Carotid intima-media thickness and coronary artery disease: an Indian perspective

To determine whether carotid intima-media thickness is associated with coronary artery disease and cardiovascular risk factors in the Indian population, carotid intima-media thickness was measured using high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography in 101 patients with coronary artery disease and 140 control subjects. Carotid intima-media thickness was measured at 3 predefined sites on each side. The maximum carotid intima-media thickness was significantly higher in the coronary disease group compared to the controls (1.02 vs. 0.80 mm). The average intima-media thickness was also significantly higher in the coronary disease group (0.82 vs. 0.67 mm). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, carotid intima-media thickness was the only factor found to be an independent predictor of coronary artery disease. There was a significant association between risk factor count and the average and maximum intima-media thickness values in the combined study population. These results indicate that raised values of average and maximum carotid intima-media thickness are significantly associated with the presence of coronary artery disease and this association is independent of the presence of other conventional cardiovascular risk factors.     

颈动脉狭窄与认知功能

颈动脉狭窄是脑血管病的重要危险因素之一.许多研究显示,颈动脉狭窄可能会导致认知损害,但具体机制尚不明确.颈动脉内膜切除术和支架置入术能解除颈动脉狭窄,提高脑灌注量,进而可能改善患者认知功能,但干预后的并发症和长期效果仍有待进一步研究.     

颈动脉狭窄与认知损害

颈动脉狭窄与认知功能的关系日益受到重视.多数研究显示,颈动脉狭窄对认知损害有直接影响.颈动脉内膜切除术或支架置入术,可不同程度改善颈动脉狭窄患者的认知功能.颈动脉疾病患者认知损害的机制可能与低灌注、白质病变、多发性腔隙性梗死以及脑自发栓子形成有关.     

Renal artery stenosis: a cardiovascular perspective

Background Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is an important clinical entity that can lead to uncontrolled hypertension and progressive renal failure. The most common causes of RAS are atherosclerosis and fibromuscular dysplasia. Because the diagnosis of renovascular hypertension is established only when revascularization of a stenosed renal artery results in cure or improvement in patients hypertension, establishment of a causal relationship between RAS and hypertension continues to present a challenge. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is essential in the diagnosis of this condition. Methods Multiple tests, both invasive and noninvasive, are available as screening methods. Angiography remains the gold standard for diagnosis of RAS. Besides its value in establishing the diagnosis, it provides anatomic information regarding the site and severity of stenoses and appropriate revascularization strategies. Magnetic resonance angiography and duplex ultrasonography are the most promising and accurate noninvasive screening tests available, even in the presence of renal insufficiency. With advances in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty techniques, including renal artery stenting, many more patients are eligible for less invasive and effective revascularization strategies compared with the traditional surgical procedures. Results Revascularization of a stenosed renal artery is associated with preservation of renal function and better control of hypertension, unstable angina, and congestive heart failure. Because atherosclerotic RAS is associated with generalized atherosclerosis, aggressive risk factor modification and antiplatelet therapy are integral in the management of RAS regardless of the revascularization strategy. (Am Heart J 2002;143:559-64.)     

颈动脉内膜剥脱术和支架成形术治疗颈动脉狭窄的临床研究

目的探讨颈动脉内膜剥脱术(CEA)和颈动脉支架成形术(CAS)治疗颈动脉狭窄的临床价值。方法选择颈动脉狭窄患者43例,分为CEA组20例和CAS组23例,分析比较CEA和CAS 2种治疗方法的疗效。结果 CEA组成功率为95%,术后随访2年,再狭窄率为10%;CAS组成功率为100%,术后随访2年,发生再狭窄率为13%,2组的手术成功率和术后再狭窄率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 CEA和CAS是治疗颈动脉狭窄的有效方法,两者在安全性和有效性方面相同。     

Carotid intraplaque neovascularization predicts atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis in patients with carotid artery stenosis

Background and aimsThis study aimed to examine whether intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) of carotid plaques, as characterized by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), is associated with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) in patients with normal kidney function.Methods and resultsWe investigated carotid IPN using CEUS in 198 consecutive patients with normal kidney function with and without ARAS. IPN was graded on the basis of the presence and location of microbubbles within each plaque (0, no visible microbubbles in the plaque; 1, moderate microbubbles confined to the shoulder and/or adventitial side of the plaque; and 2, extensive microbubbles throughout the plaque). The grades of each plaque were averaged to obtain an overall score per patient. ARAS was determined angiographically. We found that a higher CEUS-assessed carotid IPN score was associated with ARAS (Odd Ratio, OR: 7.281; 95% Confidence Interval, 95% CI: 3.246–16.336; P < 0.001). Furthermore, an IPN score >1.75 predicted severe stenosis with a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 58%. Compared with using the IPN score alone, the addition of the homocysteine (HCY) cutoff value (>22.5 mmol/L) resulted in a stronger predictive value (Area Under Curve, AUC: 0.893 vs 0.834; P < 0.001) for severe ARAS.ConclusionCarotid plaque neovascularization combined with HCY levels is predictive of severe ARAS in patients with normal kidney function. CEUS-assessed carotid IPN is clinically useful for stratification of ARAS in patients with normal kidney function.     

Carotid artery surgery vs. stent: a cardiovascular perspective.

Stroke is a major health catastrophe that is responsible for the third most common cause of death and the leading cause of disability. Carotid artery stenosis is an important cause of brain infarctions and the risk of stroke is directly related to the severity of carotid artery stenosis and to the presence of symptoms. Familiarity with different methods of measuring degrees of carotid artery stenosis is a key in understanding the role of revascularization of this disorder. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA), surgical removal of the carotid atherosclerotic plaque, is intended to prevent stroke in patients with carotid artery stenosis and currently the most commonly performed vascular procedure in the United States. Several randomized clinical trials had demonstrated the benefits of CEA in selected groups of patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. However, CEA can cause stroke, the very thing it intended to prevent, and is associated with significant perioperative complications such as those related to general anesthesia, cardiac or nerve injury. Moreover, several anatomical and medical conditions may limit candidates for CEA. Carotid artery stenting (CS) is an evolving and less invasive technique for carotid artery revascularization. Recent studies demonstrated that CS with embolic protection devices has become an alternative to CEA for high-surgical-risk patients and the procedure of choice for stenoses inaccessible by surgery. The role of CS in low risk patients awaits the completion of several ongoing studies.     

Renal artery stenosis: epidemiology, clinical manifestation, and percutaneous endovascular therapy

Renal artery stenosis may cause or deteriorate arterial hypertension and/or renal insufficiency. Technical improvements of diagnostic and interventional endovascular tools have lead to a more widespread use of endoluminal renal artery revascularization and extension of the indications for this type of therapy. Since the first renal artery angioplasties performed by Felix Mahler and Andreas Grüntzig in 1978, numerous single-center studies have reported the beneficial effect of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty, and since the early 1990's stenting of renal artery stenosis caused either by atherosclerosis or by fibromuscular dysplasia. This article summarizes the impact of technical improvements of endovascular tools on interventional techniques during the last decade and gives an overview concerning the clinical impact of renal artery revascularization. Despite the absence of sufficient randomized studies, there is nonetheless evidence that stenting of hemodynamically relevant atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis has an impact on blood pressure control, renal function, and left ventricular hypertrophy.     

Carotid artery stenosis is related to blood glucose level in an elderly Caucasian population: the Hoorn Study

Summary Cross-sectional associations between carotid artery stenosis (CAS) on the one hand, and parameters of glycaemia and specific insulin levels on the other, were investigated in an age, sex, and glucose tolerance stratified random sample from a 50–74-year-old Caucasian population. Subjects treated with insulin or oral hypoglycaemic agents were classified as having known diabetes mellitus (KDM) (n = 66). Using two oral glucose tolerance tests, and based on the World Health Organisation criteria, all other participants were classified as having a normal (NGT) (n = 287), an impaired (IGT) (n = 169) or a diabetic (NDM) (n = 106) glucose tolerance. CAS was defined haemodynamically using duplex scanning. The crude prevalences of only moderate (16–49 %) CAS were 6.6 %, 7.1 %, 5.7 % and 12.1 % in NGT, IGT, NDM and KDM subjects, respectively. For any severe ( ≥ 50 %) CAS, crude prevalences were 2.8 %, 4.7 %, 9.4 % and 7.6 %. The prevalence of any severe CAS was higher in NDM (p < 0.01) and KDM subjects (p = 0.07) than in NGT subjects. The prevalence of a history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack was 1.7 %, 1.8 %, 2.8 % and 1.5 % in NGT, IGT, NDM and KDM, respectively. In univariate logistic regression analysis, HbA_{1 c}, serum fructosamine, fasting and 2-h post-load glucose were significantly associated with any severe CAS. In multivariate analyses controlling for other risk factors, only HbA_{1 c} and 2-h post-load plasma glucose remained significantly associated (odds ratios: 1.29 per % and 1.09 per mmol/l, respectively) in separate models. No association could be shown between either fasting or 2-h post-load specific insulin and any severe CAS in either univariate or multivariate analyses. In conclusion, HbA_{1 c} and 2-h post-load plasma glucose are independently associated with any severe CAS, whereas specific insulin is not. [Diabetologia (1997) 40: 290–298] Received: 2 February 1996 and in final revised form: 22 November 1996     

Surgical and endovascular treatment of stenosis of the innominate artery.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic lesions of the brachiocepfialic trunk are relatively rare compared with other types of vascular diseases. Median sternotomy with direct endothoracic repair is recommended because of good early and long-term results. Nevertheless, this procedure is not without risks such as hemorrhaging, embolism, aortic dissection, infection or death. METHODS: This report therefore, describes our experience in intraoperative balloon angioplasty and additional stent placement of isolated stenosis of the brachiocephalic trunk with cerebral protection ensured by common carotid artery clamping. Through an anterolateral cervical approach the right common carotid artery was surgically exposed. After dilating the brachiocephalic trunk and positioning the stent, the vessel was repaired with a continuous suture. RESULTS: In all patients the dilation of the stenosis of the brachiocephalic trunk and the stent placement were successful without any side-effects. No distal embolism with neurologic events, innominate artery dissection, rupture, occlusion or neck hematoma occurred. All patients were discharged three days after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This technique offers a safe, effective approach to stenoses of innominate arteries because it is less invasive than conventional transthoracic or extrathoracic surgery and offers excellent early and mid-term results. We believe that this technique is a safe and effective alternative to conventional surgery.     

Current state of diagnosis and endovascular treatment of renal artery stenosis

Renal artery stenosis may cause or deteriorate arterial hypertension and/or renal insufficiency. Technical improvements of diagnostic and interventional endovascular tools have lead to a more widespread use of endoluminal renal artery revascularization and extension of the indications for this type of therapy. Since the first renal artery angioplasties performed by Felix Mahler and Andreas Grüntzig in 1978, numerous single centre studies have reported the beneficial effect of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty, and since the early 1990's stenting of renal artery stenosis caused either by atherosclerosis or fibromuscular dysplasia. This article summarizes the impact of technical improvements of endovascular tools on interventional techniques during the last decade and gives an overview concerning the clinical impact of renal artery revascularization. Despite the absence of sufficient randomized studies there is nonetheless evidence that stenting of hemodynamically relevant atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis has an impact on blood pressure control, renal function, and left ventricular hypertrophy.     

经桡动脉途径血管内支架成形术治疗老年症状性椎动脉狭窄的临床研究

目的探讨经桡动脉途径血管内支架成形术治疗老年症状性椎动脉狭窄的有效性和安全性。方法选择老年症状性椎动脉狭窄患者45例,行经桡动脉途径椎动脉支架成形术,观察其手术成功率、围术期并发症及临床疗效。结果 45例患者中,椎动脉开口置入球扩式支架43枚,椎动脉颅内段置入自膨式支架2枚,术后即刻造影,残余狭窄<20%,技术成功率达100%。围术期未发生动脉夹层、支架内血栓形成、颅内出血等并发症。与术前比较,术后临床症状明显好转,术后2～7d血流动力学明显改善(P<0.01)。总有效率93.3%。术后随访3个月～4年,平均(24±8)个月,支架内再狭窄12例(26.7%),无与责任血管相关的短暂性脑缺血发作及后循环脑梗死发生。结论经桡动脉途径血管内支架成形术治疗老年症状性椎动脉狭窄临床疗效好,并发症少,是一种安全有效的治疗方法。     

Carotid endarterectomy in symptomatic patients with severe internal carotid artery stenosis

Several clinical trials have demonstrated that carotid endarterectomy (CE) in symptomatic patients with 70-99% internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis, when used appropriately in experienced surgical hands (postoperative complications of stroke and death must not exceed 7%) is safe and effective in preventing recurrence of ipsilateral carotid ischemia and, in particular, in preventing disabling ipsilateral stroke. Only five patients need to be treated to prevent one stroke in three years. The time of greatest risk of stroke after the development of symptoms was in the first six months, and the incremental risk decreased out to two years. Instead the risk of stroke with asymptomatic carotid stenosis is low. Forty-five percent of strokes in patients with asymptomatic 60% to 99% stenosis are attributable to lacunes or cardioembolism. Because CE cannot prevent stroke of cardioembolic origin and is less likely to prevent stroke of lacunar origin, it is doubtful that CE can be justified for most patients with asymptomatic arteries.     

大鼠颈动脉重度狭窄合并多发性脑梗死模型

目的建立和评价大鼠颈动脉重度狭窄合并多发性脑梗死模型。方法 SPF级雄性SD大鼠48只,随机分为假手术组(10只)、单纯颈动脉狭窄组(狭窄组,8只)、颈动脉狭窄合并脑梗死组(脑梗死组,30只)。用针控线拴法和自体血栓制作大鼠颈动脉狭窄合并多发性脑梗死模型。彩色多普勒超声探测颈动脉狭窄程度,激光多普勒监测脑血流变化,脑梗死组大鼠应用4种神经行为学方法评价神经功能缺损程度,TTC染色计算脑梗死体积。结果在注射自体血栓时,与假手术组100%的血流量比较,脑梗死组大鼠脑血流量逐渐下降至36%,之后恢复到基础值的60%。狭窄组和脑梗死组大鼠颈动脉狭窄达到重度,其狭窄率、残存管径、收缩期峰值流速(PSV)、颈总动脉PSV与颈内动脉PSV比值、阻力指数与假手术组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与术前比较,脑梗死组大鼠神经功能缺损明显,术后1天达高峰。脑梗死组脑梗死灶多位于皮质和基底节区,脑梗死体积为(23.68±19.32)mm~3。结论大鼠颈动脉重度狭窄合并多发性脑梗死模型是可控的,具有稳定性好、可重复率高、操作简单的优点,符合临床颈动脉狭窄所致的脑梗死。     

多模态监测下颈动脉内膜剥脱术治疗颈内动脉重度狭窄

目的探讨多模态监测下颈动脉内膜剥脱术治疗颈内动脉重度狭窄的临床疗效。 方法回顾性分析常德市第一人民医院神经外科自2018年1月至2021年9月实施颈动脉内膜斑块剥脱术治疗的15例颈内动脉重度狭窄患者的基本资料、术后并发症和复查情况。 结果1例患者在预阻断时,多普勒提示血流下降50%,但电生理未提示异常,提高血压,未予以术中转流;3例患者电生理及多普勒同时提示低灌注,予以术中转流后均好转。术后所有患者无明显并发症,术后复查未见再狭窄。 结论多模态监测下颈动脉内膜剥脱术治疗颈内动脉重度狭窄安全有效。     

Imaging and endovascular treatment of renal artery stenosis in the diabetic patient

Although diabetes is a classical risk factor for macroangiopathy, the prevalence of renal artery stenosis (RAS) in this type of pathology has not been clearly determined. More than 50% of RAS occur in diabetic patients (almost exclusively Type 2), whereas autopsy findings and the few clinical surveys reported indicate that the percentage of RAS within the diabetic population is close to 30%. RAS occur especially in elderly subjects with Type 2 diabetes and multiple vascular involvement, and bilateral stenoses are frequent. Diagnostic imaging of RAS can cause adverse effects in the diabetic patient if iodinated contrast media are used, especially in cases of renal insufficiency. The presence of this risk factor requires that iodinated radiological explorations be performed with due caution, or that another product be substituted as a contrast agent (CO(2) or gadolinium), or that an imaging technique without iodine be used (colour Doppler ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography). The therapeutic management of RAS in the diabetic patient differs little from that employed for other atheromatous stenoses of the renal artery. Endovascular treatment of RAS is the technique of choice for most patients, whether diabetic or not. The existence of diabetes has little effect on therapeutic strategy, except in cases of renal insufficiency when the risk of iodine overload should limit the doses of contrast medium or require the partial or even total substitution of another agent (CO(2), gadolinium). As in the case of other RAS, the indications depend on the lesion and the clinical presentation. Similarly, the results are both clinical and anatomical, and the existence of diabetes has a limited impact on these different parameters.     

症状性锁骨下动脉狭窄或闭塞的腔内治疗效果分析

目的 探讨症状性锁骨下动脉窃血综合征患者血管腔内技术治疗的临床有效性和安全性。方法 选取首都医科大学附属北京朝阳医院血管外科2011年1月至2015年8月收治的症状性锁骨下动脉狭窄或闭塞患者38例,其中男27例,女11例;平均年龄为（66.2±10.8）岁。患者均表现为头晕等神经系统症状,部分合并上肢缺血症状。运用血管腔内技术,对锁骨下动脉进行球囊扩张成形及支架植入术。结果 36例患者均成功植入球扩式支架,术后双上肢收缩压差显著改善,神经系统症状消失或改善33例,无效2例,1例术中发生脑梗死,经康复锻炼后好转;2例操作没成功,保守治疗。随访期间再狭窄3例,支架断裂1例。结论 严格掌握适应证,采用腔内技术治疗锁骨下动脉狭窄或闭塞的神经系统症状安全有效,操作简单。