Early hemodynamics after tibial transverse transport in patients with nonarterial stenosis and arterial stenosis diabetic foot

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of peripheral arteriopathy in the diabetic foot is complicated by diabetes and its advanced complications.It has been found that diabetic foot can be categorized into arterial stenosis and non-arterial stenosis,both of which have significant differences in hemodynamic characteristics.AIM To evaluate the early hemodynamic changes in diabetic foot patients with nonarterial stenosis and arterial stenosis treated by tibial transverse transport(TTT)using high-frequency color Doppler ultrasonography(HFCDU)and a laser Doppler flowmeter.METHODS Twenty-five patients with Wagner grades 3-5 diabetic foot ulcers were treated with TTT,and the wound healing time and rate were recorded.Patients were grouped according to the results of preoperative lower-extremity ultrasonography.Cases with≥50%stenosis in any of the femoral,popliteal,posterior tibial,anterior tibial,and peroneal arteries of the affected limb were classified as the arterial stenosis group(n=16);otherwise,they were classified as the nonarterial stenosis group(n=9).Before and one month after surgery,HFCDU was used to evaluate the degree of lower limb artery lesions and hemodynamic changes in patients.The degree of femoral-popliteal atherosclerotic stenosis,the degree of vascular stenosis and occlusion of the lower-knee outflow tract,and the degree of medial arterial calcification were scored;the three scores were added together to obtain the total score of lower extremity arteriopathy.PeriScanPIM3,a laser Doppler flowmeter system,was used to detect alterations in plantar microcirculation before and 1 mo after surgery.Wound healing and hemodynamic indices were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The wound healing time of the diabetic foot was significantly shorter in the nonarterial stenosis group than in the arterial stenosis group(47.8±13 vs 85.8±26,P<0.05),and the wound healing rate of both groups was 100%.The preoperative total lower extremity arteriopathy scores were lower in the nonarterial stenosis group than those in the arterial stenosis group(18.89±8.87 vs 24.63±3.52,P<0.05).The nonarterial stenosis group showed higher preoperative popliteal artery(POA)blood flow than the arterial stenosis group(204.89±80.76 cc/min vs 76.75±48.49 cc/min,P<0.05).Compared with the baseline(before surgery),the postoperative POA blood flow of the affected limb in the nonarterial stenosis group decreased one month after surgery(134.11±47.84 cc/min vs 204.89±80.76 cc/min,P<0.05),while that in the arterial stenosis group increased(98.44±30.73 cc/min vs 61.69±21.70 cc/min,P<0.05).Although the POA blood flow in the arterial stenosis group was obviously improved one month after surgery,it was still lower than that in the nonarterial stenosis group(98.44±30.73 cc/min vs 134.11±47.84 cc/min,P<0.05).The nonarterial stenosis group had higher preoperative plantar microcirculation than the arterial stenosis group(56.1±9.2 vs 33.2±7.5,P<0.05);compared with the baseline,the plantar microcirculation in the arterial stenosis group was significantly improved one month after surgery(51.9±7.2,P<0.05),while that in the nonarterial stenosis group was reduced(35.9±7.2,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Based on preoperative HFCDU findings,diabetic foot patients can be divided into two categories:Those with nonarterial stenosis and those with arterial stenosis,with obvious differences in hemodynamic changes in the early postoperative period between them.In the early stage after TTT,the blood flow volume and velocity and the plantar microcirculation perfusion of the affected limb of the diabetic foot with nonarterial stenosis decreased compared with the baseline,while those of the diabetic foot with arterial stenosis improved significantly compared with the baseline,although both had smoothly healed diabetic foot ulcers.

Relationship of cerebral arterial stenosis to cognitive and memory disorders

BACKGROUND: Cerebral arterial stenosis can cause cerebral hypoperfusion, and than result in the decline of cognitive function, whereas the cognitive dysfunction induced by different cerebral arterial stenosis have different manifestations and types. OBJECTIVE: To observe the differences of cognitive and memory dysfunctions in patients with cerebral arterial stenosis of different types. DESIGN: A comparative observation. SETTING: Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-two outpatients or inpatients with cerebral arterial stenosis were selected from the Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College from February 2005 to January 2006, including 25 males and 17 females. There were 18 cases of internal carotid arterial stenosis, 14 cases of vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis and 10 cases of whole cerebral arterial stenosis. The diagnostic standards for cerebral arterial stenosis were identified according to North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET). Meanwhile, 18 healthy physical examinees were enrolled as the control group, including 10 males and 8 females, aged 58-80 years old. All the enrolled subjects were informed and agreed with the detection and evaluation. METHODS: ① The memory function was evaluated using revised Wechsler memory scale for adults, including long-term memory (experience, orientation and counting), short-term memory (visual recognition, picture memory, visual regeneration, association and thigmesthesia) and sensory memory (forward and backward recitation of numbers). The scale scores were turned to memory quotients. The higher the scores, the better the memory function. ② The cognitive function was evaluated using revised Wechsler adult intelligence scale: It consisted of eleven subtests, including six language scales (information, digit span, vocabulary, arithmetics, apprehension, similarity) and five operation scales (picture completion, picture arrangement, block design, geometric design, digit-symbol test). The intelligence quotients were obtained. The higher the scores, the better the cognitive function. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Results of memory and cognitive function test in patients with cerebral arterial stenosis of different types. RESULTS: All the 42 patients with cerebral artery stenosis and 11 healthy subjects were involved in the final analysis of results. ① Results of memory function test: The memory function was worse in the arterial stensis groups than in the control group (P < 0.05-0.01). There were very significant differences in the scores of orientation, association and picture memory between the internal carotid arterial stenosis group and control group (P < 0.01). There were also very significant differences in the scores of counting, logic memory, forward and backward recitation of numbers, visual regeneration, visual recognition and thigmesthesia between the vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis group and control group (P < 0.01). Except experience and visual regeneration, there were significant very differences in the scores of the other tests between the whole cerebral arterial stenosis group and control group (P < 0.01). The memory quotient was obviously lower in the vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis group than in the internal carotid arterial stenosis group [(72.31±26.46), (87.38±21.86) points, P < 0.05], and it was the lowest in the whole cerebral arterial stenosis group [(63.74±25.25) points]. ② Results of cognitive function test: The cognitive function was worse in the arterial stensis groups than in the control group (P < 0.05-0.01). There were very significant differences in the scores of apprehension, arithmetics, similarity, digit-symbol test, picture completion and block design between the internal carotid arterial stenosis group and control group (P < 0.01). There were also very significant differences in the scores of backward recitation of numbers, vocabulary and geometric design between the vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis group and control group (P < 0.01). Except information, there were significant very differences in the scores of the other tests between the whole cerebral arterial stenosis group and control group (P < 0.01). The intelligence quotient was obviously lower in the internal carotid arterial stenosis group than in the vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis group [(72.65±23.39), (81.34±25.46) points, P < 0.05], and it was the lowest in the whole cerebral arterial stenosis group [(65.98±27.34) points]. CONCLUSION: Different cerebral arterial stenosis can induce different cognitive dysfunctions. The main manifestation of the patients with internal carotid arterial stenosis was the declined cognitive function, and that in patients with vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis was the declined memory, and the decrease of total intelligence was more obvious in the formers than in the latters, whereas the decrease of total memory quotient was more obvious in the patients with vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis; The cognitive and memory dysfunction were the most serious in patients with whole cerebral arterial stenosis.

Predictors of inaccurate coronary arterial stenosis assessment by CT angiography

ABSTRACT Objectives This study sought to investigate the clinical and imaging characteristics associated with diagnostic inaccuracy of computed tomography angiography （CTA） for detecting obstructive coronary artery disease （CAD） defined by quantitative coronary angiography （QCA）.

Multiple factor analysis of symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis

Objective: To discuss the correlation among intracranial arterial stenosis and its risk factors. Methods: A total of 486 patients with transient ischemic attack(TIA) or ischemic cerebral infarction were examined using color doppler flow imaging(CDFI) and transcranial doppler ultrosonography(TCD). According to the degrees of extracranial arterial stenosis, patients with mild-to-moderate extracranial stenosis were classified into group A(435 cases) while those with constant severe stenosis or occlusion were classified into group B(51 cases). The differences between the two groups of risk factors were compared, and the multi-factor logistic regression analysis of risk factors associated with moderately severe intracranial arterial stenosis was performed. Results:(1) The risk factors that were significantly associated with intracranial arterial stenosis included age(P = 0.034) and gender(P = 0.044).(2) Intracranial artery stenosis was observed in both anterior and posterior cerebral arteries in patients with hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease respectively(P < 0.05).(3) Compared with group A, patients in group B were older(P = 0.000), with a higher proportion of men(P = 0.037), and the intracranial arterial stenosis degrees were significantly higher(P = 0.013).(4) Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes is a risk factor for moderately severe intracranial arterial stenosis(P < 0.05), and hyperlipidemia is a protective factor(P = 0.012). Conclusions: Age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and smoking are risk factors for the distribution of intracranial arterial stenosis. The degrees of intracranial arterial stenosis are related with extracranial arterial stenosis. Diabetes is a risk factor for moderately severe intracranial arterial stenosis while hyperlipidemia is a protective factor.

A novel cerebrovascular drug-coated balloon catheter for treating symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis lesions:Study protocol for a prospective,multicenter,single-arm,target-value clinical trial

Background:Previous single-center studies have demonstrated that drug-coated balloons(DCBs)may reduce restenosis rates,which is an important factor affecting the prognosis for intracranial interventional therapy.However,currently available cardiac DCBs are not always suitable for the treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis(ICAS).This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel DCB catheter designed for patients with severely symptomatic ICAS.Methods:This prospective,multicenter,single-arm,target-value clinical trial was conducted in 9 Chinese stroke centers to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel DCB catheter for treating symptomatic severe ICAS.Primary metrics and other indicators were collected and analyzed using SAS version 9.4(SAS Institute,Cary,NC,USA).Results:A total of 155 patients were enrolled in this study.The preliminary collection of follow-up data has been completed,while data quality control is ongoing.Conclusion:Results of this study demonstrated the patency rate,safety,and effectiveness of a novel on-label paclitaxel DCB designed for the treatment of ICAS.Ethics and dissemination:This study,involving human participants,was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Drugs(Devices)Clinical Experiment at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital(reference number:2020-145-03)and other research centers participating in the clinical trial.The results of this study will be presented at international conferences and sent to peer-reviewed journals for publication.Standard protocol items:The Recommendations for Interventional Trials checklist was used when drafting the study protocol.Trial registration number:Registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on June 11,2021(Chi CTR2100047223).

Association of bone turnover biomarkers with severe intracranial and extracranial artery stenosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

BACKGROUND Intracranial and extracranial artery stenosis is associated with cerebral infarction.Vascular calcification and atherosclerosis are the main causes of stenosis and major risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Bone turnover biomarkers(BTMs)are associated with vascular calcification,atherosclerosis,glucose,and lipid metabolism.AIM To investigate the association of circulating BTM levels with severe intracranial and extracranial artery stenosis in patients with T2DM.METHODS For this cross-sectional study including 257 T2DM patients,levels of the BTMs serum osteocalcin(OC),C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen(CTX),and procollagen type I N-peptide were measured by electrical chemiluminescent immunoassay,and artery stenosis was assessed by color Doppler and transcranial Doppler.Patients were grouped according to the existence and location(intracranial vs.extracranial)of artery stenosis.Correlations between BTM levels,previous stroke,stenosis location,and glucose and lipid metabolism were analyzed.RESULTS T2DM patients with severe artery stenosis had a higher frequency of previous stroke and levels of all three tested BTMs(all P<0.05)than patients without.Some differences in OC and CTX levels were observed according to the location of artery stenosis.Significant associations were also observed between BTM levels and some glucose and lipid homeostasis parameters.On multivariate logistic regression analysis,all BTMs were significant predictors of artery stenosis in T2DM patients with and without adjustment for confounding factors(all P<0.001),and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated the ability of BTM levels to predict artery stenosis in T2DM patients.CONCLUSION BTM levels were found to be independent risk factors for severe intracranial and extracranial artery stenosis and were differentially associated with glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with T2DM.Therefore,BTMs may be promising biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for artery stenosis.

Imaging Effect and Accuracy Analysis of 64-Slice Spiral CT in the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Stenosis

Objective:To analyze the imaging effect and accuracy of 64-slice spiral CT in the diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis.Methods:30 patients with suspected coronary heart disease admitted to our hospital from March 2022 to March 2023 were selected.All patients underwent both 64-slice spiral CT and digital subtraction angiography(DSA).DSA is considered the gold standard for diagnosis,so it was used to analyze the diagnostic performance of 64-slice spiral CT.Results:(1)The diagnostic results of digital subtraction angiography and 64-slice spiral CT was analyzed and compared with each other.The 64-slice spiral CT had an accuracy of 96.67%(29/30),a sensitivity 96.55%(28/29),and a specificity of 100.00%(1/1)in diagnosing coronary artery stenosis.(2)There was no significant difference between 64-slice spiral CT and digital subtraction angiography in the positive detection rate of anterior descending artery lesion,the positive detection rate of left main lesion,the positive detection rate of left circumflex artery lesion and the positive detection rate of right coronary artery lesion(P>0.05).(3)There was no significant difference between 64-slice spiral CT examination and DSA examination in identifying mild stenosis,moderate stenosis,and severe stenosis of coronary arteries(P>0.05).Conclusion:64-slice spiral CT examination can accurately determine the degree of occlusion of coronary arteries,which allows for the accurate diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis.

An Integrated Analysis of Risk Factors of Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Severe Carotid Artery Stenosis

Objective To investigate cognitive dysfunction in patients with carotid artery stenosis(CAS) and potential risk factors related to cognitive-especially memory-dysfunction. Methods Forty-seven patients with carotid artery stenosis were recruited into our study cohort. The Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA) were adopted to assess cognitive function, the Wechsler Memory Scale(WMS) to assess memory function, high-resolution MRI and enhanced ultrasound to evaluate carotid plaques, and computed tomography perfusion(CTP) imaging to evaluate intracranial blood perfusion. Single-factor analysis and multiple-factor regression analysis were used to analyze potential risk factors of cognitive impairment. Results Mini-Mental State Examination test results showed that 22 patients had cognitive impairment, and MoCA test results showed that 10 patients had cognitive impairment. Analysis of various risk factors indicated that the average memory quotient of female patients was higher than that of males(P = 0.024). The cognitive and memory performance of those with an educational background above high school were significantly better than those of participants with high school or lower(P = 0.045). Patients with abnormal intracranial perfusion performed worse on the MMSE test(P = 0.024), and their WMS scores were significantly lower(P = 0.007). The MMSE scores and the memory quotients were significantly lower in patients with a history of cerebral infarction(MMSE, P = 0.047, memory quotient score, P = 0.018). Conclusion A history of cerebral infarction and abnormal cerebral perfusion are associated with decline in overall cognitive function and memory in patients with carotid stenosis. Being female and having an educational background above high school may be protective factors in the development of cognitive dysfunction.

Effects of renal artery stenosis on realistic model of abdominalaorta and renal arteries incorporating fluid-structureinteraction and pulsatile non-Newtonian blood flow

The effects of the renal artery stenosis （RAS） on the blood flow and vessel walls are investigated. The pulsatile blood flow through an anatomically realistic model of the abdominal aorta and renal arteries reconstructed from CT-scan images is simulated, which incorporates the fluid-structure interaction （FSI）. In addition to the investigation of the RAS effects on the wall shear stress and the displacement of the vessel wall, it is determined that the RAS leads to decrease in the renal mass flow. This may cause the activation of the renin-angiotension system and results in severe hypertension.

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 level as an indicator for restenosis following cervical and intracranial angioplasty and stenting

Cervical and intracranial angioplasty and stenting is an effective and safe method of reducing the risk of ischemic stroke, but it may be affected by in-stent restenosis. The present study in-vestigated serum level of matrix metalloproteinase 9 as a predictor of restenosis after 40 patients underwent cervical and/or intracranial angioplasty and stenting. Results showed that resteno-sis occurred in 30% （3/10） of patients when the serum level of matrix metalloproteinase 9 at 3 days after surgery was 2.5 times higher than preoperative level. No restenosis occurred when the serum level of matrix metalloproteinase 9 at 3 days after surgery was not 2.5 times higher than preoperative level. Restenosis occurred in 12% （2/17） of patients when the serum level of matrix metalloproteinase 9 was higher than preoperative level for more than 30 days after surgery, but only occurred in 4% （1/23） of patients when the serum level of matrix metalloproteinase 9 was higher than preoperative level for less than 30 days after surgery. However, the differences observed were not statistically signiifcant （P 〉 0.05）. Experimental ifndings indicate that when the serum level of matrix metalloproteinase 9 is 2.5 times higher than preoperative level at 3 days after cervi-cal and intracranial angioplasty and stenting, it may serve as a predictor of in-stent restenosis.

Effects of cilostazol on the progression and regression of symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis:it reduces the risk of ischemic stroke

OBJeCTIve：To assess the efifcacy and safety of cilostazol on the progression and regression of symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis. DATA ReTRIvAL： We searched the main databases for eligible trials including Medline （from 1966 to June 2014）, Embase （from 1980 to June 2014）, Cochrane Library （Issue 6, 2014）, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure （from 1995 to June 2014）, Current Controlled Trials （http：//controlled-trials.com）, Clinical Trials.gov （http：//clinicaltrials.gov）, and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry （http：//www.chictr.org）. All studies regarding prevention and treatment of symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis by cilostazol were collected. The Mesh or text keywords were the En-glish words： “cilostazol, phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor, atherosclerosis, and ischemic stroke.” No restrictions were put on publications or publication language. SeLeCTION CRITeRIA：Grade A or B randomized controlled trials were selected according to the quality of evaluation criteria from the Cochrane Collaboration, in which cilostazol and aspi-rin were used to evaluate the effects of cilostazol in the treatment of patients with symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis. The quality of study methodology was evaluated based on criteria de-scribed in Cochrane Reviewer’s Handbook 5.0.1. RevMan 5.2 software was used for data analysis. MAIN OUTCOMe MeASUReS： Clinical efifcacy and safety of cilostazol in stopping progression and promoting regression of symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis were measured by magnet-ic resonance angiography and transcranial Doppler. ReSULTS：Two randomized controlled trials with a total of 203 patients were included in this study. The results showed that while cilostazol was associated with a significantly reduced progression of intracranial artery stenosis （OR = 0.21, 95%CI： 0.09–0.47,P 〈 0.01）, it had no beneifcial effect on symptom regression （OR = 1.42, 95%CI： 0.80–2.51,P = 0.24）. During the follow-up period, although some adverse effects developed, including headache, gastrointestinal disturbance, and dizziness, incidences of bleeding were lower than in aspirin-treated patients. CONCLUSION：Cilostazol may prevent the progression of symptomatic intracranial artery ste-nosis, which could reduce the incidence of ischemic stroke.

Angioplasty and stenting for severe vertebral artery orifice stenosis: effects on cerebellar function remodeling verified by blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging

Vertebral artery orifice stenting may improve blood supply of the posterior circulation of the brain to regions such as the cerebellum and brainstem. However, previous studies have mainly focused on recovery of cerebral blood flow and perfusion in the posterior circulation after interventional therapy. This study examined the effects of functional recovery of local brain tissue on cerebellar function remodeling using blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic reso- nance imaging before and after interventional therapy. A total of 40 Chinese patients with severe unilateral vertebral artery orifice stenosis were enrolled in this study. Patients were equally and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The control group received drug treat- ment only. The intervention group received vertebral artery orifice angioplasty and stenting ＋ identical drug treatment to the control group. At 13 days after treatment, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory score was compared between the intervention and control groups. Cerebellar function remodeling was observed between the two groups using blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging. The improvement in dizziness handicap and cerebellar function was more obvious in the intervention group than in the control group. Interventional therapy for severe vertebral artery orifice stenosis may effectively promote cerebellar function remodeling and exert neuroprotective effects.

Hepatic artery stenosis angioplasty and implantation of Wingspan neurovascular stent: A case report and discussion of stenting in tortuous vessels

BACKGROUND Hepatic artery stenosis is a complication of orthotopic liver transplant occurring in 3.1%-7.4%of patients that can result in graft failure and need for retransplantation.Endovascular therapy with angioplasty and stenting has been used with a high degree of technical success and good clinical outcomes,but tortuous hepatic arteries present a unique challenge for intervention.Suitable stents for this application should be maneuverable and conformable while also exerting adequate radial force to maintain a patent lumen.CASE SUMMARY Herein we report our experience with a neurovascular Wingspan stent system in a challenging case of recurrent hepatic artery stenosis and discuss the literature of stenting in tortuous transplant hepatic arteries.CONCLUSION Wingspan neurovascular stent is self-expanding,has good conformability,and adequate radial resistance and as such it could be added to the armamentarium of interventionalists in the setting of a tortuous and stenotic transplant hepatic artery.

Evaluation of the Protégé^(TM) stent in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis with adjunctive use of a filter Embolic Protection Device (PROCAR)-one-month follow-up data on 77 patients

Objective The trial was designed to evaluate the safety and performance of the ev3 Protégé TM stent in the treatment of de novo or re-stenotic common and/or internal carotid artery stenoses with adjunctive use of a CE-marked filter embolic protection device.Methods This study was a prospective multi-center, single-arm trial. Between June and October 2003, 77 patients were enrolled in 8 investigational centers throughout Europe. The primary endpoint was the incidence of Major Neurological Events (MANE) through one month. Other endpoints were the ability to properly place the stent, and primary patency and MANE after six months. Eligible for the study were patients with a de novo or restenotic target lesion located in the common and/or internal carotid artery (>70% stenosis for asymptomatic and >50% stenosis for symptomatic patients). The ev3 Spider (Embolic Protection Filter was used in 75 of 77 cases. Results In 76 out of the 77 patients (99%), the stent could be successfully implanted with a residual stenosis ≤30% as criterion. Of the 74 patients that had a carotid ultrasound at one month follow-up, none had a re-stenosis of the target lesion. There were three MANEs during or immediately after the procedure (3.9%), two were major and one was a minor stroke. There were eight severe complications (9.1%); six of these happened during or immediately after the procedure and were related to the procedure, none was related to the device. They are resolved without sequelae. No deaths have occurred.Conclusions The Protégé stent is safe and performs well in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis. The technical success rate for placement of the Protégé stent as assessed by the residual stenosis post implant was very high and all stents were successfully deployed. The incidence of MANE was comparable with that in other recent carotid stent studies and still lower than standard CEA.

Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease by Acoustic Analysis of Turbulent Murmur Caused by Coronary Artery Stenosis:A Single Center Study from China

Aim:Intracoronary murmur results from turbulent flow due to coronary artery narrowing.This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of a method for acoustic analysis of turbulent murmur caused by coronary artery stenosis in coronary artery disease(CAD)in Chinese populations.Method:Patients admitted to the cardiovascular department of the Sixth Medical Center of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital between September 2021 and June 2022 for elective coronary angiography were prospectively enrolled.A digital electronic stethoscope was used to record heart sounds before angiography.Quantitative coronary angiography(QCA)served as the“gold standard”for CAD diagnosis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the acoustic analysis method for CAD.Results:A total of 452 patients had complete QCA and heart sound data.The final interpretation results of the acoustic analysis method indicated 310 disease cases and 142 normal results.Increasing the cut-off values of coronary artery diameter stenosis from 30%to 50%,70%,and 90%increased the sensitivity and NPV of the acoustic analysis method;the sensitivity was 75.6%,81.9%,83.3%,and 85.7%,respectively;the NPV was 33.1%,57.0%,69.7%,and 88.0%,respectively;the specificity and PPV decreased(specificity of 75.8%,70.4%,51.0%,and 37.5%,respectively;PPV of 95.2%,89.0%,69.4%,and 32.9%,respectively);and the AUC values were 0.757,0.762,0.672,and 0.616,respectively.The sensitivity of the acoustic analysis method for one-vessel disease was 86.6%when the cut-off value was 50%.The sensitivity for identifying left anterior descending coronary artery lesions was best,at 90.7%.The sensitivity for identifying isolated coronary artery branch lesions was 66.7%,whereas the sensitivity for identifying three-vessel disease in multi-vessel coronary artery lesions was better,at 82.9%.Conclusion:Acoustic analysis of turbulent murmur caused by coronary artery stenosis for diagnosis of CAD may have favorable performance in the Chinese population.This method has good performance in CAD diagnosis with a cut-off coronary artery diameter for stenosis of 50%.

Correlating cognitive impairment with carotid atherosclerosis and carotid artery stenosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND：Studies have demonstrated that carotid atherosclerosis and carotid artery stenosis are closely associated with cognitive impairment in patients with and without clinically evident cerebrovascular disease. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the correlation between the degree of pathological changes in carotid atherosclerosis, carotid artery stenosis, and cognitive impairment in patients with acute cerebral infarction through the use of color Doppler imaging. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The present concurrent, non-randomized, controlled experiment was performed at the Departments of Neurology and Ultrasound, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College between November 2006 and August 2007. PARTICIPANTS： Fifty-five patients with cerebral infarction, consisting of 35 males and 20 females, aged 50–82 years, were admitted to the hospital between November 2006 and August 2007 and recruited for this study. An additional 30 subjects consisting of 18 males and 12 females, aged 47–78 years, that concurrently received a health examination at the same hospital, were also included as normal controls. METHODS： Intima-media thickness （IMT）, plaque shape, size, and echo intensity of all subjects were detected by color Doppler flow imaging. Assessment criteria： IMT 〉 1.0 mm was considered to be intimal thickening, and IMT 〉 1.2 mm was determined to be formed atherosclerotic plaques. In the position of the largest plaque, the degree of carotid artery stenosis was determined by the following formula： （1-cross-sectional area of residual vascular luminal area/vascular cross-sectional area） × 100%. Less than 30% exhibited mild stenosis, 30%-40% moderate stenosis, and 〉 50% severe stenosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： IMT and the degree of carotid artery stenosis were evaluated by color Doppler flow imaging. The Mini-Mental State Examination （MMSE）, as well as the clinical memory scale, was compared between patients with cerebral infarction and normal controls. RESULTS： In the cerebral infarction group, IMT was increased, the degree of carotid artery stenosis was aggravated, and the MMSE and MQ scores of clinical memory scale were decreased. In particular, orientation of time and place, attention, calculation, and short-time memory were decreased. There were statistically significant differences in MMSE and MQ of clinical memory scale between patients with cerebral infarction and normal controls （P 〈 0.01）. The scores from the two scales were significantly lower in patients with cerebral infarction with carotid plaque subgroup compared to the cerebral infarction with no carotid plaque subgroup （P 〈 0.01）. The scores from the two scales were also significantly lower in patients with IMT 〉 1.0 mm, as well as moderate and severe carotid artery stenosis, compared to patients with IMT ≤ 1.0 mm, and normal and mild stenosis group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： More severe atherosclerotic and carotid artery stenosis leads to more obvious cognitive impairment.

Effect of the Wall Thickness of the Vessel on FFRCT of Carotid Artery Stenosis

Fractional flow reserve(FFR)computed from computed tomography angiography(CTA),i.e.,FFRCT has been used in the clinic as a noninvasive parameter for functional assessment of coronary artery stenosis.It has also been suggested to be used in the assessment of carotid artery stenosis.The wall thickness of the vessel is an important parameter when establishing a fluid-structure coupling model of carotid stenosis.This work studies the effect of the vessel wall thickness on hemodynamic parameters such as FFRCT in carotid stenosis.Models of carotid stenosis are established based on CTA image data using computer-aided design software.It is assumed that the vessel wall is a linear elastic and isotropic material,and the blood an incompressible Newtonian fluid.Under the pulsating flow condition,ANSYS Transient Structural and CFX are used to simulate the blood flow of fluid-structure coupling in the carotid stenosis model in order to obtain hemodynamic parameters and the corresponding FFRCT.The results show that when the elastic modulus of the vessel wall is fixed,FFRCT will decrease with the increase of the wall thickness.Similarly,FFRCT will decrease with the increase of the elastic modulus when the wall thickness is fixed.The difference in hemodynamic parameters such as FFRCT,however,is relatively small if the stiffness of the two models are close.The results demonstrate that the effect of the vessel wall thickness,especially for a model with small elastic modulus,should be taken into account in using FFRCT for functional assessment of carotid stenosis.Moreover,under the linear elasticity and isotropic material assumptions,the stiffness coefficient may replace the elastic modulus and wall thickness as a parameter reflecting material property of the vessel wall in the carotid stenosis model.

Effect of cold weather on carotid artery stenosis and occlusion:A retrospective observational study

Objective:To investigate the effect of cold weather on carotid artery stenosis and occlusion.Methods:We conducted a retrospective observational study,in which 145 patients with carotid artery stenosis and occlusion were enrolled[115 men and 30 women;the mean age was 61.08 years(95%CI 59.27-62.88)].Patients were divided into the low-temperature group(n=98)(≤12℃)and the non-low temperature group(n=47)(>12℃).Clinical characteristics,blood pressure,National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS),blood fat,and blood viscositys were compared between the two groups.Correlation between NIHSS and mean daily temperature was analyzed.Results:There was no significant difference in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the two groups(P>0.05).The NIHSS score was slightly higher in the non-low temperature group compared to that of the low-temperature group(U=2984,P<0.01).Glycemia,cholesterol level,prothrombin time,fibrinogen,and International Normalized Ratio did not show any significant difference(P>0.05).Correlation analysis showed a very low positive and statistically significant correlation between ambient temperature and NIHSS score(r=0.18,P=0.029).Conclusion:Cold weather does not impact blood pressure,blood cholesterol,and coagulation factors of patients with carotid artery stenosis and occlusion.The neurological deficit is more severe in the non-low ambient temperature group.A potential relationship exists between ambient temperature and the level of neurological impairment.

Stenting of Intracranial Artery Stenosis:Complications and Management

Background and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis is a high-risk factor of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Angioplasty with stent has been introduced to treat patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke attributed to intracranial stenosis since 1996. However, procedure-related neurological complications, either ischemic or hemorrhagic, could result in stroke and death, and benefits of stenting might be offset by higher disable stroke and death. So, the neurovascular angioplasty team should make great efforts to control procedural complications below an acceptable level, such as 10%, because it is impossible to avoid complication absolutely. The team should also be able to recognize, analyze and manage various procedure-related complications, to reduce the risk of disable stroke and death. The purposes of this article were to report our experiences of 20 complications, which occurred during the period of periprocedure.Methods Between September 5, 2001 and August 12, 2004, a total of 155 patients with 170 symptomatic intracranial stenoses of ≥ 50% received intracranial stenting. The management strategies for complication were as follow: ① intra-thrombus urokinase thrombolysis through micro-catheter for acute or subacute occlusion. ② another stenting for dissection. ③ antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy for penetrator events. ④ continuing nimodipine intravenously for vasospasm. ⑤ to control blood pressure below 110 / 70 mm Hg, to neutralize heparin with protamine sulfate and to discontinue antithrombotic agents, etc, for intracranial hemorrhage. Disable stroke was defined as one that led to a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of ≥2, 30 days after stroke. Results Procedure -related neurological complications occurred in 20 patients (12.9%, 20/ 155) and 20 lesions (11.7%, 20/ 170), including 6 intracranial hemorrhage (symptomatic, n=4; asymptomatic, n=2), 13 ischemic cerebral events (stroke, n=12; transient ischemic attacks, n=1) and 1 asymptomatic dissection. The probable causes, managements and outcomes of 20 complications are shown in table. Finally, by the means of aggressive endovascular and medical therapies, disable stroke and death within 30 days was 3.2% (5/155) and 1.3% (2/155), respectively. Conclusions Higher risk of procedure-related neurological complications may occur in stenting of intracranial stenosis. To reduce the possibility of disable stroke and death within 30 days, it is mandatory to develop strict procedural and periprocedural management strategies.

CAS and CEA in the Treatment of Severe Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis

Objective:To explore the clinical value of carotid artery stent implantation(CAS)and carotid endarterectomy(CEA)in the treatment of patients with severe internal carotid artery stenosis.Methods:88 patients with severe carotid artery stenosis who underwent CAS and CEA in the First People's Hospital of Changde City(hereafter referred as "our hospital")from January 2018 to December 2020 were selected as the research objects and divided into CAS group(n=43)and CEA group(n=45).To understand the clinical application value and feasibility of the two surgical schemes by comparing the general situation,cerebral blood flow,MMSE scale,MOCA scale score and serum miR-145,IGF1R levels of the two surgical schemes.Conclusions:CAS and CEA in the treatment of patients with severe internal carotid artery stenosis,have good curative effect,can effectively improve the patient's cerebral blood flow,regulate serum miR-145,IGF 1R levels,promote the recovery of cognitive function,but relatively speaking,the incidence of stroke and hypotension after CAS is higher,and the incidence of hypertension after CEA is higher.