BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease is associated with coronary atherosclerosis indicated by carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT)thickening and altered vascular elasticity.The epicardial adipose layer can secrete proinf...BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease is associated with coronary atherosclerosis indicated by carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT)thickening and altered vascular elasticity.The epicardial adipose layer can secrete proinflammatory factors that promote the formation of coronary atherosclerosis.Thus,the epicardial fat layer thickness(EAT)may also predict coronary heart disease.AIM To determine the role of common carotid artery ultrasound parameters and EAT in the early diagnosis of coronary artery disease.METHODS Based on coronary angiography,patients with newly suspected coronary heart disease were divided into case(n=107)and control(n=41)groups.The carotid ultrasound parameters,including vascular stiffness(β),elastic coefficient(EP),pulse wave conduction velocity(PWV-β),CIMT,and EAT were compared between the case and control groups and among patients with different lesion numbers in the case group.Pearson correlation was used to evaluate the early diagnostic value of EAT,common carotid artery elasticity,and CIMT for coronary heart disease.RESULTS EP,β,PWV-β,CIMT,and EAT were significantly higher in the case group compared with the levels in the control group(all P<0.001).In the case group,lesions were detected in one vessel in 34 patients,two vessels in 38 patients,and three vessels in 35 patients.Within the case group,β,EP,PWV-β,CIMT,and EAT levels significantly increased with an increased number of lesions(all P<0.001).EAT positively correlated withβ,EP,PWV-β,and CIMT(all P<0.01).The area under the curve for diagnosing coronary heart disease using EAT combined with CIMT and carotid elasticity was 0.893,and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.890 and 0.837.CONCLUSION EAT correlated well with changes in carotid artery elasticity and CIMT in patients with coronary heart disease.The combination of EAT,carotid artery elasticity,and CIMT facilitates the early diagnosis of coronary heart disease.展开更多
Objective To explore the value of ultrafast pulse wave velocity(UFPWV)technique for evaluating changes of carotid artery elasticity in Hashimoto thyroiditis(HT)patients with euthyroidism.Methods Conventional ultrasoun...Objective To explore the value of ultrafast pulse wave velocity(UFPWV)technique for evaluating changes of carotid artery elasticity in Hashimoto thyroiditis(HT)patients with euthyroidism.Methods Conventional ultrasound and UFPWV for carotid artery were prospectively performed in 91 HT patients with euthyroidism(HT group)and 81 healthy subjects(control group).Clinical data and ultrasonic parameters were compared between groups.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to observe the correlations of carotid pulse wave velocity in end of systole(PWV-ES)with clinical indexes and other ultrasonic parameters in HT group.Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was used to screen the independent impact factors of increased carotid PWV-ES in HT group.Results Significant differences of thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb),thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb),total cholesterol(TC),low density lipoprotein and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)were found between groups(all P<0.05).The carotid PWV-ES in HT group was significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.05),while no significant difference of carotid artery intima-media thickness(CIMT)nor carotid pulse wave velocity in beginning of systole(PWV-BS)was found between groups(both P>0.05).Carotid PWV-ES in HT group was positively correlated with patients'age,body mass index,TPOAb,TC,triglyceride,NLR and CIMT(r=0.217—0.707,all P<0.05).Patients'age,TPOAb and NLR were all independent impact factors of increased carotid PWV-ES in HT patients with euthyroidism(all P<0.05).Conclusion UFPWV technique could be used to evaluate changes of carotid artery elasticity in HT patients with euthyroidism,among which PWV-ES was relatively sensitive.展开更多
BACKGROUND Moyamoya disease(MMD)is a rare cause of acute stroke and transient ischemic attacks in children.We described clinical,diagnostic features and follow-ups of a young child with acute stroke.CASE SUMMARY We re...BACKGROUND Moyamoya disease(MMD)is a rare cause of acute stroke and transient ischemic attacks in children.We described clinical,diagnostic features and follow-ups of a young child with acute stroke.CASE SUMMARY We report a 4-year-old girl with left hemiparesis after an acute ischemic stroke.Her history was also significant for repeated left or right focal motor seizures,generalized tonic-clonic convulsions and transient ischemic attacks.Her magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography(CT)of the brain and magnetic resonance angiography,CT angiography and venography on the cerebral vessels revealed evidence of bilateral fronto-parietal ischemic infarctions,occlusion of the right and left internal carotid arteries started at its bifurcation and non-visualization of right and left anterior and middle cerebral arteries.There was evidence of progression in angiography manifested as development of collaterals from the basal perforating vessels,increase in the extent of large intracranial arterial stenosis/occlusion and extensive collateral circulation with predominance from the posterior circulation.Physical and neurological evaluation and comprehensive laboratory investigations excluded an obvious comorbid disease or risk factor for the child’s condition.The diagnosis of MMD was highly suggested as a cause of the child’s steno-occlusive condition.She was treated symptomatically with levetiracetam,an antiepileptic medication.Aspirin was prescribed for secondary prevention.Her clinical manifestations were improved during the three years of follow-up.Revascularization surgery was postponed.CONCLUSION Up to our knowledge,this is the first report for MMD in a child in our country.The clinical improvement and the stabilization of the child’s condition over the 3 years of follow-up could be attributed to the rapid and extensive recruitment of collaterals and absence of risk factors or comorbidities.Revascularization surgery is highly recommended.展开更多
Multislice CT angiography represents one of the most exciting technological revolutions in cardiac imaging and it has been increasingly used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Rapid improvements in multislic...Multislice CT angiography represents one of the most exciting technological revolutions in cardiac imaging and it has been increasingly used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Rapid improvements in multislice CT scanners over the last decade have allowed this technique to become a potentially effective alternative to invasive coronary angiography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. High diagnostic value has been achieved with multislice CT angiography with use of 64- and more slice CT scanners. In addition, multislice CT angiography shows accurate detection and analysis of coronary calcium, characterization of coronary plaques, as well as prediction of the disease progression and major cardiac events. Thus, patients can benefit from multislice CT angiography that provides a rapid and accurate diagnosis while avoiding unnecessary invasive coronary angiography procedures. The aim of this article is present an overview of the clinical applications of multislice CT angiography in coronary artery disease with a focus on the diagnostic accuracy of coronary artery disease; prognostic value of coronary artery disease with regard to the prediction of major cardiac events; detection and quantification of coronary calcium and characterization of coronary plaques. Limitations of multislice CT angiography in coronary artery disease are also briefly discussed, and future directions are highlighted.展开更多
Kawasaki disease (muco-cutaneous lymph node syndrome, MCLS) was first reported by Kawasaki in 1967. It was characteried by nonvascular polymorphous rash, fever, ulcer in oral mucosa, edema of hands of feet, cervix lym...Kawasaki disease (muco-cutaneous lymph node syndrome, MCLS) was first reported by Kawasaki in 1967. It was characteried by nonvascular polymorphous rash, fever, ulcer in oral mucosa, edema of hands of feet, cervix lymphadenopathy and desquamations in peripheral extremities. Because of unknown pathogens, no lab examination was available as a single easily recognized diagnostic marker; the diagnosis is展开更多
BACKGROUND: Carotid artery is the main source for craniocerebral blood supply. Its intimal plaque formation and arterial stenosis degree both are the risk factors for ischemic cerebrovascular disease.Therefore, the c...BACKGROUND: Carotid artery is the main source for craniocerebral blood supply. Its intimal plaque formation and arterial stenosis degree both are the risk factors for ischemic cerebrovascular disease.Therefore, the close relationship of carotid atherosclerotic plaque and ischemic cerebrovascular disease, and ultrasound evaluation of carotid atherosclerotic plaque have become the hot spot in studying ischemic cerebrovascular disease.OBJECTIVE: This study was to detect the degree of carotid atherosclerosis of ischemic cerebrovascular disease patients by ultrasonography, and to analyze the situation of carotid atherosclerosis and its relationship with clinic.DESIGN: Clinical randomized concurrent control experiment.SETTING: Lintong Convalescent Hospital of Lanzhou Military Area Command of Chinese PLA.PARTICIPANTS: Totally 60 outpatients and inpatients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease, 42 males and 18 females, admitted to Lintong Convalescent Hospital of Lanzhou Military Area Command of Chinese PLA between January 2006 and December 2006 were involved in the patient group. They met the diagnosis criteria of ischemic cerebrovascular disease constituted by the 4th Cerebrovascular Disease Conference in 1996, and were confirmed to suffer from ischemic cerebrovascular disease by skull CT and MRI. Another 20 subjects who received healthy examination concurrently in the same hospital, 12 males and 8 females, were involved in the control group. Informed consents of detected items were obtained from involved subjects.METHODS: The plaque thickness of mid portion, distal end and crotch of common carotid artery (CCA),internal carotid artery (ICA), external carotid artery (ECA) and vertebral artery (VA) of involved subjects,who received health examination was separately detected with color Doppler ultrasonograph (HDI-5000).Then, total integral of plaque was calculated. The intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured with two-dimensional ultrasonography. The inner diameter stenosis degree of subjects who had plaque was measured. Blood flow parameters were recorded, and stenosis degree and plaque area were calculated. Blood flow volume of bilateral carotid artery and VA was separately measured with ultrasound equipment software,and brain blood flow volume was calculated.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Atherosclerotic degree and blood flow volume of patients of two groups.RESULTS: Sixty patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease and twenty subjects who received health examination participated in the final analysis. ①The IMT thickness, total plaque score, and total plaque area of patient group was significantly superior to that of control group, respectively( t=5.216 - 10.158, P 〈 0.05 ).② There were significant differences in the stenosis degree of CCA, ICA and VA between patient group and control group (t=6.720 - 12.816, P 〈 0.05 ) . ③ The blood flow volume of CCA, ICA, VA and brain of patient group was significantly lower than that of control group, respectively (t=2.872 - 10.860, P 〈 0.05).CONCLUSION: Ischemic cerebrovascular disease patients have different degrees of changes in atherosclerosis and arterial blood flow.展开更多
BACKGROUND One of the major perioperative complications for coronary artery bypass graft(CABG)is stroke.The risk of perioperative stroke after CABG is approximately 2%.Carotid stenosis(CS)is considered an independent ...BACKGROUND One of the major perioperative complications for coronary artery bypass graft(CABG)is stroke.The risk of perioperative stroke after CABG is approximately 2%.Carotid stenosis(CS)is considered an independent predictor of perioperative stroke risk in CABG patients.The optimal management of such patients has been a source of controversy.One of the possible surgical options is synchronous carotid endarterectomy(CEA)and CABG.Here,we have presented 4 cases of successful synchronous CEA and CABG.Our center’s experience with 4 cases of significant carotid artery stenosis,which were successfully managed with combined CEA and CABG,are detailed.The first case was a female who presented for CABG after a ST-elevation myocardial infarction.She had right internal carotid artery(ICA)occlusion and 90%left ICA stenosis.The second case was a male who was electively admitted for CABG.It was discovered that he had left ICA occlusion and 90%right ICA stenosis.The third case was a male with a history of stroke,two months prior to admission.He presented with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.Preoperatively,it was discovered that he had>90%right ICA stenosis.The final case was a male who was electively admitted for CABG.It was discovered that he had bilateral>90%ICA stenosis.We have also reviewed the current evidence and guidelines for managing CS in patients undergoing CABG.CONCLUSION Our case series demonstrated that synchronous CEA and CABG was safe.A multicenter study with additional patients is needed.It is necessary for clinicians to screen for CS in high-risk patients with features.展开更多
This study explores the predictive value of plasma a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS-5) levels for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with coronary artery dis...This study explores the predictive value of plasma a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS-5) levels for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). 595 patients admitted to our hospital were selected. Initially, the serum ADAMTS-5 levels of subjects were analyzed. Subsequently, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed. Furthermore, the serum levels of ADAMTS-5 were assessed in patients, and based on CAD severity, they were categorized into stable angina pectoris (SAP), unstable angina (UA), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) groups, with the aim of examining the relationship between ADAMTS-5 levels and CAD severity. Differences in clinical outcomes between patients with high and low levels of ADAMTS-5 were analyzed during the follow-up period. The study found that the serum levels of ADAMTS-5 were significantly higher in the group of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to the group without CAD, indicating its potential as a diagnostic marker for CAD. The ADAMTS-5 levels in the serum of STEMI patients were higher than those with SAP, while NSTEMI patients showed higher levels of ADAMTS-5 than the UA group. There was a positive correlation between serum ADAMTS-5 levels and the syntax score in CAD patients, suggesting a potential association with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study indicates that ADAMTS-5 shows promise as a biomarker for CAD and highlights the need for further research and validation.展开更多
Purpose: To study the association between carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) level as markers for PAD in elderly patients with DM. Subjects: A case-control study on 90 participants...Purpose: To study the association between carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) level as markers for PAD in elderly patients with DM. Subjects: A case-control study on 90 participants aged 60 years and older divided into 60 cases (30 patients with DM alone and 30 patients with DM and comorbidities) and 30 healthy controls. All were assessed by measuring CIMT, ankle brachial index (AB), and markers for cardiovascular disease such as high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL). Results: hs-CRP levels showed statistically significant difference being highest among patients with DM and comorbidities and lowest among controls (P < 0.001). Also, symptoms of PAD were significantly higher among cases than controls. ABI was able to detect PAD in many asymptomatic patients. Color changes were present in only 43.30% (n = 26) of positive PAD cases while delayed wound healing, claudication pain, rest pain, cold extremities, and trophic changes were present in 23.30% (n = 14), 16.71% (n = 10), 16.71% (n = 10), 45.00% (n = 27), and 21.7% (n = 13). Using logistic regression analysis revealed that DM, CIMT, and hs-CRP were independent predictors for PAD (OR = 4.194, 7.236, 1.003;P value = 0.044, 0.25, 0.031) after adjustment of other coronary risk factors such as sex, smoking, hypertension, TC, and TG. Conclusion: Diabetic elderly have higher prevalence of asymptomatic PAD thannon-diabetics using solely ABI. DM, CIMT, and hs-CRP are independent predictors for the occurrence of PAD. Hs-CRP levels are highest among diabetics with comorbidities.展开更多
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the true incidence and the risk factors associated with carotid disease in the sitting of high risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) using ca...Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the true incidence and the risk factors associated with carotid disease in the sitting of high risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) using carotid duplex scan and to find out if routine preoperative carotid duplex scan is needed among all these patients. Methods: This retrospective study included 402 consecutive patients who underwent bilateral carotid duplex scan admitted for CABG during the period from January 2006 to December 2008. We excluded patients in cardiogenic shock who were taken to operating room emergently. Results: The prevalence of associated risk factors showed diabetes mellitus recorded the highest (93.3%) whereas peripheral vascular disease the lowest (1.7%), hypertension (89.3%), dyslipidemia (72.6%), smoker (21.1%), left main disease (4.7%), and previous stroke (3%). Patients undergoing CABG has high incidence of carotid disease (68.7%) and severe stenosis is more in patients aged 60 and above (13.5%) versus (2.3%) in age 60, previous stroke and left main disease). Conclusion: This study showed that carotid screening is recommended for all patients who are undergoing CABG due to high incidence of carotid disease.展开更多
Objective: To study the correlation of carotid plaque vulnerability with lipid metabolism, inflammatory response and protease activity in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods: Patients who were diagnosed wit...Objective: To study the correlation of carotid plaque vulnerability with lipid metabolism, inflammatory response and protease activity in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with coronary heart disease combined with carotid atherosclerosis in People's Hospital of Dongxihu District Wuhan City between April 2015 and October 2017 were selected and divided into vulnerable group and stable group according to ultrasonic judgment of carotid plaque vulnerability;the healthy volunteers who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group. The serum was collected to determine the contents of lipid metabolism, inflammatory response and protease activity indexes, and the peripheral blood was collected to determine the expression of inflammatory response indexes. Results: LDL-C, Lp(a), CXCL5, E-selectin, CatK and Meprin- levels in serum as well as ERK1/2, NF-κB and TNF-α expression in peripheral blood of stable group and vulnerable group were significantly higher than those of control group whereas ATGL, Omentin-1, Vaspin, PAI-1, TIMP1 and TIMP2 levels were significantly lower than those of control group;LDL-C, Lp(a), CXCL5, E-selectin, CatK and Meprin-levels in serum as well as ERK1/2, NF-κB and TNF-α expression in peripheral blood of vulnerable group were significantly higher than those of stable group whereas ATGL, Omentin-1, Vaspin, PAI-1, TIMP1 and TIMP2 levels were significantly lower than those of stable group. Conclusion: The changes of carotid plaque vulnerability in patients with coronary artery disease are closely related to the changes in lipid metabolism, inflammatory response and protease activity in the course of disease.展开更多
Seventy-eight patients underwent coronary angiography and submaximal tre-admill exercise test to evaluate the Q-Tc,Q-Tr and ΔQ-Tc criteria for predicting co-ronary artery disease(CAD).The sensitivity,specificity,pred...Seventy-eight patients underwent coronary angiography and submaximal tre-admill exercise test to evaluate the Q-Tc,Q-Tr and ΔQ-Tc criteria for predicting co-ronary artery disease(CAD).The sensitivity,specificity,predicting value and correctdiagnostic rate of the Q-Tc and Q-Tr criteria were 84,76,83,81 percent and 69,88,89,77 percent,respectively,which had no significant differences when compared with ST de-pression.The Q-Tc had higher specificity(94%)than that of ST depression but less sen-sitivity(58%).These criteria could reflect the severity of coronary artery disease identi-fied with coronary angiography.Therefore,these criteria are usefel to interpret the resultsof stress test.展开更多
Background Thalassemic patients demonstrate an increased rate of extracardiae vascular complications and increased carotid wall intima-media thickness (cIMT), but very low prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD...Background Thalassemic patients demonstrate an increased rate of extracardiae vascular complications and increased carotid wall intima-media thickness (cIMT), but very low prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated the atheroma burden by assessing the coronary artery calcium (CAC) and elMT in these patients. Methods We examined 37 patients with β-thalassemia and 150 healthy control volunteers with multi-detector computer tomography (CT) and ultrasonography to determine CAC score and cIMT, respectively. Results Propensity score matching (C-statistic: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.83-0.93) resulted in 27 pairs of patients; severe CAC was observed in 2 (7.4%) and 0 of β-thalassemia patients and healthy volunteers respectively (P = 0.5). Median calcium score was 0 (0-0) in β-thalassemia patients and 0 (0-4) in healthy volunteers (P = 0.8). Median intima-media thickness was higher in β-thalassemia patients compared to control group [0.45 (0.06-0.65) vs. 0.062 (0.054-0.086); P = 0.04]. Conclusions Patients with β-thalassemia in comparison with healthy control subjects exhibit similar CAC score and increased cIMT. Our findings indicate a disparate rate of progression of atherosclerosis between coronary and extracardiac arteries in these patients lending support to the epidemiological evidence.展开更多
Stroke and heart attack,which could be led by a kind of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease named as atherosclerosis,would seriously cause human morbidity and mortality.It is important for the early stage diagn...Stroke and heart attack,which could be led by a kind of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease named as atherosclerosis,would seriously cause human morbidity and mortality.It is important for the early stage diagnosis and monitoring medical intervention of the atherosclerosis.Carotid stenosis is a classical atherosclerotic lesion with vessel wall narrowing down and accumulating plaques burden.The carotid artery of intima-media thickness(IMT)is a key indicator to the disease.With the development of computer assisted diagnosis technology,the imaging techniques,segmentation algorithms,measurement methods,and evaluation tools have made considerable progress.Ultrasound imaging,being real-time,economic,reliable,and safe,now seems to become a standard in vascular assessment methodology especially for the measurement of IMT.This review firstly attempts to discuss the clinical relevance of measurements in clinical practice at first,and then followed by the challenges that one has to face when approaching the segmentation of ultrasound images.Secondly,the commonly used methods for the IMT segmentation and measurement are presented.Thirdly,discussion and evaluation of different segmentation techniques are performed.An overview of summary and future perspectives is given finally.展开更多
Both open and closed loop self-expandable stents were used in carotid artery stenting(CAS) for carotid bifurcation stenosis. We sought to compare the efficacy of two types of stents in CAS. The data of 212 patients ...Both open and closed loop self-expandable stents were used in carotid artery stenting(CAS) for carotid bifurcation stenosis. We sought to compare the efficacy of two types of stents in CAS. The data of 212 patients treated with CAS(42 and 170 cases implanted with closed and open loop stents, respectively) for carotid bifurcation stenosis and distal filtration protection devices were retrospectively analyzed. Between closed and open loop stents, there were no significant differences in hospitalization duration, NIHSS score before and after the treatment, stenosis at 12 th month, and cumulative incidence of primary endpoint events within 30 days or from the 31 st day to the 12 th month; while there were significant differences in hemodynamic changes and rate of difficulty in recycling distal filtration protection devices. Use of open vs. closed loop stents for carotid bifurcation stenosis seems to be associated with similar incidence of complications, except for greater rate of hemodynamic changes and lower rate of difficulty in recycling the distal filtration protection devices.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease is associated with coronary atherosclerosis indicated by carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT)thickening and altered vascular elasticity.The epicardial adipose layer can secrete proinflammatory factors that promote the formation of coronary atherosclerosis.Thus,the epicardial fat layer thickness(EAT)may also predict coronary heart disease.AIM To determine the role of common carotid artery ultrasound parameters and EAT in the early diagnosis of coronary artery disease.METHODS Based on coronary angiography,patients with newly suspected coronary heart disease were divided into case(n=107)and control(n=41)groups.The carotid ultrasound parameters,including vascular stiffness(β),elastic coefficient(EP),pulse wave conduction velocity(PWV-β),CIMT,and EAT were compared between the case and control groups and among patients with different lesion numbers in the case group.Pearson correlation was used to evaluate the early diagnostic value of EAT,common carotid artery elasticity,and CIMT for coronary heart disease.RESULTS EP,β,PWV-β,CIMT,and EAT were significantly higher in the case group compared with the levels in the control group(all P<0.001).In the case group,lesions were detected in one vessel in 34 patients,two vessels in 38 patients,and three vessels in 35 patients.Within the case group,β,EP,PWV-β,CIMT,and EAT levels significantly increased with an increased number of lesions(all P<0.001).EAT positively correlated withβ,EP,PWV-β,and CIMT(all P<0.01).The area under the curve for diagnosing coronary heart disease using EAT combined with CIMT and carotid elasticity was 0.893,and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.890 and 0.837.CONCLUSION EAT correlated well with changes in carotid artery elasticity and CIMT in patients with coronary heart disease.The combination of EAT,carotid artery elasticity,and CIMT facilitates the early diagnosis of coronary heart disease.
文摘Objective To explore the value of ultrafast pulse wave velocity(UFPWV)technique for evaluating changes of carotid artery elasticity in Hashimoto thyroiditis(HT)patients with euthyroidism.Methods Conventional ultrasound and UFPWV for carotid artery were prospectively performed in 91 HT patients with euthyroidism(HT group)and 81 healthy subjects(control group).Clinical data and ultrasonic parameters were compared between groups.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to observe the correlations of carotid pulse wave velocity in end of systole(PWV-ES)with clinical indexes and other ultrasonic parameters in HT group.Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was used to screen the independent impact factors of increased carotid PWV-ES in HT group.Results Significant differences of thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb),thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb),total cholesterol(TC),low density lipoprotein and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)were found between groups(all P<0.05).The carotid PWV-ES in HT group was significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.05),while no significant difference of carotid artery intima-media thickness(CIMT)nor carotid pulse wave velocity in beginning of systole(PWV-BS)was found between groups(both P>0.05).Carotid PWV-ES in HT group was positively correlated with patients'age,body mass index,TPOAb,TC,triglyceride,NLR and CIMT(r=0.217—0.707,all P<0.05).Patients'age,TPOAb and NLR were all independent impact factors of increased carotid PWV-ES in HT patients with euthyroidism(all P<0.05).Conclusion UFPWV technique could be used to evaluate changes of carotid artery elasticity in HT patients with euthyroidism,among which PWV-ES was relatively sensitive.
文摘BACKGROUND Moyamoya disease(MMD)is a rare cause of acute stroke and transient ischemic attacks in children.We described clinical,diagnostic features and follow-ups of a young child with acute stroke.CASE SUMMARY We report a 4-year-old girl with left hemiparesis after an acute ischemic stroke.Her history was also significant for repeated left or right focal motor seizures,generalized tonic-clonic convulsions and transient ischemic attacks.Her magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography(CT)of the brain and magnetic resonance angiography,CT angiography and venography on the cerebral vessels revealed evidence of bilateral fronto-parietal ischemic infarctions,occlusion of the right and left internal carotid arteries started at its bifurcation and non-visualization of right and left anterior and middle cerebral arteries.There was evidence of progression in angiography manifested as development of collaterals from the basal perforating vessels,increase in the extent of large intracranial arterial stenosis/occlusion and extensive collateral circulation with predominance from the posterior circulation.Physical and neurological evaluation and comprehensive laboratory investigations excluded an obvious comorbid disease or risk factor for the child’s condition.The diagnosis of MMD was highly suggested as a cause of the child’s steno-occlusive condition.She was treated symptomatically with levetiracetam,an antiepileptic medication.Aspirin was prescribed for secondary prevention.Her clinical manifestations were improved during the three years of follow-up.Revascularization surgery was postponed.CONCLUSION Up to our knowledge,this is the first report for MMD in a child in our country.The clinical improvement and the stabilization of the child’s condition over the 3 years of follow-up could be attributed to the rapid and extensive recruitment of collaterals and absence of risk factors or comorbidities.Revascularization surgery is highly recommended.
文摘Multislice CT angiography represents one of the most exciting technological revolutions in cardiac imaging and it has been increasingly used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Rapid improvements in multislice CT scanners over the last decade have allowed this technique to become a potentially effective alternative to invasive coronary angiography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. High diagnostic value has been achieved with multislice CT angiography with use of 64- and more slice CT scanners. In addition, multislice CT angiography shows accurate detection and analysis of coronary calcium, characterization of coronary plaques, as well as prediction of the disease progression and major cardiac events. Thus, patients can benefit from multislice CT angiography that provides a rapid and accurate diagnosis while avoiding unnecessary invasive coronary angiography procedures. The aim of this article is present an overview of the clinical applications of multislice CT angiography in coronary artery disease with a focus on the diagnostic accuracy of coronary artery disease; prognostic value of coronary artery disease with regard to the prediction of major cardiac events; detection and quantification of coronary calcium and characterization of coronary plaques. Limitations of multislice CT angiography in coronary artery disease are also briefly discussed, and future directions are highlighted.
文摘Kawasaki disease (muco-cutaneous lymph node syndrome, MCLS) was first reported by Kawasaki in 1967. It was characteried by nonvascular polymorphous rash, fever, ulcer in oral mucosa, edema of hands of feet, cervix lymphadenopathy and desquamations in peripheral extremities. Because of unknown pathogens, no lab examination was available as a single easily recognized diagnostic marker; the diagnosis is
文摘BACKGROUND: Carotid artery is the main source for craniocerebral blood supply. Its intimal plaque formation and arterial stenosis degree both are the risk factors for ischemic cerebrovascular disease.Therefore, the close relationship of carotid atherosclerotic plaque and ischemic cerebrovascular disease, and ultrasound evaluation of carotid atherosclerotic plaque have become the hot spot in studying ischemic cerebrovascular disease.OBJECTIVE: This study was to detect the degree of carotid atherosclerosis of ischemic cerebrovascular disease patients by ultrasonography, and to analyze the situation of carotid atherosclerosis and its relationship with clinic.DESIGN: Clinical randomized concurrent control experiment.SETTING: Lintong Convalescent Hospital of Lanzhou Military Area Command of Chinese PLA.PARTICIPANTS: Totally 60 outpatients and inpatients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease, 42 males and 18 females, admitted to Lintong Convalescent Hospital of Lanzhou Military Area Command of Chinese PLA between January 2006 and December 2006 were involved in the patient group. They met the diagnosis criteria of ischemic cerebrovascular disease constituted by the 4th Cerebrovascular Disease Conference in 1996, and were confirmed to suffer from ischemic cerebrovascular disease by skull CT and MRI. Another 20 subjects who received healthy examination concurrently in the same hospital, 12 males and 8 females, were involved in the control group. Informed consents of detected items were obtained from involved subjects.METHODS: The plaque thickness of mid portion, distal end and crotch of common carotid artery (CCA),internal carotid artery (ICA), external carotid artery (ECA) and vertebral artery (VA) of involved subjects,who received health examination was separately detected with color Doppler ultrasonograph (HDI-5000).Then, total integral of plaque was calculated. The intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured with two-dimensional ultrasonography. The inner diameter stenosis degree of subjects who had plaque was measured. Blood flow parameters were recorded, and stenosis degree and plaque area were calculated. Blood flow volume of bilateral carotid artery and VA was separately measured with ultrasound equipment software,and brain blood flow volume was calculated.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Atherosclerotic degree and blood flow volume of patients of two groups.RESULTS: Sixty patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease and twenty subjects who received health examination participated in the final analysis. ①The IMT thickness, total plaque score, and total plaque area of patient group was significantly superior to that of control group, respectively( t=5.216 - 10.158, P 〈 0.05 ).② There were significant differences in the stenosis degree of CCA, ICA and VA between patient group and control group (t=6.720 - 12.816, P 〈 0.05 ) . ③ The blood flow volume of CCA, ICA, VA and brain of patient group was significantly lower than that of control group, respectively (t=2.872 - 10.860, P 〈 0.05).CONCLUSION: Ischemic cerebrovascular disease patients have different degrees of changes in atherosclerosis and arterial blood flow.
文摘BACKGROUND One of the major perioperative complications for coronary artery bypass graft(CABG)is stroke.The risk of perioperative stroke after CABG is approximately 2%.Carotid stenosis(CS)is considered an independent predictor of perioperative stroke risk in CABG patients.The optimal management of such patients has been a source of controversy.One of the possible surgical options is synchronous carotid endarterectomy(CEA)and CABG.Here,we have presented 4 cases of successful synchronous CEA and CABG.Our center’s experience with 4 cases of significant carotid artery stenosis,which were successfully managed with combined CEA and CABG,are detailed.The first case was a female who presented for CABG after a ST-elevation myocardial infarction.She had right internal carotid artery(ICA)occlusion and 90%left ICA stenosis.The second case was a male who was electively admitted for CABG.It was discovered that he had left ICA occlusion and 90%right ICA stenosis.The third case was a male with a history of stroke,two months prior to admission.He presented with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.Preoperatively,it was discovered that he had>90%right ICA stenosis.The final case was a male who was electively admitted for CABG.It was discovered that he had bilateral>90%ICA stenosis.We have also reviewed the current evidence and guidelines for managing CS in patients undergoing CABG.CONCLUSION Our case series demonstrated that synchronous CEA and CABG was safe.A multicenter study with additional patients is needed.It is necessary for clinicians to screen for CS in high-risk patients with features.
文摘This study explores the predictive value of plasma a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS-5) levels for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). 595 patients admitted to our hospital were selected. Initially, the serum ADAMTS-5 levels of subjects were analyzed. Subsequently, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed. Furthermore, the serum levels of ADAMTS-5 were assessed in patients, and based on CAD severity, they were categorized into stable angina pectoris (SAP), unstable angina (UA), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) groups, with the aim of examining the relationship between ADAMTS-5 levels and CAD severity. Differences in clinical outcomes between patients with high and low levels of ADAMTS-5 were analyzed during the follow-up period. The study found that the serum levels of ADAMTS-5 were significantly higher in the group of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to the group without CAD, indicating its potential as a diagnostic marker for CAD. The ADAMTS-5 levels in the serum of STEMI patients were higher than those with SAP, while NSTEMI patients showed higher levels of ADAMTS-5 than the UA group. There was a positive correlation between serum ADAMTS-5 levels and the syntax score in CAD patients, suggesting a potential association with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study indicates that ADAMTS-5 shows promise as a biomarker for CAD and highlights the need for further research and validation.
文摘Purpose: To study the association between carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) level as markers for PAD in elderly patients with DM. Subjects: A case-control study on 90 participants aged 60 years and older divided into 60 cases (30 patients with DM alone and 30 patients with DM and comorbidities) and 30 healthy controls. All were assessed by measuring CIMT, ankle brachial index (AB), and markers for cardiovascular disease such as high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL). Results: hs-CRP levels showed statistically significant difference being highest among patients with DM and comorbidities and lowest among controls (P < 0.001). Also, symptoms of PAD were significantly higher among cases than controls. ABI was able to detect PAD in many asymptomatic patients. Color changes were present in only 43.30% (n = 26) of positive PAD cases while delayed wound healing, claudication pain, rest pain, cold extremities, and trophic changes were present in 23.30% (n = 14), 16.71% (n = 10), 16.71% (n = 10), 45.00% (n = 27), and 21.7% (n = 13). Using logistic regression analysis revealed that DM, CIMT, and hs-CRP were independent predictors for PAD (OR = 4.194, 7.236, 1.003;P value = 0.044, 0.25, 0.031) after adjustment of other coronary risk factors such as sex, smoking, hypertension, TC, and TG. Conclusion: Diabetic elderly have higher prevalence of asymptomatic PAD thannon-diabetics using solely ABI. DM, CIMT, and hs-CRP are independent predictors for the occurrence of PAD. Hs-CRP levels are highest among diabetics with comorbidities.
文摘Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the true incidence and the risk factors associated with carotid disease in the sitting of high risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) using carotid duplex scan and to find out if routine preoperative carotid duplex scan is needed among all these patients. Methods: This retrospective study included 402 consecutive patients who underwent bilateral carotid duplex scan admitted for CABG during the period from January 2006 to December 2008. We excluded patients in cardiogenic shock who were taken to operating room emergently. Results: The prevalence of associated risk factors showed diabetes mellitus recorded the highest (93.3%) whereas peripheral vascular disease the lowest (1.7%), hypertension (89.3%), dyslipidemia (72.6%), smoker (21.1%), left main disease (4.7%), and previous stroke (3%). Patients undergoing CABG has high incidence of carotid disease (68.7%) and severe stenosis is more in patients aged 60 and above (13.5%) versus (2.3%) in age 60, previous stroke and left main disease). Conclusion: This study showed that carotid screening is recommended for all patients who are undergoing CABG due to high incidence of carotid disease.
文摘Objective: To study the correlation of carotid plaque vulnerability with lipid metabolism, inflammatory response and protease activity in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with coronary heart disease combined with carotid atherosclerosis in People's Hospital of Dongxihu District Wuhan City between April 2015 and October 2017 were selected and divided into vulnerable group and stable group according to ultrasonic judgment of carotid plaque vulnerability;the healthy volunteers who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group. The serum was collected to determine the contents of lipid metabolism, inflammatory response and protease activity indexes, and the peripheral blood was collected to determine the expression of inflammatory response indexes. Results: LDL-C, Lp(a), CXCL5, E-selectin, CatK and Meprin- levels in serum as well as ERK1/2, NF-κB and TNF-α expression in peripheral blood of stable group and vulnerable group were significantly higher than those of control group whereas ATGL, Omentin-1, Vaspin, PAI-1, TIMP1 and TIMP2 levels were significantly lower than those of control group;LDL-C, Lp(a), CXCL5, E-selectin, CatK and Meprin-levels in serum as well as ERK1/2, NF-κB and TNF-α expression in peripheral blood of vulnerable group were significantly higher than those of stable group whereas ATGL, Omentin-1, Vaspin, PAI-1, TIMP1 and TIMP2 levels were significantly lower than those of stable group. Conclusion: The changes of carotid plaque vulnerability in patients with coronary artery disease are closely related to the changes in lipid metabolism, inflammatory response and protease activity in the course of disease.
文摘Seventy-eight patients underwent coronary angiography and submaximal tre-admill exercise test to evaluate the Q-Tc,Q-Tr and ΔQ-Tc criteria for predicting co-ronary artery disease(CAD).The sensitivity,specificity,predicting value and correctdiagnostic rate of the Q-Tc and Q-Tr criteria were 84,76,83,81 percent and 69,88,89,77 percent,respectively,which had no significant differences when compared with ST de-pression.The Q-Tc had higher specificity(94%)than that of ST depression but less sen-sitivity(58%).These criteria could reflect the severity of coronary artery disease identi-fied with coronary angiography.Therefore,these criteria are usefel to interpret the resultsof stress test.
文摘Background Thalassemic patients demonstrate an increased rate of extracardiae vascular complications and increased carotid wall intima-media thickness (cIMT), but very low prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated the atheroma burden by assessing the coronary artery calcium (CAC) and elMT in these patients. Methods We examined 37 patients with β-thalassemia and 150 healthy control volunteers with multi-detector computer tomography (CT) and ultrasonography to determine CAC score and cIMT, respectively. Results Propensity score matching (C-statistic: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.83-0.93) resulted in 27 pairs of patients; severe CAC was observed in 2 (7.4%) and 0 of β-thalassemia patients and healthy volunteers respectively (P = 0.5). Median calcium score was 0 (0-0) in β-thalassemia patients and 0 (0-4) in healthy volunteers (P = 0.8). Median intima-media thickness was higher in β-thalassemia patients compared to control group [0.45 (0.06-0.65) vs. 0.062 (0.054-0.086); P = 0.04]. Conclusions Patients with β-thalassemia in comparison with healthy control subjects exhibit similar CAC score and increased cIMT. Our findings indicate a disparate rate of progression of atherosclerosis between coronary and extracardiac arteries in these patients lending support to the epidemiological evidence.
基金This work is supported by Projects of International Cooperation and Exchanges,National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(Grant No.:30911120497)the National 973 project Grant No.:2011CB933103.
文摘Stroke and heart attack,which could be led by a kind of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease named as atherosclerosis,would seriously cause human morbidity and mortality.It is important for the early stage diagnosis and monitoring medical intervention of the atherosclerosis.Carotid stenosis is a classical atherosclerotic lesion with vessel wall narrowing down and accumulating plaques burden.The carotid artery of intima-media thickness(IMT)is a key indicator to the disease.With the development of computer assisted diagnosis technology,the imaging techniques,segmentation algorithms,measurement methods,and evaluation tools have made considerable progress.Ultrasound imaging,being real-time,economic,reliable,and safe,now seems to become a standard in vascular assessment methodology especially for the measurement of IMT.This review firstly attempts to discuss the clinical relevance of measurements in clinical practice at first,and then followed by the challenges that one has to face when approaching the segmentation of ultrasound images.Secondly,the commonly used methods for the IMT segmentation and measurement are presented.Thirdly,discussion and evaluation of different segmentation techniques are performed.An overview of summary and future perspectives is given finally.
文摘Both open and closed loop self-expandable stents were used in carotid artery stenting(CAS) for carotid bifurcation stenosis. We sought to compare the efficacy of two types of stents in CAS. The data of 212 patients treated with CAS(42 and 170 cases implanted with closed and open loop stents, respectively) for carotid bifurcation stenosis and distal filtration protection devices were retrospectively analyzed. Between closed and open loop stents, there were no significant differences in hospitalization duration, NIHSS score before and after the treatment, stenosis at 12 th month, and cumulative incidence of primary endpoint events within 30 days or from the 31 st day to the 12 th month; while there were significant differences in hemodynamic changes and rate of difficulty in recycling distal filtration protection devices. Use of open vs. closed loop stents for carotid bifurcation stenosis seems to be associated with similar incidence of complications, except for greater rate of hemodynamic changes and lower rate of difficulty in recycling the distal filtration protection devices.