缺血性脑卒中和短暂性脑缺血发作患者氯吡格雷抵抗及其影响因素分析

目的观察北方汉族人群缺血性脑卒中及短暂性脑缺血发作(TIA)患者氯吡格雷抵抗的发生率,并分析可能相关的影响因素。方法共入选104例接受氯吡格雷75 mg·d-1治疗的动脉粥样硬化性脑梗死及TIA患者,于治疗前及治疗后第7天,应用比浊法检测腺苷二磷酸诱导的血小板聚集率。以血小板聚集率下降≤10%为划界,分为氯吡格雷抵抗(CR)组37例(35.58%)和非氯吡格雷抵抗(NCR)组67例(64.42%)。采集两组患者的病史及临床资料,进行统计学分析。结果 CR组合并2型糖尿病和高血压病的患病率高于NCR组(分别P=0.024,P=0.008);CR组血清胆固醇水平和体重指数(BMI)高于NCR组(分别P=0.040,P=0.013)。多因素Logistic回归分析提示BMI≥28 kg/m2与氯吡格雷抵抗可能具有相关性(OR=3.600,95%CI:1.110~11.678,P=0.033)。结论 BMI≥28 kg/m2可能为缺血性脑卒中及TIA患者发生氯吡格雷抵抗的危险因素     

急性脑梗死患者氯吡格雷抵抗的相关因素研究

目的 探讨急性脑梗死患者氯吡格雷抵抗(clopidogrel resisitance,CR)的相关因素。方法 收集急性脑梗死患者100例,入院后连续口服氯吡格雷7 d后空腹抽取肘静脉血,用血栓弹力图(thromboelastograms,TEG)测得二磷酸腺苷(adenosine diphosphate,ADP)受体途径诱导的血小板抑制率,将患者分为氯吡格雷抵抗组(CR)和氯吡格雷敏感组(clopidogrel sensitivity,CS); 根据2组患者的临床检测水平和Logistic回归分析引起CR的因素。结果 31例患者出现氯吡格雷抵抗,发生率为31%。单因素分析发现并发2型糖尿病、LDL-C水平、空腹血糖水平(FPG)差异明显(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析发现,2型糖尿病(OR=13.198,P<0.05)、LDL-C水平(OR=0.349,P<0.05)是引起CR的独立危险因素。结论 部分急性脑梗死患者会出现氯吡格雷抵抗,2型糖尿病、LDL-C水平是其独立危险因素。     

缺血性卒中患者平均血小板体积水平与氯吡格雷抵抗的相关性分析

目的观察缺血性卒中患者的氯吡格雷抵抗(clopidogrel resistance,CR)与血小板平均体积(mean platelet volume,MPV)的关系。方法连续入组2013年3月~2014年1月期间在广州医科大学附属第三医院神经内科住院的缺血性卒中患者150例,所有患者均服用氯吡格雷75 mg/d,于用药前、用药物后10~14 d后应用比浊法测定血小板聚集率的变化,依据结果分为CR组和氯吡格雷敏感(clopidogel sensitivity,CS)组,对两组的一般资料、危险因素及MPV水平进行比较,同时采用多因素Logistic回归分析来确定MPV水平与CR的相关性。结果纳入的150例患者中,有44例(29.33%)发生CR,CS组106例。单因素分析中,CR组糖尿病、既往短暂性脑缺血发作(transient ischemic attack,TIA)病史及总胆固醇水平等均高于CS组(P值分别为0.001、0.001和0.004);CR组MPV水平高于CS组[(9.55±0.40)fl vs(9.28±0.35)fl,P0.001]。而在多因素Logistic回归分析中显示,MPV水平[比值比(odds ratio,OR)10.555,95%可信区间(confidence interval,CI)2.524~44.134,P=0.001]、总胆固醇(OR 1.561,95%CI 1.051~2.318,P=0.027)、既往TIA(OR 6.537,95%CI 2.475~17.262,P=0.000)、糖尿病(OR 7.632,95%CI 2.620~22.228,P=0.000)与CR相关。结论 MPV水平是CR发生的独立危险因素之一,作为CR的预测与筛查工具有一定的价值。     

CYP2C19基因型与复发性脑梗死患者氯吡格雷抵抗的关系研究

目的通过CYP2C19基因检测及血小板聚集率综合评估氯吡格雷抵抗,指导复发性脑梗死患者合理用药。方法对2018年1-10月就诊于嘉兴市第二医院神经内科,诊断为复发性脑梗死的患者进行CYP2C19基因测序,分别收集氯吡格雷快代谢、中代谢、慢代谢基因型患者各30例,比较3组患者年龄、性别、BMI、吸烟、高血压、糖尿病及高脂血症等一般临床资料。3组均给予常规剂量氯吡格雷75 mg/d治疗,检测患者使用氯吡格雷前及使用7 d后的血小板聚集率。根据血小板聚集抑制率判断氯吡格雷抵抗情况,分析CYP2C19基因型与患者氯吡格雷抵抗的关系。筛选出氯吡格雷抵抗者(血小板聚集抑制率10%)分至氯吡格雷抵抗组,改用西洛他唑100 mg 2次/日,氯吡格雷半反应(10%≤血小板聚集抑制率30%)及氯吡格雷敏感(血小板聚集抑制率≥30%)者分至非氯吡格雷抵抗组,继续氯吡格雷75 mg/d治疗。3个月后再次检测血小板聚集率,比较不同药物的血小板聚集抑制情况,并观察终点事件发生情况(主要终点:再发脑梗死;次要终点:脑出血和死亡)。结果最终入组患者90例,其中男性49例(54.4%),年龄40～89岁,平均年龄68.27±10.14岁。快、中、慢代谢3组糖尿病(P=0.036)和氯吡格雷抵抗发生率(P0.001)差异均有统计学意义,其中慢代谢组合并糖尿病比率高于中代谢组(P=0.010),慢代谢组氯吡格雷抵抗发生率高于快代谢组(P0.001)及中代谢组(P=0.006)。氯吡格雷抵抗组患者22例(24.4%),非氯吡格雷抵抗组患者68例(75.6%)。Logistic回归分析提示,吸烟(OR 7.792,95%CI 1.899～31.968,P=0.004)、糖尿病(OR 4.466,95%CI 1.122～17.778,P=0.034)及CYP2C19基因慢代谢(OR 13.713,95%CI 2.352～79.959,P=0.004)是复发性脑梗死患者氯吡格雷抵抗的独立危险因素。非氯吡格雷抵抗组(49.51%±4.33%vs 63.73%±7.84%,P0.001)和氯吡格雷抵抗组(55.42%±6.63%vs 76.95%±7.42%,P0.001)患者3个月后的血小板平均聚集率较7 d时均下降,差异有统计学意义。3个月后较非氯吡格雷抵抗组,氯吡格雷抵抗组血小板聚集抑制率更高(21.53%±4.30%vs 14.23%±6.90%,P0.001)。入组患者随访3个月均无终点事件发生。结论吸烟、合并糖尿病及CYP2C19慢代谢基因型是复发性脑梗死患者氯吡格雷抵抗的独立危险因素。西洛他唑能有效抑制血小板聚集,可以作为氯吡格雷抵抗的复发性脑梗死患者的替代性用药。     

CYP2C19基因多态性与急性脑梗死患者氯吡格雷抵抗的关系

目的探讨CYP2C19基因多态性与急性脑梗死患者氯吡格雷抵抗的关系。方法检测118例急性脑梗死患者的CYP2C19基因,根据基因型分为野生型组、突变杂合型组及突变纯合型组。使用血栓弹力图测定二磷酸腺苷(ADP)诱导的血小板聚集抑制率,比较各组结果。结果根据基因分型,将患者分为野生型组45例(38.1%),突变杂合型组54例(45.8%)及突变纯合型组19例(16.1%)。与野生型组比较,突变纯合型组与突变杂合型组的血小板抑制率均显著下降(均P0.01),氯吡格雷抵抗率明显增高(P0.05~0.01)。与突变杂合型组比较,突变纯合型组的血小板抑制率显著下降(P0.01),氯吡格雷抵抗率差异无统计学意义。Logistic多元回归分析显示,携带CYP2C19突变杂合型等位基因及突变纯合型等位基因与血小板抑制率呈正相关,是氯吡格雷抵抗的独立危险因素(OR=2.13,95%CI:1.78~4.28,P=0.013;OR=4.44,95%CI:3.31~6.41,P=0.001)。结论 CYP2C19突变型等位基因是氯吡格雷低应答的独立危险因素。     

氯吡格雷抵抗与缺血性脑卒中

氯吡格雷是用于预防缺血性脑卒中的主要药物,但相当一部分患者接受氯吡格雷治疗后仍有脑血管事件的发生,且血小板功能检测证实血小板聚集不能被有效抑制,这种现象称为氯吡格雷抵抗。本文对缺血性脑卒中患者发生氯吡格雷抵抗的相关因素作一综述。     

氯吡格雷抵抗的基因多态性研究进展

氯吡格雷对缺血性脑卒中患者的临床疗效存在差异,部分患者存在氯吡格雷抵抗现象。患者基因多态性可能影响氯吡格雷抗血小板聚集作用,ABCB1、CYP2C19和P2Y12受体等基因突变与氯吡格雷抵抗有一定的相关性。临床上进行相关基因型检测,并结合其他危险因素制定合理的给药方案,实行个体化治疗,可以提高缺血性卒中患者氯吡格雷林的疗效,降低缺血性卒中的发生率及复发率。     

基因CYP2C19慢代谢致左侧颈内动脉支架内血栓形成1例报道

正颈动脉狭窄是缺血性卒中的重要因素之一,尤其发生在合并高血压、糖尿病、冠心病、吸烟等中老年高危患者中,根据目前指南[1]推荐,行颈动脉支架(CAS)术后常规口服双重抗血小板聚集治疗已成为治疗颈动脉狭窄的重要手段之一,具有手术损伤少、易恢复的特点。但颈动脉支架术后患者虽规律口服氢氯吡格雷等抗血小板药物,不良脑血管事件仍发生,患者的血小板药物抵抗、血小板活性与发生不良     

氯吡格雷联合瑞舒伐他汀对缺血性脑血管病患者颈动脉狭窄程度的影响

目的探讨氯吡格雷联合瑞舒伐他汀对缺血性脑血管病患者颈动脉狭窄程度及P-选择素表达的影响。方法选取由颈动脉狭窄所导致的缺血性脑血管病(包括缺血性脑卒中和短暂性脑缺血发作)住院患者120例,随机分为2组(A、B组),每组60例,A组给予氯吡格雷+辛伐他汀治疗,B组给予氯吡格雷+瑞舒伐他汀治疗,选取健康体检人员30例为对照组;采用酶联免疫吸附测定法测定治疗前后各组患者血浆P-选择素的表达,采用颈动脉超声检测治疗前后各组患者的责任病灶侧颈动脉斑块积分、管腔狭窄率。结果与治疗前相比,治疗12周后,2组血浆P选择素表达、斑块积分、管腔狭窄率均出现显著下降,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);且治疗后B组上述指标均低于A组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论氯吡格雷联合瑞舒伐他汀及氯吡格雷联合辛伐他汀均能有效抑制血小板活化,减轻患者动脉硬化程度,且前者作用更加显著。     

缺血性脑卒中患者阿司匹林或氯吡格雷及其联合应用抗血小板治疗的研究

目的 研究缺血性脑卒中患者阿司匹林或氯吡格雷及其联合应用抗血小板治疗的效果.方法 180例缺血性脑卒中患者分为阿司匹林组(阿司匹林肠溶片100 mg/d)、氯吡格雷组(氯吡格雷75 mg/d)和联合用药组(阿司匹林肠溶片+氯吡格雷,剂量相同);每组60例.在治疗前、治疗14 d后,用血栓弹力图检测患者的花生四烯酸(AA)和二磷酸腺苷(ADP)途径诱导的血小板抑制率.结果 治疗后,3组AA、ADP途径诱导的血小板抑制率显著高于治疗前(均P＜0.05);3组间AA、ADP途径诱导的血小板抑制率的差异有统计学意义(均P＜0.05).联合用药组和阿司匹林组AA途径诱导的血小板抑制率显著高于氯吡格雷组(均P＜0.05);联合用药组和氯吡格雷组ADP途径诱导的血小板抑制率显著高于阿司匹林组(均P＜0.05);联合用药组与阿司匹林组AA途径、联合用药组与氯吡格雷组ADP途径诱导的血小板抑制率的差异无统计学意义.结论 阿司匹林和氯吡格雷对缺血性脑卒中患者均有显著的抗血小板作用;而阿司匹林联合氯吡格雷能从两个途径抑制血小板聚集,抗血小板的效果更好.     

氯吡格雷抵抗在脑梗死患者中的动态观察

【摘要】
目的 探讨氯吡格雷抵抗（clopidogrel resistance,CR）在脑梗死患者中的动态变化;观察脑梗死组与高危组（脑梗死高危因素）CR发生率及血小板聚集率变化情况。
方法 收集健康对照组68例、高危组59例、脑梗死组121例,采用光比浊法分别测定入组（氯吡格雷75 mg/d）2周后的血小板聚集率;服药2周后,出现CR者换用或联合其他抗血小板药物治疗,并检测其2周后的血小板聚集率的变化;非CR的脑梗死患者维持常规治疗,观察3个月、6个月后血小板聚集率的变化。
结果 服药前,脑梗死组［（65.75±13.11）%］分别与健康对照组［（50.49±12.42）%］、高危组［（56.71±11.33）%］比较血小板聚集率,差异有显著性（t =4.534,P =0.000;t =7.829,P =0.000）;服药2周后,高危组CR发生率为13.6%（8例）,脑梗死组的发生率为29.75%（36例）,且两组患者发生CR的患者中患糖尿病比例均较高（分别为50%和41.67%）;换用或联合其他抗血小板药物治疗后,70%CR者的血小板聚集率下降>10%;服药3个月后脑梗死组未见新CR;服药6个月后脑梗死组新发CR者15例（17.65%）。
结论 脑梗死组CR发生率较高,CR在脑梗死患者中可能存在时相动态变化。     

Platelet Surface CD62p and Serum Vitamin D Levels are Associated with Clopidogrel Resistance in Chinese Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Background: To explore the association of platelet activation markers, vitamin D, and antiplatelet drugs resistance in ischemic stroke patients. Methods: A total of 230 patients with ischemic stroke were enrolled in this study. Platelet aggregation, platelet activation marker (CD62p), and vitamin D were measured after 7-14 days of dual antiplatelet treatment (aspirin?+?clopidogrel). All individuals were divided into a drug resistance group and a drug sensitive group according to the platelet maximum aggregation rate induced by antagonist adenosine diphosphate or arachidonic acid. Results: In this study, the prevalence of aspirin resistance was low (1.2%), while the prevalence of clopidogrel resistance (CR) was 24.8%, so we focused on CR. The percentage of CD62p on activated platelet [(25.74 ± 4.61) versus (12.41 ± 3.93), P < .001] and the prevalence of hypertension [93.0% (53) versus 79.8% (138), P?=?.021] in CR group were significantly higher than those in clopidogrel sensitive (CS) group, while the vitamin D concentration [(8.96 ± 4.41) versus (13.9 ± 4.84) ng/mL, P?=?.003] in CR group was significantly lower compared with the CS group. No significant difference was found in soluble P-selectin between these 2 groups [(56.2 ± 16.13) versus (54.2 ± 14.87) ng/mL, P?=?.258], neither in calcium [(2.29 ± .12) versus (2.33 ± .13) mmol/L, P?=?.821]. Logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 5.348, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.184-23.350, P?=?.026), expression of platelet CD62p (OR?=?1.095, 95% CI 1.052-1.201, P?=?.018) and vitamin D level (OR?=?.832, 95% CI .763-.934, P?=?.005) were associated with CR in ischemic stroke patients. Conclusions: CR in ischemic stroke patients is associated with several independent predictors, including increased platelet activation marker CD62p, decreased vitamin D level, and hypertension.     

正五聚蛋白3与缺血性卒中患者颈动脉狭窄的关系研究

目的 通过分析急性缺血性卒中患者血浆正五聚蛋白3（pentraxin 3,PTX3）和凝集素样氧化型低 密度脂蛋白受体-1（lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor-1,LOX-1）与颈动脉狭窄的关系, 探索PTX3在颈动脉狭窄形成过程中的作用。 方法 前瞻性连续纳入2019年1-8月于首都医科大学附属北京友谊医院神经内科治疗的急性缺血 性卒中患者,收集患者的基线资料、头颅CTA、血脂、PTX3、LOX-1等检查结果。根据患者头颅CTA有无 颈动脉狭窄分为颈动脉狭窄组和无颈动脉狭窄组;以狭窄程度为标准,将颈动脉狭窄组患者分为严重 狭窄（≥50%）组和轻度狭窄（＜50%）组。采用单因素分析和多因素Logistic回归分析颈内动脉狭窄的 独立危险因素。 结果 共纳入102例患者,颈动脉狭窄组57例（55.9%）,无颈动脉狭窄组45例（44.1%）,颈动脉狭窄 组中轻度狭窄32例（56.1%）,严重狭窄25例（43.9%）;颈动脉狭窄组的缺血性脑血管病家族史比例、 LDL-C、PTX3及LOX-1水平均高于无颈动脉狭窄组（均P <0.05）;严重狭窄组的PTX3、LOX-1及LDL-C水 平均高于轻度狭窄组（均P <0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示PTX3（OR 3.11,95%CI 2.11～4.58, P =0.007）、LOX-1（OR 5.47,95%CI 2.89～10.13,P =0.017）和LDL-C（OR 5.35,95%CI 2.45～10.65, P =0.021）水平升高是颈动脉狭窄发生的独立危险因素。 结论 血浆PTX3、LOX-1和LDL-C水平升高是颈动脉狭窄的独立危险因素。     

Increased platelet count and leucocyte-platelet complex formation in acute symptomatic compared with asymptomatic severe carotid stenosis

OBJECTIVE: The risk of stroke in patients with recently symptomatic carotid stenosis is considerably higher than in patients with asymptomatic stenosis. In the present study it was hypothesised that excessive platelet activation might partly contribute to this difference. METHODS: A full blood count was done and whole blood flow cytometry used to measure platelet surface expression of CD62P, CD63, and PAC1 binding and the percentage of leucocyte-platelet complexes in patients with acute (0-21 days, n = 19) and convalescent (79-365 days) symptomatic (n = 16) and asymptomatic (n = 16) severe (> or =70%) carotid stenosis. Most patients were treated with aspirin (37.5-300 mg daily) although alternative antithrombotic regimens were more commonly used in the symptomatic group. RESULTS: The mean platelet count was higher in patients with acute and convalescent symptomatic compared with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. There were no significant differences in the median percentage expression of CD62P and CD63, or PAC1 binding between the acute or convalescent symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The median percentages of neutrophil-platelet (p = 0.004), monocyte-platelet (p = 0.046), and lymphocyte-platelet complexes (p = 0.02) were higher in acute symptomatic than in asymptomatic patients. In patients on aspirin monotherapy, the percentages of neutrophil-platelet and monocyte-platelet complexes (p = 0.03) were higher in acute symptomatic (n = 11) than asymptomatic patients (n = 14). In the convalescent phase, the median percentages of all leucocyte-platelet complexes in the symptomatic group dropped to levels similar to those found in the asymptomatic group. CONCLUSION: Increased platelet count and leucocyte-platelet complex formation may contribute to the early excess risk of stroke in patients with recently symptomatic carotid stenosis.     

替格瑞洛与西洛他唑对氯吡格雷抵抗的急性缺血性脑卒中患者的疗效及安全性比较

目的 探讨替格瑞洛与西洛他唑对氯吡格雷抵抗的急性缺血性脑卒中(AIS)患者的疗效及安全性的影响。方法 将80例对氯吡格雷抵抗(血小板聚集率>50%)AIS患者按照数字表法随机分为替格瑞洛组(入组40例,完成37例)和西洛他唑组(入组40例,完成39例); 在AIS常规治疗的基础上替格瑞洛组将氯吡格雷换用替格瑞洛治疗(90 mg/次,2次/d); 西洛他唑组将氯吡格雷换用西洛他唑治疗(100 mg/次,2次/d)。于改变治疗方案前及改变治疗方案后1、3、6、12个月分别检测血小板聚集率(PIR),观察2组治疗12个月内的缺血事件、出血事件及药物的不良反应。结果 改变治疗方案后12个月替格瑞洛组总有效率显著高于西洛他唑组(z=-2.086,P=0.037)。替格瑞洛组缺血事件发生率低于西洛他唑组(χ²=4.057,P=0.034); 替格瑞洛组的出血事件发生率高于西洛他唑组(χ²=4.501,P=0.034); 替格瑞洛组的呼吸困难发生率高于西洛他唑组(χ²=4.505,P=0.034); 替格瑞洛组的其他不良反应发生率高于西洛他唑组(χ²=4.021,P=0.045)。改变治疗方案后1、3、6、12个月替格瑞洛组患者的PAR低于西洛他唑组(F=15.320,P=0.000)。结论 对氯吡格雷抵抗的AIS患者,替格瑞洛比西洛他唑的血小板抑制作用更强,缺血事件发生率更低,但出血事件、呼吸困难及其他不良反应的发生率更高,因此对于血栓风险较高、出血风险较低的患者,建议换用替格瑞洛; 对于血栓风险较低、出血风险较高的患者,建议换用西洛他唑。     

Diabetes as a determinant of high-grade carotid artery stenosis: Evaluation of 1,058 cases by Doppler sonography

Our objective was to investigate the association of risk factors, especially diabetes mellitus, with high-grade carotid artery stenosis. The study group was chosen from the patients who were sent to our Doppler ultrasonography laboratory for detecting the vascular anatomy. Doppler sonography was performed in 1,058 patients. High-grade carotid artery stenosis with a diameter reduction of 70% to 99% was detected in 89 patients. In the moderate and mild stenosis groups, we had 85 and 884 patients, respectively. Patients in the moderate stenosis group had a 40% to 69% carotid stenosis, and patients in the mild group had a 0% to 39% stenosis or normal ultrasonographic findings. Parameters of age, sex, alcohol, smoking, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes were considered potential risk factors for stenosis. Multivariate logistic regression model was used as the statistical test in comparing the 3 groups. In the high-grade stenosis group, sex distribution was 34.8% female and 65.2% male with a mean age of 64.48 ± 10.19 years. In the second and third groups these distributions were 51.8% female and 48.2% male with a mean age of 65.15 ± 9.66 years, and 54.30% female and 45.70% male with a mean age 59.56 ± 12.37, respectively. Diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] = 2.77), ischemic heart disease (OR = 1.67), age (OR = 1.02), and male gender (OR = 1.75) were found to be significantly associated with high-grade carotid stenosis. As a cost-effective, noninvasive, easily performed, and fast technique, Doppler sonography is used in vascular evaluation of patients. Early diagnosis of carotid artery disease in patients with modifiable risk factors like diabetes may play an important role in the prevention of a consequent stroke.     

Asymptomatic embolization predicts stroke and TIA risk in patients with carotid artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Improved methods of identifying patients at high risk of thromboembolism would allow improved targeting of therapy. One such situation is carotid artery stenosis. This is associated with an increased risk of stroke, which can be reduced by carotid endarterectomy. However, the risk-benefit ratio is low in patients with tight asymptomatic stenosis and moderate symptomatic stenosis. Most stroke in patients with carotid stenosis is believed to be embolic. Therefore, the detection of asymptomatic cerebral emboli using Doppler ultrasound may allow identification of a high-risk group. METHODS: Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to record for 1 hour the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery in 111 patients with >60% carotid artery stenosis (69 symptomatic, 42 asymptomatic). The Doppler audio signal was recorded onto digital audio tape for later analysis for embolic signals (ES) by an individual blinded to clinical details. In 67 subjects the relationship between ES and angiographically determined plaque ulceration was investigated. All subjects were followed up prospectively, and the relationship between ES and risk of future ipsilateral carotid artery territory ischemic events (TIA and stroke) was determined. RESULTS: ES were detected in 41(36.9%) subjects. In symptomatic patients there was a significant inverse relationship between the number of ES per hour and time elapsed since last symptoms (Spearman's rho=-0.2558, P=0.034). ES were more common in subjects with plaque ulceration, with a relative risk of 4. 94 (95% CI, 1.23 to 19.84; P=0.025) after controlling for both symptomatic status and degree of stenosis. The presence of ES at entry was predictive of TIA and stroke risk during follow up in both symptomatic (P=0.02) and asymptomatic patients (P=0.007). Considering all 111 patients, the presence of asymptomatic embolization was predictive of a further ischemic event, with an adjusted OR of 8.10 (95% CI, 1.58 to 41.57; P=0.01) after controlling for other cardiovascular risk factors, degree of stenosis, symptomatic status, and aspirin or warfarin use. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic embolization in patients with carotid artery stenosis correlates with known markers of increased stroke risk and is an independent predictor of future stroke risk in patients with both symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis. It may allow identification of a high-risk group of patients who will particularly benefit from carotid endarterectomy. A large multicenter study is now required to confirm these findings.