of the FRS, but further study of their role in cardiovascular risk stratification is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Colaco
- Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, and University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ker-Ai Lee
- University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shadi Akhtari
- Women's College Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raz Winer
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Vinod Chandran
- University of Toronto and University Health Network Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paula Harvey
- Women's College Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Dafna D Gladman
- University of Toronto and University Health Network Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vincent Piguet
- Women's College Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lihi Eder
- Women's College Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Loizou CP, Kyriacou E, Griffin MB, Nicolaides AN, Pattichis CS. Association of Intima-Media Texture With Prevalence of Clinical Cardiovascular Disease. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2021; 68:3017-3026. [PMID: 33999819 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2021.3081137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that textural characteristics of the intima-media complex (IMC) may be more useful than the intima-media thickness (IMT) in evaluating cardiovascular risk. The primary aim of our study was to investigate the association between texture features of the common carotid IMC and prevalent clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). The secondary aim was to determine whether IMT and IMC texture features vary between the left and right carotid arteries. The study was performed on 2208 longitudinal-section ultrasound images of the left (L) and right (R) common carotid artery (CCA), acquired from 569 men and 535 women out of which 125 had clinical CVD. L and R sides of the IMC were intensity normalized and despeckled. The IMC was semiautomatically delineated for all images using a semiautomated segmentation system, and 61 different texture features were extracted. The corresponding IMT semiautomated measurements (mean±SD) of the L and R sides were 0.73±0.21 mm/0.69±0.19 mm for the normal population and 0.83±0.17 mm/0.79±0.18 mm for those with CVD. IMC texture features did not differ between the right- and left-hand sides. Several texture features were independent predictors of the presence of CVD. The multivariate logistic regression analysis combining age, IMT, and texture features produced a receiver operating characteristic curve with an area under the curve of 89%. A correct classification rate of 77% for separating the normal subject (NOR) versus CVD subjects was achieved using the support vector machine classifier with a combination of clinical features, IMT, and extracted texture features. Texture features provide additional information on the presence of clinical CVD, which is over and above that provided by conventional risk factors or IMT alone. The value of IMC texture features in the prediction of future cardiovascular events should be tested in prospective studies.
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18
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Zhou R, Azarpazhooh MR, Spence JD, Hashemi S, Ma W, Cheng X, Gan H, Ding M, Fenster A. Deep Learning-Based Carotid Plaque Segmentation from B-Mode Ultrasound Images. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:2723-2733. [PMID: 34217560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Carotid ultrasound measurement of total plaque area (TPA) provides a method for quantifying carotid plaque burden and monitoring changes in carotid atherosclerosis in response to medical treatment. Plaque boundary segmentation is required to generate the TPA measurement; however, training of observers and manual delineation are time consuming. Thus, our objective was to develop an automated plaque segmentation method to generate TPA from longitudinal carotid ultrasound images. In this study, a deep learning-based method, modified U-Net, was used to train the segmentation model and generate TPA measurement. A total of 510 plaques from 144 patients were used in our study, where the Monte Carlo cross-validation was used by randomly splitting the data set into 2/3 and 1/3 for training and testing. Two observers were trained to manually delineate the 510 plaques separately, which were used as the ground-truth references. Two U-Net models (M1 and M2) were trained using the two different ground-truth data sets from the two observers to evaluate the accuracy, variability and sensitivity on the ground-truth data sets used for training our method. The results of the algorithm segmentations of the two models yielded strong agreement with the two manual segmentations with the Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.989 (p < 0.0001) and r = 0.987 (p < 0.0001). Comparison of the U-Net and manual segmentations resulted in mean TPA differences of 0.05 ± 7.13 mm2 (95% confidence interval: 14.02-13.02 mm2) and 0.8 ± 8.7 mm2 (17.85-16.25 mm2) for the two models, which are small compared with the TPA range in our data set from 4.7 to 312.8 mm2. Furthermore, the mean time to segment a plaque was only 8.3 ± 3.1 ms. The presented deep learning-based method described has sufficient accuracy with a short computation time and exhibits high agreement between the algorithm and manual TPA measurements, suggesting that the method could be used to measure TPA and to monitor the progression and regression of carotid atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Zhou
- School of Computer Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Reza Azarpazhooh
- Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - J David Spence
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samineh Hashemi
- Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wei Ma
- Medical Ultrasound Laboratory, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xinyao Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Haitao Gan
- School of Computer Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Mingyue Ding
- Medical Ultrasound Laboratory, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Aaron Fenster
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Zhou R, Guo F, Azarpazhooh MR, Hashemi S, Cheng X, Spence JD, Ding M, Fenster A. Deep Learning-Based Measurement of Total Plaque Area in B-Mode Ultrasound Images. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2021; 25:2967-2977. [PMID: 33600328 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2021.3060163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Measurement of total-plaque-area (TPA) is important for determining long term risk for stroke and monitoring carotid plaque progression. Since delineation of carotid plaques is required, a deep learning method can provide automatic plaque segmentations and TPA measurements; however, it requires large datasets and manual annotations for training with unknown performance on new datasets. A UNet++ ensemble algorithm was proposed to segment plaques from 2D carotid ultrasound images, trained on three small datasets (n = 33, 33, 34 subjects) and tested on 44 subjects from the SPARC dataset (n = 144, London, Canada). The ensemble was also trained on the entire SPARC dataset and tested with a different dataset (n = 497, Zhongnan Hospital, China). Algorithm and manual segmentations were compared using Dice-similarity-coefficient (DSC), and TPAs were compared using the difference ( ∆TPA), Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and Bland-Altman analyses. Segmentation variability was determined using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient-of-variation (CoV). For 44 SPARC subjects, algorithm DSC was 83.3-85.7%, and algorithm TPAs were strongly correlated (r = 0.985-0.988; p < 0.001) with manual results with marginal biases (0.73-6.75) mm 2 using the three training datasets. Algorithm ICC for TPAs (ICC = 0.996) was similar to intra- and inter-observer manual results (ICC = 0.977, 0.995). Algorithm CoV = 6.98% for plaque areas was smaller than the inter-observer manual CoV (7.54%). For the Zhongnan dataset, DSC was 88.6% algorithm and manual TPAs were strongly correlated (r = 0.972, p < 0.001) with ∆TPA = -0.44 ±4.05 mm 2 and ICC = 0.985. The proposed algorithm trained on small datasets and segmented a different dataset without retraining with accuracy and precision that may be useful clinically and for research.
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20
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Fernandes e Fernandes J, Mendes Pedro L, Gonçalves I. The conundrum of asymptomatic carotid stenosis-determinants of decision and evidence. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1279. [PMID: 33178811 PMCID: PMC7607137 DOI: 10.21037/atm-2020-cass-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Management of asymptomatic carotid disease continues to challenge medical practice and present evidence is often conflicting. Stroke is a significant burden in Public Health and 11% to 15% appear as first neurologic event associated with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Randomized trials provided support for Guidelines and Recommendations to intervene on asymptomatic stenosis, but at a known cost of a high number of unnecessary operations. Conflicting evidence from natural history studies and the widespread use of proper medical management including risk factors control, lowering-lipid drugs and strict control of arterial hypertension have reduced the incidence of strokes associated to asymptomatic carotid disease challenging established practice. Need to identify vulnerable lesions prone to develop thromboembolic brain events and also vulnerable patients at a higher risk of stroke is necessary and essential to further improve effectiveness of our interventions. After review of published literature on natural history of asymptomatic carotid stenosis, diagnostic methods to identify plaque vulnerability and present-day results of both endarterectomy and stenting, a strategy for management of asymptomatic carotid stenosis is suggested aiming to reduce unnecessary interventions and effectively contribute to stroke prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Fernandes e Fernandes
- Department of Surgery and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Santa Maria University Hospital, Lisbon Academic Medical Center, Lisbon, Portugal
- Senior Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Cardiovascular Institute/Hospital da Luz Torres de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luis Mendes Pedro
- Senior Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Cardiovascular Institute/Hospital da Luz Torres de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Vascular Surgery Department, Santa Maria University Hospital, Lisbon Academic Medical Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- Cardiology Department, Skåne University Hospital and Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Sweden
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21
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Nezu T, Hosomi N. Usefulness of Carotid Ultrasonography for Risk Stratification of Cerebral and Cardiovascular Disease. J Atheroscler Thromb 2020; 27:1023-1035. [PMID: 32863299 PMCID: PMC7585913 DOI: 10.5551/jat.rv17044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotid ultrasonography is useful for the assessments of the risk stratification for stroke or coronary artery disease, because it is a simple, repeatable, and noninvasive procedure. The carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), which is assessed using carotid ultrasonography, is a widely used surrogate marker for the severity of atherosclerosis. Several large clinical studies showed that increased carotid IMT is associated with the future stroke or cardiovascular events. In addition, in many clinical trials, it has been adopted for surrogate markers of clinical endpoints of medical intervention. Moreover, carotid ultrasonography allows the measurement of the presence and characteristics of plaques and the severity of carotid artery stenosis. The unstable morphology of plaque, such as hypoechoic, ulcer, and mobility, is associated with future ischemic stroke events. The screening tool of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis is also important, although whether routine carotid ultrasonography assessment is recommended in the general population remains controversial. The screening of carotid artery stenosis using ultrasonography is essential for not only daily clinical settings but also management of patients with acute ischemic stroke. The patients with atherothrombotic stroke with severe internal carotid artery stenosis should be considered to surgical intervention, and duplex ultrasound approach is important to estimate for the severity of carotid stenosis. Physicians should keep in mind the usefulness of carotid ultrasonography for risk stratification of cerebral and cardiovascular disease based on various aspects. In addition, visual assessment or dynamic changes using carotid ultrasonography could provide the various and valuable insights in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohisa Nezu
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences
| | - Naohisa Hosomi
- Department of Neurology, Chikamori Hospital.,Department of Disease Model, Research Institute of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University
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22
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Johri AM, Nambi V, Naqvi TZ, Feinstein SB, Kim ESH, Park MM, Becher H, Sillesen H. Recommendations for the Assessment of Carotid Arterial Plaque by Ultrasound for the Characterization of Atherosclerosis and Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk: From the American Society of Echocardiography. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2020; 33:917-933. [PMID: 32600741 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2020.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic plaque detection by carotid ultrasound provides cardiovascular disease risk stratification. The advantages and disadvantages of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound methods for carotid arterial plaque quantification are reviewed. Advanced and emerging methods of carotid arterial plaque activity and composition analysis by ultrasound are considered. Recommendations for the standardization of focused 2D and 3D carotid arterial plaque ultrasound image acquisition and measurement for the purpose of cardiovascular disease stratification are formulated. Potential clinical application towards cardiovascular risk stratification of recommended focused carotid arterial plaque quantification approaches are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Esther S H Kim
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Margaret M Park
- Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Harald Becher
- University of Alberta Hospital, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Henrik Sillesen
- Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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23
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Johnson M, Brook JR, Brook RD, Oiamo TH, Luginaah I, Peters PA, Spence JD. Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Carotid Plaque Burden in a Canadian City With Low-Level Ambient Pollution. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e013400. [PMID: 32237976 PMCID: PMC7428640 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.013400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background The association between fine particulate matter and cardiovascular disease has been convincingly demonstrated. The role of traffic‐related air pollutants is less clear. To better understand the role of traffic‐related air pollutants in cardiovascular disease development, we examined associations between NO2, carotid atherosclerotic plaque, and cardiometabolic disorders associated with cardiovascular disease. Methods and Results Cross‐sectional analyses were conducted among 2227 patients (62.9±13.8 years; 49.5% women) from the Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre (SPARC) in London, Ontario, Canada. Total carotid plaque area measured by ultrasound, cardiometabolic disorders, and residential locations were provided by SPARC medical records. Long‐term outdoor residential NO2 concentrations were generated by a land use regression model. Associations between NO2, total carotid plaque area, and cardiometabolic disorders were examined using multiple regression models adjusted for age, sex, smoking, and socioeconomic status. Mean NO2 was 5.4±1.6 ppb in London, Ontario. NO2 was associated with a significant increase in plaque (3.4 mm2 total carotid plaque area per 1 ppb NO2), exhibiting a linear dose‐response. NO2 was also positively associated with triglycerides, total cholesterol, and the ratio of low‐ to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P<0.05). Diabetes mellitus mediated the relationship between NO2 and total carotid plaque area (P<0.05). Conclusions Our results demonstrate that even low levels of traffic‐related air pollutants are linked to atherosclerotic plaque burden, an association that may be partially attributable to pollution‐induced diabetes mellitus. Our findings suggest that reducing ambient concentrations in cities with NO2 below current standards would result in additional health benefits. Given the billions of people exposed to traffic emissions, our study supports the global public health significance of reducing air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markey Johnson
- Air Health Science Division Health Canada Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Jeffrey R Brook
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry University of Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Robert D Brook
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI
| | - Tor H Oiamo
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies Ryerson University Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Isaac Luginaah
- Department of Geography Western University London Ontario Canada
| | - Paul A Peters
- Department of Health Sciences Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - J David Spence
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Pharmacology Western University London Ontario Canada.,Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre Robarts Research Institute Western University London Ontario Canada
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24
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Vigen T, Ihle‐Hansen H, Lyngbakken MN, Berge T, Thommessen B, Ihle‐Hansen H, Orstad EB, Enger S, Røsjø H, Tveit A, Rønning OM. Carotid Atherosclerosis is Associated with Middle Cerebral Artery Pulsatility Index. J Neuroimaging 2019; 30:233-239. [DOI: 10.1111/jon.12684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thea Vigen
- Division of Medicine Akershus University Hospital Lørenskog Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Oslo Norway
- Department of Neurology Akershus University Hospital Lørenskog Norway
| | - Håkon Ihle‐Hansen
- Department of Medical Research Bærum Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust Drammen Norway
| | - Magnus N Lyngbakken
- Division of Medicine Akershus University Hospital Lørenskog Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Oslo Norway
- Department of Cardiology Akershus University Hospital Lørenskog Norway
| | - Trygve Berge
- Department of Medical Research Bærum Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust Drammen Norway
| | - Bente Thommessen
- Division of Medicine Akershus University Hospital Lørenskog Norway
- Department of Neurology Akershus University Hospital Lørenskog Norway
| | - Hege Ihle‐Hansen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Oslo Norway
- Department of Medical Research Bærum Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust Drammen Norway
| | - Eivind B Orstad
- Division of Medicine Akershus University Hospital Lørenskog Norway
- Department of Cardiology Akershus University Hospital Lørenskog Norway
| | - Steve Enger
- Department of Medical Research Bærum Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust Drammen Norway
| | - Helge Røsjø
- Division of Medicine Akershus University Hospital Lørenskog Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Oslo Norway
- Department of Cardiology Akershus University Hospital Lørenskog Norway
| | - Arnljot Tveit
- Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Oslo Norway
- Department of Medical Research Bærum Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust Drammen Norway
| | - Ole Morten Rønning
- Division of Medicine Akershus University Hospital Lørenskog Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Oslo Norway
- Department of Neurology Akershus University Hospital Lørenskog Norway
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25
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Atkins PW, Perez HA, Spence JD, Muñoz SE, Armando LJ, García NH. Increased carotid plaque burden in patients with family medical history of premature cardiovascular events in the absence of classical risk factors. Arch Med Sci 2019; 15:1388-1396. [PMID: 31749866 PMCID: PMC6855146 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2019.84677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The hypothesis that relates atherosclerosis to traditional risk factors (TRF) seems to be not as adequate as previously thought; other risk factors (RF) need to be considered to prevent atherosclerosis progression. Although a family medical history of premature cardiovascular events (FHx) has been considered the putative RF for decades, it has not been incorporated routinely into cardiovascular risk evaluation along with another RF. The objective of this study was to investigate whether FHx is associated with a higher atherosclerotic burden, measured as carotid total plaque area (TPA) in a population having no traditional RF. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 4,351 primary care patients in Argentina. After excluding a personal history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and TRF: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, smoking history, and body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/cm2, 34 patients with FHx were identified. Compared to 56 matched controls TPA was 86% higher in FHx patients (p < 0.05). A second analysis performed in hypertensive patients but no other TRF; 32 patients with FHx were identified. RESULTS Compared with 44 matched controls, TPA was 77% higher in FHx patients (p < 0.05). A final analysis using a generalized linear model with TPA progression as the response variable suggests that TPA progresses more rapidly in FHx patients compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS The FHx was associated with increased TPA burden and progression in the absence of other TRF. This supports ultrasound screening in FHx patients in order to detect high-risk patients who may benefit from early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W. Atkins
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - J. David Spence
- Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sonia E. Muñoz
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud FCM (INICSA-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - Néstor H. García
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud FCM (INICSA-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
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26
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Sobchak C, Akhtari S, Harvey P, Gladman D, Chandran V, Cook R, Eder L. Value of Carotid Ultrasound in Cardiovascular Risk Stratification in Patients With Psoriatic Disease. Arthritis Rheumatol 2019; 71:1651-1659. [PMID: 31165591 DOI: 10.1002/art.40925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess whether subclinical atherosclerosis, as evaluated by carotid ultrasound, could predict incident cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients with psoriatic disease (PsD) and determine whether incorporation of imaging data could improve CV risk prediction by the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). METHODS In this cohort analysis, patients with PsD underwent ultrasound assessment of the carotid arteries at baseline. The extent of atherosclerosis was assessed using carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and total plaque area (TPA). Incident CVEs (new or recurrent) that occurred following the ultrasound assessment were identified. The association between measures of carotid atherosclerosis and the risk of developing an incident CVE was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models, with adjustment for the FRS. RESULTS In total, 559 patients with PsD were assessed, of whom 23 had incident CVEs ascertained. The calculated rate of developing a first CVE during the study period was 1.11 events per 100 patient-years (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.74-1.67). When analyzed separately in Cox proportional hazards models that were controlled for the FRS, the TPA (hazard ratio [HR] 3.74, 95% CI 1.55-8.85; P = 0.003), mean CIMT (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03-1.42; P = 0.02), maximal CIMT (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.22; P = 0.03), and high TPA category (HR 3.25, 95% CI 1.18-8.95; P = 0.02) were each predictive of incident CVEs in patients with PsD. CONCLUSION The burden of carotid atherosclerosis is associated with an increased risk of developing future CVEs. Combining vascular imaging data with information on traditional CV risk factors could improve the accuracy of CV risk stratification in patients with PsD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paula Harvey
- Women's College Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dafna Gladman
- University of Toronto, Krembil Research Institute and Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vinod Chandran
- University of Toronto, Krembil Research Institute and Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard Cook
- University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lihi Eder
- Women's College Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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27
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Arnold M, Linden A, Clarke R, Guo Y, Du H, Bian Z, Wan E, Yang M, Wang L, Chen Y, Chen J, Long H, Gu Q, Collins R, Li L, Chen Z, Parish S. Carotid Intima-Media Thickness but Not Carotid Artery Plaque in Healthy Individuals Is Linked to Lean Body Mass. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 8:e011919. [PMID: 31364443 PMCID: PMC6761650 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.011919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Lean body mass has been identified as a key determinant of left ventricular mass and wall thickness. However, the importance of lean body mass or other body-size measures as normative determinants of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), a widely used early indicator of atherosclerosis, has not been well established. Methods and Results Carotid artery ultrasound measurements of cIMT and carotid artery plaque burden (derived from plaque number and maximum size) and measurements of body size, including height, body mass index, weight, body fat proportion, and lean body mass ([1-body fat proportion]×weight), were recorded in 25 020 participants from 10 regions of China. Analyses were restricted to a healthy younger subset (n=6617) defined as never or long-term ex-regular smokers aged <60 years (mean age, 50) without previous ischemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, or hypertension and with plasma non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <4 mmol/L. Among these 6617 participants, 86% were women (because most men smoked) and 9% had carotid artery plaque. In both women and men separately, lean body mass was strongly positively associated with cIMT, but was not associated with plaque burden: overall, each 10 kg higher lean body mass was associated with a 0.03 (95% CI, 0.03-0.04) mm higher cIMT (P=5×10-33). Fat mass, height, and other body-size measures were more weakly associated with cIMT. Conclusions The strong association of lean body mass with cIMT, but not with plaque burden, in healthy adults suggests a normative relationship rather than reflecting atherosclerotic pathology. Common mechanisms may underlie the associations of lean body mass with cIMT and with nonatherosclerotic vascular traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Arnold
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies UnitNuffield Department of Population HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Andrew Linden
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies UnitNuffield Department of Population HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Robert Clarke
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies UnitNuffield Department of Population HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Yu Guo
- Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Huaidong Du
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies UnitNuffield Department of Population HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- MRC Population Health Research UnitUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Zheng Bian
- Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Eric Wan
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies UnitNuffield Department of Population HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Meng Yang
- Division of Ultrasound DiagnosisPeking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Liang Wang
- Division of Ultrasound DiagnosisPeking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yuexin Chen
- Centre of Vascular SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingChina
| | | | - Huajun Long
- NCDs Prevention and Control DepartmentLiuyang CDCLiuyangChina
| | | | - Rory Collins
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies UnitNuffield Department of Population HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Liming Li
- Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsSchool of Public HealthPeking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Zhengming Chen
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies UnitNuffield Department of Population HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Sarah Parish
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies UnitNuffield Department of Population HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- MRC Population Health Research UnitUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
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Katakami N, Matsuoka T, Shimomura I. Clinical utility of carotid ultrasonography: Application for the management of patients with diabetes. J Diabetes Investig 2019; 10:883-898. [PMID: 30884192 PMCID: PMC6626964 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Carotid ultrasonography is a non-invasive, simple and inexpensive modality to assess the severity of atherosclerosis. This article reviews related articles, summarizes the rationale for the application of carotid ultrasonography in clinical practice, and addresses the features and the limitations of carotid ultrasonography in cardiovascular risk prediction. Numerous large studies have confirmed that various carotid ultrasound measures, such as carotid intima-media thickness, the presence or absence of carotid plaque, plaque number and plaque area, can be independent predictors of cardiovascular diseases in individuals with and without diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, many studies showed that the use of carotid intima-media thickness (especially maximum intima-media thickness, including plaque thickness) and/or carotid plaque in addition to traditional risk factors significantly improved the prediction of the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, while controversy remains. Several studies showed that the progression of carotid intima-media thickness also can be a surrogate end-point of cardiovascular events. However, the accumulated evidence has not been sufficient. Further study with sufficient power should be carried out. As plaque disruption, which plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular events, is dependent on the content of lipid in the atheroma and the thickness of the fibrous cap, tissue characterization of a plaque might be useful for determining its fragility. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that ultrasonic tissue characterization of carotid lesions could improve the prediction ability of future cardiovascular diseases. Thus, carotid ultrasonography is a useful modality for better clinical practice of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Katakami
- Department of Metabolic MedicineOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaJapan
- Department of Metabolism and AtherosclerosisOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaJapan
| | - Taka‐aki Matsuoka
- Department of Metabolic MedicineOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaJapan
| | - Iichiro Shimomura
- Department of Metabolic MedicineOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaJapan
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29
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Jung JY, Kim HA, Lee HY, Suh CH. Body mass index and glucocorticoid dose contribute to subclinical atherosclerosis in Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A prospective 4 year follow-up study. Int J Rheum Dis 2019; 22:1410-1418. [PMID: 31050219 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease owing to an immunological abnormality, along with traditional risk factors. We found that carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) and plaque were associated with age, body mass index (BMI) and disease activity in a previous study 4 years ago. Our aim was to identify risk factors associated with progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE. METHODS We assessed cIMT and plaque using Doppler ultrasonography in 61 Korean women with SLE who were enrolled in the previous study 4 years ago. RESULTS The mean cIMT of the patients was 0.39 ± 0.09 mm; 11 patients had carotid plaques, which was similar to the results of the previous study. Twenty-one patients had increased cIMT, and new carotid plaque had developed in seven patients. Patients with increased cIMT had a lower BMI and took fewer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and higher 4 year cumulative glucocorticoid dose than patients without increased cIMT. The 4 year cumulative glucocorticoid dose was higher in patients with carotid plaque than in those without. On multivariate regression analysis, BMI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.67, P = 0.034) was associated with increased cIMT, and the 4 year cumulative glucocorticoid dose was associated with increased cIMT (OR = 6.994, P = 0.025) and carotid plaque (OR = 5.651, P = 0.031). CONCLUSION This prospective follow-up study on cIMT and plaque in patients with SLE showed that low BMI and 4 year cumulative glucocorticoid dose were associated with the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Yang Jung
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hyoun-Ah Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hyun-Young Lee
- Statistical team of Clinical Trial Center, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Chang-Hee Suh
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
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Kaveshnikov VS, Serebryakova VN, Trubacheva IA, Shalnova SA. Carotid Atherosclerosis Severity in Unorganized Adult Population. RATIONAL PHARMACOTHERAPY IN CARDIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.20996/1819-6446-2019-15-1-84-89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim.To study sex and age distribution of ultrasound parameters characterizing carotid atherosclerotic (CAS) severity in the unorganized urban population.Material and methods. The data obtained in Tomsk as a fragment of the ESSE-RF study are presented (n=1600; 25-64 years age; 59% – women). All participants signed informed consent. We studied CAS plaque count, both total and maximum plaque thickness and stenosis degree in the carotid arteries.Results. The general population quantitative indicators of CAS increased with age, most actively in 40-54 years in men and 45-59 years in women. At the age of 40-44 years in men, the growth of the general population indicators was due to a noticeable increase in both plaque prevalence and of CAS severity. In 45-49 years, the prevalence increased intensively, whereas in 50-54 years growth of plaque count/size indicators were more attributive. In women 45-59 years old formation of the general population indicators concerned was mostly due to steady increase in the plaque prevalence, while out of all quantitative CAS parameters the total stenosis degree only increased significantly in 50-54 years. The general population indicators of CAS severity were higher in men than in women starting up with the age of 40 and until 55 the gender effect was merely explained by the difference in the plaque prevalence.Conclusion. Features of the gender and age distribution of the quantitative parameters of CAS among the adult urban population are determined; the age periods of their most active growth are established. The presented data on the CAS severity percentile distribution can be useful as an additional tool for risk stratification and the choice of therapy/lifestyle modification tactics in people of working age. Further studies are needed to help to explain the trends and to clarify the predictive role of the indicators studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. S. Kaveshnikov
- Cardiology Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - V. N. Serebryakova
- Cardiology Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - I. A. Trubacheva
- Cardiology Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - S. A. Shalnova
- National Medical Research Center for Preventive Medicine
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Vidal-Perez R, Franco-Gutiérrez R, Pérez-Pérez AJ, Franco-Gutiérrez V, Gascón-Vázquez A, López-López A, Testa-Fernández AM, González-Juanatey C. Subclinical carotid atherosclerosis predicts all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in obese patients with negative exercise echocardiography. World J Cardiol 2019; 11:24-37. [PMID: 30705740 PMCID: PMC6354075 DOI: 10.4330/wjc.v11.i1.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is a major health problem due to its high prevalence. The relationship between obesity and cardiovascular disease is unclear. Some studies agree that certain conditions associated with obesity, such as physical inactivity or cardiovascular risk factors, are responsible for cardiovascular risk excess among obese people. Carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaques (CP) have been associated with cardiovascular adverse events in healthy populations, and recent data suggest a higher prevalence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in obese and metabolically unhealthy patients. However, there are no studies correlating subclinical atherosclerosis and adverse events (AE) in obese subjects. AIM To determine the association between carotid disease and AE in obese patients with negative exercise echocardiography (EE). METHODS From January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010, 2000 consecutive patients with a suspicion of coronary artery disease were submitted for EE and carotid ultrasonography. Exclusion criteria included previous vascular disease, left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%, positive EE, significant valvular heart disease and inferior to submaximal EE. An AE was defined as all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident. Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as CP presence according to Manheim and the American Society of Echocardiography Consensus. RESULTS Of the 652 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 226 (34.7%) had body mass indexes ≥ 30 kg/m2, and 76 of them (33.6%) had CP. During a mean follow-up time of 8.2 (2.1) years, 27 AE were found (11.9%). Mean event-free survival at 1, 5 and 10 years was 99.1% (0.6), 95.1% (1.4) and 86.5% (2.7), respectively. In univariate analysis, CP predicted AE [hazard ratio (HR) 2.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-5.46; P = 0.019]. In multivariable analysis, the presence of CP remained a predictor of AE (HR 2.26, 95%CI 1.04-4.95, P = 0.041). Other predictors identified were glomerular filtration rate (HR 0.98, 95%CI 0.96-0.99; P = 0.023), peak metabolic equivalents (HR 0.83, 95%CI 0.70-0.99, P = 0.034) and moderate mitral regurgitation (HR 5.02, 95%CI 1.42-17.75, P = 0.012). CONCLUSION Subclinical atherosclerosis defined by CP predicts AE in obese patients with negative EE. These patients could benefit from aggressive prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Vidal-Perez
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti, Lugo 27003, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrea López-López
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti, Lugo 27003, Spain
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Nyman E, Lindqvist P, Näslund U, Grönlund C. Risk Marker Variability in Subclinical Carotid Plaques Based on Ultrasound is Influenced by Cardiac Phase, Echogenicity and Size. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2018; 44:1742-1750. [PMID: 29735317 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2018.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Identification of risk markers based on quantitative ultrasound texture analysis of carotid plaques has the ability to define vulnerable components that correlate with increased cardiovascular risk. However, data describing factors with the potential to influence the measurement variability of risk markers are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of electrocardiogram-guided image selection, plaque echogenicity and area on carotid plaque risk markers and their variability in asymptomatic carotid plaques. Plaque risk markers were measured in 57 plaques during three consecutive heartbeats at two cardiac cycle time instants corresponding to the electrocardiogram R-wave (end diastole) and end of T-wave (end systole), resulting in six measurements for each plaque. Risk marker variability was quantified by computing the coefficient of variation (CV) across the three heartbeats. The CV was significantly higher for small plaques (area <15 mm2, 10%) than for large plaques (area >15 mm2, 6%) (p < 0.001) in measurements of area, and the CV for measurements of gray-scale median were higher for echolucent plaques (<40, 15%) than for echogenic plaques (>40, 9%) (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between systole and diastole for the mean of any risk marker or the corresponding CV value. However, in a sub-analysis, the echolucent plaques were found to have a higher CV during systole compared with diastole. The variability also caused plaque type reclassification in 16% to 25% of the plaques depending on cutoff value. The results of this study indicate that echolucent and small plaques each contribute to increased risk marker variability. Based on these results, we recommend that measurements in diastole are preferred to reduce variation, although we found that it may not be possible to characterize small plaques accurately using contemporary applied risk markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Nyman
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Per Lindqvist
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ulf Näslund
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Christer Grönlund
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering R&D, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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33
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Kokubo Y, Watanabe M, Higashiyama A, Nakao YM, Nakamura F, Miyamoto Y. Impact of Intima-Media Thickness Progression in the Common Carotid Arteries on the Risk of Incident Cardiovascular Disease in the Suita Study. J Am Heart Assoc 2018; 7:JAHA.117.007720. [PMID: 29858361 PMCID: PMC6015343 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.117.007720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Background No prospective study of the relationship between intima–media thickness (IMT) progression and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been performed. Methods and Results We studied 4724 participants (mean age: 59.7±11.9 years; without CVD at the baseline) who had carotid ultrasonographic measurement of IMT on both sides of the entire carotid artery area (ie, the entire scanned common carotid artery [CCA], carotid artery bulb, internal carotid artery, and external carotid artery areas for both sides) between April 1994 and August 2001. Carotid ultrasonographic follow‐up was performed every 2 years between April 1994 and March 2005 in 2722 of these participants, newly revealing 193 CCA plaques (maximum IMT in the CCA >1.1 mm). We followed up for incident CVD until December 2013. Statistical analyses were performed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model, evaluated using C statistics, and net reclassification improvement. During the 59 909 person‐years of follow‐up, we observed 221 strokes and 154 coronary heart disease events. CCA plaque and maximum IMT in the whole carotid artery area >1.7 mm were risk factors for CVD. CCA plaque presented an increased risk of CVD based on C statistics and the reclassification improvement of the current risk prediction model. After adding the new incident CCA plaques, during the 23 702 person‐years of follow‐up, 69 strokes and 43 coronary heart disease events occurred. The adjusted hazard ratios for incident CCA plaque were 1.95 (95% confidence interval, 1.14–3.30) in CVD and 2.01 (95% confidence interval, 1.01–3.99) in stroke. Conclusions Maximum IMT in the CCA contributed significantly but modestly to the predictive power of incident CVD used in calculating traditional risk factors. This study provides the first demonstration that new progression of incident CCA plaque is a CVD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Kokubo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Makoto Watanabe
- Department of Preventive Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Aya Higashiyama
- Department of Preventive Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiologic Informatics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Yoko M Nakao
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiologic Informatics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Nakamura
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiologic Informatics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Miyamoto
- Department of Preventive Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiologic Informatics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
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He Y, Ao DH, Li XQ, Zhong SS, A R, Wang YY, Xiang YJ, Xu BL, Yang TT, Gao XG, Liu GZ. Increased Soluble CD137 Levels and CD4+ T-Cell-Associated Expression of CD137 in Acute Atherothrombotic Stroke. Clin Transl Sci 2018; 11:428-434. [PMID: 29697202 PMCID: PMC6039206 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
As a proinflammatory cytokine, CD137 (4‐1BB, TNFRSF9) is present in membrane‐bound and soluble forms. Increased expression of CD137 was recently found in T cells in human atherosclerotic plaques. However, the exact role of CD137 in ischemic stroke is not clear. In this study we analyzed the protein levels of soluble CD137 (sCD137) and the expression of CD137 on CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood of patients with acute atherothrombotic stroke by using the cytometry beads array (CBA) and flow cytometry. Within 24 hours of onset, the stroke patients showed elevated levels of sCD137 (2.7 pg/ml) and CD137 expression on CD4+ T cells (4.9 ± 3.2%) compared with normal controls (1.1 pg/ml, P < 0.01; 1.3 ± 1.0%, P < 0.01). Alterations in CD137 expression may enhance ischemia‐induced inflammatory responses via bidirectional signaling and, consequently, aggravate brain injury in early stages of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang He
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Hui Ao
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shan-Shan Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rong A
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Yang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Juan Xiang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bao-Lei Xu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ting-Ting Yang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xu-Guang Gao
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Zhi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in subjects with asymptomatic mild carotid artery stenosis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4700. [PMID: 29549324 PMCID: PMC5856768 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23125-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) is similar for subjects with asymptomatic mild and moderate carotid artery stenosis (CAS). We enrolled a total of 453 subjects with asymptomatic CAS (30-69%) detected on baseline screening Doppler ultrasound (DUS) examination between January 2008 and December 2010. The follow-up DUS findings and MACE occurrence (fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke and all-cause mortality) were compared between subjects with mild (30-49%) and moderate (50-69%) CAS during the 8-year follow-up period. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of MACE between subjects with mild (n = 289) and moderate (n = 164) CAS (13.8% vs. 15.9%, respectively; p = 0.56), although there was a nonsignificant trend toward an increased risk of major ipsilateral stroke in subjects with moderate CAS (1.4% vs. 4.3%; p = 0.06). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that worsening CAS was independently associated with MACE occurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 4.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.65-7.27; p < 0.01), whereas an increased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was correlated with a decreased risk of MACE (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23-0.75; p < 0.01). The cumulative risk of MACE in subjects with asymptomatic mild CAS is similar to that in subjects with asymptomatic moderate CAS.
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Zhang Y, Fang X, Hua Y, Tang Z, Guan S, Wu X, Liu H, Liu B, Wang C, Zhang Z, Gu X, Hou C, Liu C. Carotid Artery Plaques, Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, and Risk of Cardiovascular Events and All-Cause Death in Older Adults: A 5-Year Prospective, Community-Based Study. Angiology 2017; 69:120-129. [PMID: 28675103 DOI: 10.1177/0003319717716842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We assessed the effect of asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) on the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in a community-based population aged ≥55 years in China. A total of 1376 residents underwent CAS assessment by ultrasonography in July 2009. New CVD events, including stroke and coronary heart events, were collected at the follow-up survey at the end of 2014. After adjusting for baseline demographic characteristics and traditional CVD risk factors, the risk of CVD in patients with minimal CAS (mean common carotid artery intima-media thickness [CCA-IMT] ≥1 mm and no plaques), nonstenotic plaques (carotid stenosis <50%), and stenotic plaques (carotid stenosis ≥50%) was 0.8 (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33-1.69), 2.0 (HR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.24-3.25), and 3.1 (HR: 3.05, 95% CI: 1.62-5.74) times greater, respectively, than that of patients without CAS (CCA-IMT <1 mm and no plaques). Our findings provide direct evidence of the independent predictive value of the severity of asymptomatic CAS for the development of CVD in older Chinese adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlei Zhang
- 1 Evidence-based Medical Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xianghua Fang
- 1 Evidence-based Medical Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Hua
- 2 Department of vascular ultrasonography, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Tang
- 1 Evidence-based Medical Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaochen Guan
- 1 Evidence-based Medical Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoguang Wu
- 1 Evidence-based Medical Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjun Liu
- 1 Evidence-based Medical Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Beibei Liu
- 2 Department of vascular ultrasonography, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunxiu Wang
- 1 Evidence-based Medical Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongying Zhang
- 3 Geriatric department, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Gu
- 4 Geriatric department, Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengbei Hou
- 1 Evidence-based Medical Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunxiao Liu
- 1 Evidence-based Medical Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Approaching Automated 3-Dimensional Measurement of Atherosclerotic Plaque Volume ∗. J Am Coll Cardiol 2017; 70:314-317. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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38
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Noh M, Kwon H, Jung CH, Kwon SU, Kim MS, Lee WJ, Park JY, Han Y, Kim H, Kwon TW, Cho YP. Impact of diabetes duration and degree of carotid artery stenosis on major adverse cardiovascular events: a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2017; 16:74. [PMID: 28587650 PMCID: PMC5461631 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-017-0556-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the impact of diabetes duration and carotid artery stenosis (CAS) on the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without clinical cardiovascular disease. METHODS A total of 2006 patients with T2DM, without clinical cardiovascular disease, aged >50 years, and who underwent baseline carotid Doppler ultrasound screening with regular follow-ups at the outpatient clinic of our diabetes center, were stratified into four subgroups according to diabetes duration and CAS degree. The primary outcomes included the occurrence of MACE, defined as fatal or nonfatal stroke and myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS The difference in the MACE incidence was significantly greater in patients with a longer diabetes duration (≥10 years) and significant CAS (50-69% luminal narrowing) (p < 0.001). Analysis of individual MACE components indicated a trend towards an increased incidence of stroke (p < 0.001), parallel to a longer diabetes duration and significant CAS. In contrast, the risk of myocardial infarction was significantly higher in patients with a diabetes duration <10 years and significant CAS (p = 0.039). Multivariate regression analysis showed that patients with both a longer diabetes duration and significant CAS demonstrated additive and very high risks of MACE (hazard ratio [HR], 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-3.66; p = 0.012) and stroke (HR, 3.38; 95% CI 1.54-7.44; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS The risk of MACE is significantly greater in patients with T2DM, without clinical cardiovascular disease, who have both a longer diabetes duration and significant CAS, compared with those who have a shorter duration and/or nonsignificant CAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minsu Noh
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Asanbyeongwon-gil 86, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505 South Korea
| | - Hyunwook Kwon
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Asanbyeongwon-gil 86, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505 South Korea
| | - Chang Hee Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Asanbyeongwon-gil 86, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505 South Korea
| | - Sun U. Kwon
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Asanbyeongwon-gil 86, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505 South Korea
| | - Min Seon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Asanbyeongwon-gil 86, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505 South Korea
| | - Woo Je Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Asanbyeongwon-gil 86, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505 South Korea
| | - Joong Yeol Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Asanbyeongwon-gil 86, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505 South Korea
| | - Youngjin Han
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Asanbyeongwon-gil 86, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505 South Korea
| | - Hyangkyoung Kim
- Department of Surgery, Chung-Ang University Hospital, 102 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06973 South Korea
| | - Tae-Won Kwon
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Asanbyeongwon-gil 86, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505 South Korea
| | - Yong-Pil Cho
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Asanbyeongwon-gil 86, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505 South Korea
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Radu RA, Terecoasă EO, Băjenaru OA, Tiu C. Etiologic classification of ischemic stroke: Where do we stand? Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2017; 159:93-106. [PMID: 28609703 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2017.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite major technological advances in ischemic stroke diagnostic techniques, our current understanding of stroke mechanisms and etiology continues to remain unclear in a significant percent of patients. As a result, several etiological ischemic stroke classifications have emerged during the last two decades but their reliability and validity is far from perfect and further world-wide research is needed in order to achieve the so much needed "standard reference language". An ideal ischemic stroke classification should both comprise all underlying pathologies that could potentially concur to an index event and emphasize the most likely etiological and pathophysiological mechanism. Currently available approaches to ischemic stroke classification are either phenotypic or causative in nature, a multitude of criteria being published by different authors. Phenotypic classifications are targeted towards describing the concurring underlying pathologies, without highlighting the most probable ischemic stroke etiology, while causative classifications focus on establishing the most likely cause, neglecting other associated diseases. A judicious use of this two different concepts might improve clinical research as well as daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Răzvan Alexandru Radu
- Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology, University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Oana Terecoasă
- Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology, University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania; "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Ovidiu Alexandru Băjenaru
- Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology, University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania; "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Tiu
- Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology, University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania; "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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40
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Amato M, Veglia F, de Faire U, Giral P, Rauramaa R, Smit AJ, Kurl S, Ravani A, Frigerio B, Sansaro D, Bonomi A, Tedesco CC, Castelnuovo S, Mannarino E, Humphries SE, Hamsten A, Tremoli E, Baldassarre D. Carotid plaque-thickness and common carotid IMT show additive value in cardiovascular risk prediction and reclassification. Atherosclerosis 2017; 263:412-419. [PMID: 28602434 PMCID: PMC5567407 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2017.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background and aims Carotid plaque size and the mean common carotid intima-media thickness measured in plaque-free areas (PF CC-IMTmean) have been identified as predictors of vascular events (VEs), but their complementarity in risk prediction and stratification is still unresolved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the independence of carotid plaque thickness and PF CC-IMTmean in cardiovascular risk prediction and risk stratification. Methods The IMPROVE-study is a European cohort (n = 3703), where the thickness of the largest plaque detected in the whole carotid tree was indexed as cIMTmax. PF CC-IMTmean was also assessed. Hazard Ratios (HR) comparing the top quartiles of cIMTmax and PF CC-IMTmeanversus their respective 1–3 quartiles were calculated using Cox regression. Results After a 36.2-month follow-up, there were 215 VEs (125 coronary, 73 cerebral and 17 peripheral). Both cIMTmax and PF CC-IMTmean were mutually independent predictors of combined-VEs, after adjustment for center, age, sex, risk factors and pharmacological treatment [HR (95% CI) = 1.98 (1.47, 2.67) and 1.68 (1.23, 2.29), respectively]. Both variables were independent predictors of cerebrovascular events (ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack), while only cIMTmax was an independent predictor of coronary events (myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, angina pectoris, angioplasty, coronary bypass grafting). In reclassification analyses, PF CC-IMTmean significantly adds to a model including both Framingham Risk Factors and cIMTmax (Integrated Discrimination Improvement; IDI = 0.009; p = 0.0001) and vice-versa (IDI = 0.02; p < 0.0001). Conclusions cIMTmax and PF CC-IMTmean are independent predictors of VEs, and as such, they should be used as additive rather than alternative variables in models for cardiovascular risk prediction and reclassification.
Taken by themselves, both cIMTmax and PF CC-IMTmean are associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Complementarity of cIMTmax and PF CC-IMTmean in cardiovascular risk prediction/reclassification is still under debate. In our study, both cIMTmax and PF CC-IMTmean were mutually independent predictors of cerebral and coronary vascular events. In reclassification analyses, PF CC-IMTmean adds to a model including Framingham Risk Factors and cIMTmax and vice-versa. cIMTmax and PF CC-IMTmean should be used as additive rather than alternative variables in risk prediction/reclassification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Amato
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Ulf de Faire
- Division of Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Philippe Giral
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Service Endocrinologie-Metabolisme, Groupe Hôpitalier Pitie-Salpetriere, Unités de Prévention Cardiovasculaire, Paris, France
| | - Rainer Rauramaa
- Foundation for Research in Health Exercise and Nutrition, Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Andries J Smit
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sudhir Kurl
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Finland
| | | | | | | | - Alice Bonomi
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Samuela Castelnuovo
- Centro Dislipidemie E. Grossi Paoletti, Ospedale Ca' Granda di Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Elmo Mannarino
- Internal Medicine, Angiology and Arteriosclerosis Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Steve E Humphries
- Cardiovascular Genetics, British Heart Foundation Laboratories, Institute Cardiovascular Science, University College of London, Rayne Building, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anders Hamsten
- Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elena Tremoli
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Damiano Baldassarre
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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41
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Steinbuch J, van Dijk AC, Schreuder F, Truijman M, Hendrikse J, Nederkoorn PJ, van der Lugt A, Hermeling E, Hoeks A, Mess WH. Definition of common carotid wall thickness affects risk classification in relation to degree of internal carotid artery stenosis: the Plaque At RISK (PARISK) study. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2017; 15:9. [PMID: 28376791 PMCID: PMC5379498 DOI: 10.1186/s12947-017-0097-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mean or maximal intima-media thickness (IMT) is commonly used as surrogate endpoint in intervention studies. However, the effect of normalization by surrounding or median IMT or by diameter is unknown. In addition, it is unclear whether IMT inhomogeneity is a useful predictor beyond common wall parameters like maximal wall thickness, either absolute or normalized to IMT or lumen size. We investigated the interrelationship of common carotid artery (CCA) thickness parameters and their association with the ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis degree. Methods CCA thickness parameters were extracted by edge detection applied to ultrasound B-mode recordings of 240 patients. Degree of ICA stenosis was determined from CT angiography. Results Normalization of maximal CCA wall thickness to median IMT leads to large variations. Higher CCA thickness parameter values are associated with a higher degree of ipsilateral ICA stenosis (p < 0.001), though IMT inhomogeneity does not provide extra information. When the ratio of wall thickness and diameter instead of absolute maximal wall thickness is used as risk marker for having moderate ipsilateral ICA stenosis (>50%), 55 arteries (15%) are reclassified to another risk category. Conclusions It is more reasonable to normalize maximal wall thickness to end-diastolic diameter rather than to IMT, affecting risk classification and suggesting modification of the Mannheim criteria. Trial registration Clinical trials.gov NCT01208025.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Steinbuch
- Biomedical Engineering, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - A C van Dijk
- Radiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Neurology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fhbm Schreuder
- Radiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Clinical Neurophysiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, 6202, Maastricht, AZ, The Netherlands.,Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mtb Truijman
- Radiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Clinical Neurophysiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, 6202, Maastricht, AZ, The Netherlands.,Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J Hendrikse
- Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - P J Nederkoorn
- Neurology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A van der Lugt
- Radiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E Hermeling
- Radiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Apg Hoeks
- Biomedical Engineering, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - W H Mess
- Clinical Neurophysiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, 6202, Maastricht, AZ, The Netherlands.
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42
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Schiele F, Navarese EP, Visoná A, Ray K. What imaging techniques should be used in primary versus secondary prevention for further risk stratification? ATHEROSCLEROSIS SUPP 2017; 26:36-44. [DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5688(17)30023-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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43
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Pelisek J, Wendorff H, Wendorff C, Kuehnl A, Eckstein HH. Age-associated changes in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Ann Med 2016; 48:541-551. [PMID: 27595161 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2016.1204468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about changes in carotid plaque morphology during aging and the possible impact on cardiovascular events. Only few studies addressed so far age-related modifications within atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, in this work we endeavored to summarize the current knowledge about changing of plaque composition in elderly. The data from hitherto existing studies confirm that atherosclerotic plaques undergo distinct alternations with advanced age. However, the results are often ambiguous and the changes do not seem to be as disastrous as expected. Interestingly, none of the studies could definitely evidence increased plaque vulnerability with advanced age. Nevertheless, based on the previous work showing decrease in elastin fibers, fibroatheroma, SMCs, overall cellularity and increase in the area of lipid core, hemorrhage, and calcification, the plaque morphology appears to transform toward unstable plaques. Otherwise, even if inflammatory cells often accumulate in plaques of younger patients, their amount is reduced in the older age and so far no clear association has been observed between thin fibrous cap and aging. Thus, the accurate contribution of age-related changes in plaque morphology to cardiovascular events has yet to be elucidated. KEY MESSAGES Composition of carotid atherosclerotic lesions changes during aging. These alternations are however, just moderate and depend upon additional variables, such as life style, accompanying disease, genetics, and other factors that have yet to be determined. Based on the current data, the age-associated plaque morphology seems to transform toward vulnerable plaques. However, the changes do not seem to be as disastrous as expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Pelisek
- a Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery , Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen , Munich , Germany
| | - Heiko Wendorff
- a Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery , Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen , Munich , Germany
| | - Carina Wendorff
- a Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery , Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen , Munich , Germany
| | - Andreas Kuehnl
- a Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery , Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen , Munich , Germany
| | - Hans-Henning Eckstein
- a Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery , Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen , Munich , Germany
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44
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Selwaness M, Hameeteman R, Van 't Klooster R, Van den Bouwhuijsen Q, Hofman A, Franco OH, Niessen WJ, Klein S, Vernooij MW, Van der Lugt A, Wentzel JJ. Determinants of carotid atherosclerotic plaque burden in a stroke-free population. Atherosclerosis 2016; 255:186-192. [PMID: 27806835 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In a large stroke-free population, we sought to identify cardiovascular risk factors and carotid plaque components associated with carotid plaque burden, lumen volume and stenosis. METHODS The carotid arteries of 1562 stroke-free participants from The Rotterdam Study were imaged on a 1.5-Tesla MRI scanner. Inner and outer wall of the carotid arteries were automatically segmented and lumen volume (mm3), wall volume (outer wall-inner wall) and plaque burden (wall volume/outer wall volume) (%) were quantified. Plaque components were visually determined and luminal stenosis was assessed. We analyzed associations of cardiovascular risk factors and carotid plaque components with plaque burden and lumen volumes using regression analysis. RESULTS We investigated 2821 carotid plaques and found that women had larger plaque burden (50.7 ± 7.8% vs. 49.2 ± 7.7%, p < 0.0001) and smaller lumen volumes (933 ± 286 mm3vs. 1078 ± 334 mm3, p < 0.0001) than men. In women, age, HDL-cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, and in men, total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and statin use were independently associated with higher plaque burden and lumen volume. Furthermore, smoking and diabetes were associated with lumen volume in men (respectively p = 0.04 and p = 0.002). Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) and lipid were related to a larger plaque burden (OR 1.30 [1.05-1.60] and OR 1.28[1.06-1.55]). Finally, within the highest quartile of plaque burden, IPH was strongly associated with luminal stenosis independent of age, sex, plaque burden and composition (Beta = 15.2; [11.8-18.6]). CONCLUSIONS Several cardiovascular risk factors and plaque components, in particular IPH, are associated with higher plaque burden. Carotid IPH is strongly associated with an increased luminal stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reinhard Hameeteman
- Department of Medical Informatics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Van 't Klooster
- Division of Image Processing, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Albert Hofman
- Department of Epidemiology, MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar H Franco
- Department of Epidemiology, MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wiro J Niessen
- Department of Medical Informatics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Klein
- Department of Medical Informatics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Meike W Vernooij
- Department of Epidemiology, MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jolanda J Wentzel
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Engineering, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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45
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Abstract
Measurement of plaque burden is different from measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Carotid total plaque area is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk than IMT, and in contrast to progression of IMT, which does not predict cardiovascular events, progression of total plaque area and total plaque volume strongly predict cardiovascular events. Measurement of plaque burden is useful in genetic research, and in evaluation of new therapies for atherosclerosis. Perhaps more importantly, it can be used for management of patients. A strategy called "treating arteries instead of treating risk factors" markedly reduces risk among patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J David Spence
- Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario N6G 2V4, Canada.
| | - Grace Parraga
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Department of Medical Biophysics, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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46
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The relationship between blood pressure dipping status and carotid plaque in senior essential hypertensive individuals of different sexes. Blood Press Monit 2016; 21:224-30. [DOI: 10.1097/mbp.0000000000000185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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47
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Park TH. Evaluation of Carotid Plaque Using Ultrasound Imaging. J Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2016; 24:91-5. [PMID: 27358696 PMCID: PMC4925403 DOI: 10.4250/jcu.2016.24.2.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional risk factors for predicting of cardiovascular disease are not always effective predictors for development of cardiovascular events. This review summarizes several newly developed noninvasive imaging techniques for evaluating carotid plaques and their role in cardiovascular disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Ho Park
- Department of Cardiology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
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48
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Aizawa K, Elyas S, Adingupu DD, Casanova F, Gooding KM, Shore AC, Strain WD, Gates PE. Echogenicity of the Common Carotid Artery Intima-Media Complex in Stroke. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2016; 42:1130-1137. [PMID: 26944528 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The grey-scale median of the common carotid artery intima-media complex (IM-GSM) characterizes arterial wall composition, and a low IM-GSM is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in the elderly. We aimed to determine differences in the IM-GSM between a cohort with cerebrovascular disease and a healthy cohort. Eighty-two healthy individuals (control group: 63.2 ± 8.7 y) and 96 patients with either stroke or transient ischemic attacks (CRVD group: 68.6 ± 9.8 y) were studied. Common carotid artery intima-media thickness and IM-GSM obtained by ultrasound were analyzed using semi-automated edge-detection software. The IM-GSM was significantly lower in the CRVD group than in the control group (106 ± 24 vs. 124 ± 27 au, p < 0.001). The IM-GSM was similar for the infarct and non-infarct sides in CRVD. In the pooled cohort of all participants, the lower the quartile of IM-GSM, the greater were the carotid artery intima-media thickness and carotid artery remodeling. These results suggest the presence of an altered atherosclerotic phenotype in the intima-media complex of CRVD patients that can be detected by ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunihiko Aizawa
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Research Centre, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK; NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, Exeter, UK.
| | - Salim Elyas
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Research Centre, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK; NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, Exeter, UK; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Damilola D Adingupu
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Research Centre, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK; NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, Exeter, UK
| | - Francesco Casanova
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Research Centre, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK; NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, Exeter, UK
| | - Kim M Gooding
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Research Centre, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK; NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, Exeter, UK
| | - Angela C Shore
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Research Centre, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK; NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, Exeter, UK
| | - W David Strain
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Research Centre, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK; NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, Exeter, UK; Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Phillip E Gates
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Research Centre, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK; NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, Exeter, UK
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49
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Nezu T, Hosomi N, Aoki S, Matsumoto M. Carotid Intima-Media Thickness for Atherosclerosis. J Atheroscler Thromb 2015; 23:18-31. [PMID: 26460381 DOI: 10.5551/jat.31989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a widely used surrogate marker for atherosclerosis worldwide. The carotid IMT can be simply, noninvasively, and reproducibly measured through B-mode carotid ultrasound. The carotid IMT is also a strong predictor of future cerebral and cardiovascular events. In addition, regressions of increased carotid IMT by lipid-lowering and antihypertensive drugs have been reported. Despite the strong association between increased carotid IMT and cardiovascular disease, it remains unclear whether routine carotid IMT measurement is useful for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in clinical practice. Researches should consider other methodological aspects, such as the definition of carotid plaques, the choice of measurement sites on the common or internal carotid artery, and the assessment of maximum or minimum IMT. The detailed guidelines for measuring carotid IMT vary by county. Thus, the usefulness of the carotid IMT may be assessed in different countries taking racial differences into account. Other important parameters revealed by carotid ultrasound, such as artery stenosis and the characteristics and size of plaques, should also be considered. Physicians should comprehensively interpret the results of carotid ultrasonography. Therefore, carotid ultrasonography is an essential tool for assessing cardiovascular risk in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohisa Nezu
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences
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50
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Cho KI, Kim BH, Kim HS, Heo JH. Low Carotid Artery Wall Shear Stress is Associated with Significant Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Chest Pain. J Atheroscler Thromb 2015; 23:297-308. [PMID: 26477886 DOI: 10.5551/jat.31377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the relationships among carotid wall shear stress (WSS), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and total plaque area (TPA) using ultrasound (US) in the common carotid artery (CCA) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS Carotid artery US was performed in 950 patients with suspected CAD, and mean IMT, TPA, and hemodynamic parameters of CCA, including peak and mean WSS, were measured. We analyzed the carotid parameters according to the presence of CAD and the predictive values of WSS and TPA for the presence of significant CAD. RESULTS Compared with patients without CAD (n=667), patients with CAD (n=283) demonstrated significantly higher mean IMT (0.66 vs. 0.74 mm, p < 0.001), TPA (0.13 vs. 0.20 cm(2), p=0.002), and beta stiffness index (5.12 vs. 5.60, p=0.045) and lower mean WSS (2.59 vs. 2.23 dyne/cm(2), p < 0.001). Mean WSS revealed significant negative correlations with the beta stiffness index (r=-0.116, p < 0.001), mean IMT (r=-0.193, p=0.007), and TPA (r =-0.296, p < 0.001). Mean WSS, mean IMT and TPA revealed significant difference with respect to CAD severity (for all p < 0.001). Age [OR, 1.038 (95% CI, 1.010-1.066), p=0.007], diabetes mellitus [1.606 (1.194-1.807), p= 0.011], smoking [1.758 (1.564-1.866), p < 0.001], carotid TPA [2.615 (1.320-5.183), p=0.006], and mean WSS [0.554 (0.371-0.838), p=0.005] were significant CAD predictors. CONCLUSIONS In patients with chest pain, low local shear stress and high plaque burden in the carotid arteries were significant CAD predictors. These findings indicate that carotid WSS has a role as an index of atherosclerosis and serves as a predictor of significant coronary atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung Im Cho
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University College of Medicine
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