Correlation between Waist Circumference and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Women from Shanghai, China

Objective To evaluate whether waist circumference （WC） 〉85 cm is related to asymptomatic preclinical atherosclerosis in women from Shanghai, China. Methods A total of 2365 females aged 〉20 years recruited from 4 communities underwent physical examination and carotid artery scanning. Their carotid intima-media thickness （C-iMT） was measured. Results The C-IMT was significantly higher in overweight or obese women with their BMI 〉25.0 kg/m2 {P〈O.01） and in those with their WC _〉85 cm than in those with their WC 〈85 cm （P〈O.01）. Spearman and partial correlation analysis showed that the C-IMT was significantly correlated with WC which was independent of menopausal status. The C-IMT significantly increased with the increasing WC and reached to a platform in about 85 cm. An increment tendency was found in the subgroup with its WC 〈 85 cm （P〈O.01） while no significant tendency was found in the subgroup with its WC_〉85 cm （P=0.07）. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that the WC was an independent risk factor for C-IMT. In logistic regression model, the odd ratio of WC _〉80 cm, _〉80 cm and 〈85 cm and 〉85 cm for evaluating the risk of C-IMT elevation was 2.632, 2.501, and 1.878, respectively. Conclusion WC is significantly correlated with C-IMT in women from Shanghai, China, and WC_〉85 cm may be used in identifying the risk of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis.

Coronary atherosclerosis burden is not advanced in patients with β-thalassemia despite premature extracardiac atherosclerosis： a coronary artery calcium score and carotid intima-media thickness study

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.

Relationship of plasma homocysteine, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, high mobility group box 1 protein with carotid intima-media thickness in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective:To explore the relationship of plasma homocysteine(Hcy),soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1(sICAM-1)and high mobility group box 1 protein(HMGB1)with carotid intima-media thickness(c-IMT)in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods:A total of 100 elderly patients who were diagnosed as type 2 diabetes mellitus in Baogang Hospital of Inner Mongolia from June 2017 to May 2020 were chosen as research objects.According to c-IMT,they were divided into the normal group(n=35),the mild to moderate group(n=41)and the severe group(n=24).The expression levels of plasma Hcy,sICAM-1 and HMGB1 were compared between groups respectively.Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship of plasma Hcy,sICAM-1,HMGB1 with c-IMT.Results:The comparison in plasma Hcy,sICAM-1,HMGB1 and c-IMT among the three groups of patients was of statistical significance(p<.05).The results of correlation analysis showed that the expression levels of plasma Hcy,sICAM-1 and HMGB1 were positively correlated with c-IMT in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(r=.627,.598,.614;p<.05).Conclusions:The expression levels of plasma Hcy,sICAM-1 and HMGB1 are abnormally increased in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus,and related to c-IMT,which can provide a strong evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment by detecting their levels in clinical practice.

Relationship between Waist Circumference and Elevation of Carotid Intima-media Thickness in Newly-diagnosed Diabetic Patients

Objective Waist circumference, as a brief indicator of visceral obesity, is associated with multi-metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. The present study was aimed to find out the relationship between waist circumference and carotid intima media thickness （C-IMT）, as well as the best waist circumference cutoff for identifying C-IMT elevation in Chinese male patients with newly-diagnosed diabetes. Methods Five hundred and seventy-eight patients from Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Shanghai Sixth People＇s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University were enrolled. Both physical examination （for measurement of waist circumference） and carotid ultrasonography （for measurement of C-IMT） were performed. Results After grouping according to the quartiles of C-IMT, the waist circumference increased across all its quartiles. The waist circumference in 3rd and 4th quartiles （90.7_＋9.8 cm and 90.8＋9.6 cm） was significant higher than in 1st and 2nd quartiles （P〈0.05）. When subjects were divided into 4 groups according to waist circumference, the C-IMT of subjects with waist circumference 90-95 cm was significant higher than that of subjects with waist circumference 85-90 cm and less than 85 cm respectively （P〈0.05）. Both spearman and partial correlation analysis showed that C-IMT was positively correlated with waist circumference （P〈0.01）. C-IMT was found significantly elevated with the increase of waist circumference. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that waist circumference was one of the independent risk factors of C-IMT. After an average of 2.23_＋0.85 years follow up, there was a significant elevation of C-IMT in the group with baseline waist circumference over 90 cm P〈0.05）, while no significant difference was detected in the group with baseline waist circumference less than 90 cm （P=0.27）. Logistic regression showed that baseline waist circumference over 90 cm was associated with a relative risk to C-IMT elevation of 1.132 （95% CI 1.043-1.431, P〈0.05）. Conclusion Among newly-diagnosed diabetic male patients, waist circumference over 90 cm not only reflects sub-clinical atherosclerosis in early stage, but also predicts the progression of atherosclerosis.

Relationship between Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Diabetes Clinical Risk Factors among Normotensive Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Native Black African Population

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is frequently associated with atherosclerosis with changes in the thickness of the intima-media of carotid arteries which causes increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this group of patients. The carotid artery reflects the degree of atherosclerosis in the various vessels especially coronary arteries. Measurement of the carotid artery thickness with real time, relatively cheap and non-invasive ultrasonography method is used in monitoring atherosclerotic disease progression and response to treatment. This study is aimed at ultrasonographic evaluation of the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in adult Type 2 Diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic healthy controls matched for age, gender and body mass index (BMI). And to also determine its association if any with selected clinical factors among a native Black African population. Methodology: This was a prospective case control study involving 54 adult type 2 diabetics and 54 adult non-diabetic controls. CIMT was measured at 3 segments of the extracranial carotid arteries by a 7.5 - 10 MHz linear transducer of a portable Mindray M5 ultrasound machine. Results: Among the native black African population studied, there was significant difference in CIMT of adult type 2 diabetics compared to healthy non-diabetics adults (p value = 0.012 and 0.001 on the right and left respectively). The mean carotid intima-media thickness in diabetics was 0.81 mm and 0.85 mm, while in non-diabetics it was 0.74 mm and 0.75 mm on the right and left respectively. The presence of diabetes showed independent positive correlation with CIMT (beta: 0.24, p value = 0.004). Age (beta: 0.30, p value = 0.001) and plasma cholesterol level (beta: 0.30, p value = 0.013) also had positive correlation with CIMT. Conclusion: There was statistically significant difference in carotid intima-media thickness between adult type 2 diabetics and age, sex matched non-diabetics. DM showed independent correlation with CIMT.

Relationship between peripheral arterial disease, carotid intima-media thickness and C-reactive protein in elderly diabetic patients

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.

Correlation of the carotid intima-media unevenness and stiffness with serum illness indexes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: To investigate the correlation of the carotid intima-media unevenness and stiffness with serum illness indexes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A total of 118 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were treated in this hospital between February 2016 and August 2017 were selected as the diabetes group, and 100 healthy volunteers who received physical examination in this hospital during the same period were selected as normal control group. The differences in carotid intima-media unevenness and stiffness levels as well as serum levels of insulin resistance indexes and inflammatory adipocytokines were compared between the two groups of subjects. Pearson test was used to assess the correlation between carotid intima-media parameter levels and above serum illness index levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results: IMIsqrt and PWV levels in diabetes group were higher than those in normal control group;serum FINS and IRI levels were higher than those in normal control group whereas ISI level was lower than that in normal control group;serum APN content was lower than that in normal control group whereas LEP and SAA contents were higher than those in normal control group. Pearson test showed that the IMIsqrt and PWV levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were directly correlated with serum insulin resistance index levels and inflammatory adipocytokine contents. Conclusion: Carotid intima-media unevenness and stiffness both increase in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and could objectively reflect the insulin resistance and systemic micro-inflammatory state.

Reference values of carotid intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness in Chinese adults based on ultrasound radio frequency signal:A nationwide,multicenter study

Background:Carotid intima-media thickness(IMT)and diameter,stiffness,and wave reflections,are independent and important clinical biomarkers and risk predictors for cardiovascular diseases.The purpose of the present study was to establish nationwide reference values of carotid properties for healthy Chinese adults and to explore potential clinical determinants.Methods:A total of 3053 healthy Han Chinese adults(1922 women)aged 18-79 years were enrolled at 28 collaborating tertiary centers throughout China between April 2021 and July 2022.The real-time tracking of common carotid artery walls was achieved by the radio frequency(RF)ultrasound system.The IMT,diameter,compliance coefficient,βstiffness,local pulse wave velocity(PWV),local systolic blood pressure,augmented pressure(AP),and augmentation index(AIx)were then automatically measured and reported.Data were stratified by age groups and sex.The relationships between age and carotid property parameters were analyzed by Jonckheere-Terpstra test and simple linear regressions.The major clinical determinants of carotid properties were identified by Pearson’s correlation,multiple linear regression,and analyses of covariance.Results:All the parameters of carotid properties demonstrated significantly age-related trajectories.Women showed thinner IMT,smaller carotid diameter,larger AP,and AIx than men.Theβstiffness and PWV were significantly higher in men than women before forties,but the differences reversed after that.The increase rate of carotid IMT(5.5µm/year in women and 5.8µm/year in men)and diameter(0.03 mm/year in both men and women)were similar between men and women.For the stiffness and wave reflections,women showed significantly larger age-related variations than men as demonstrated by steeper regression slopes(all P for age by sex interaction<0.05).The blood pressures,body mass index(BMI),and triglyceride levels were identified as major clinical determinants of carotid properties with adjustment of age and sex.Conclusions:The age-and sex-specific reference values of carotid properties measured by RF ultrasound for healthy Chinese adults were established.The blood pressures,BMI,and triglyceride levels should be considered for clinical application of corresponding reference values.

Imaging characteristics and treatment strategies for carotid artery occlusion caused by skull base fracture:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Traumatic internal carotid artery(ICA)occlusion is a rare complication of skull base fractures,characterized by high mortality and disability rates,and poor prognosis.Therefore,timely discovery and correct management are crucial for saving the lives of such patients and improving their prognosis.This article retrospectively analyzed the imaging and clinical data of three patients,to explore the imaging characteristics and treatment strategies for carotid artery occlusion,combined with severe skull base fractures.CASE SUMMARY This case included three patients,all male,aged 21,63,and 16 years.They underwent plain film skull computed tomography(CT)examination at the onset of their illnesses,which revealed fractures at the bases of their skulls.Ultimately,these cases were definitively diagnosed through CT angiography(CTA)examinations.The first patient did not receive surgical treatment,only anticoagulation therapy,and recovered smoothly with no residual limb dysfunction(Case 1).The other two patients both developed intracranial hypertension and underwent decompressive craniectomy.One of these patients had high intracranial pressure and significant brain swelling postoperatively,leading the family to choose to take him home(Case 2).The other patient also underwent decompressive craniectomy and recovered well postoperatively with only mild limb motor dysfunction(Case 3).We retrieved literature from PubMed on skull base fractures causing ICA occlusion to determine the imaging characteristics and treatment strategies for this type of disease.CONCLUSION For patients with cranial trauma combined with skull base fractures,it is essential to complete a CTA examination as soon as possible,to screen for blunt cerebrovascular injury.

Choroidal infarction after internal carotid artery stenting

Dear Editor,We present a case of choroidal infarction along with retinal infarction after carotid artery stenting(CAS),which is a rare condition not reported in the literature.CAS has increasingly been accepted as the mainstay reconstruction method for carotid artery stenosis compared with carotid endarterectomy(CEA)due to no need for general anesthesia.

Endovascular treatment of direct carotid cavernous fistula resulting from rupture of intracavernous carotid aneurysm: A case report

BACKGROUND Direct carotid cavernous fistulas(CCFs)are typically the result of a severe traumatic brain injury.High-flow arteriovenous shunts secondary to rupture of an intracavernous aneurysm,resulting in direct CCFs,are rare.The use of a pipeline embolization device in conjunction with coils and Onyx glue for treatment of direct high-flow CCF resulting from ruptured cavernous carotid artery aneurysm in a clinical setting is not well documented.CASE SUMMARY A 58-year-old woman presented to our department with symptoms of blepharoptosis and intracranial bruits for 1 wk.During physical examination,there was right eye exophthalmos and ocular motor palsy.The rest of the neurological examination was clear.Notably,the patient had no history of head injury.The patient was treated with a pipeline embolization device in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery across the fistula.Coils and Onyx were placed through the femoral venous route,followed by placement of the pipeline embolization device with assistance from a balloon-coiling technique.No intraoperative or perioperative complications occurred.Preoperative symptoms of bulbar hyperemia and bruits subsided immediately after the operation.CONCLUSION Pipeline embolization device in conjunction with coiling and Onyx may be a safe and effective approach for direct CCFs.

Ultrafast pulse wave velocity technique for evaluating changes of carotid artery elasticity in Hashimoto thyroiditis patients with euthyroidism

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.

Early diagnostic value of carotid artery ultrasound parameters combined with epicardial adipose layer thickness in coronary heart disease

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.

Imaging characteristics and treatment strategies for carotid artery occlusion caused by skull base fracture

The internal carotid artery occlusion caused by head and neck trauma,also known as traumatic intracranial artery occlusion,is relatively rare clinically.Traumatic skull base fracture is a common complication of traumatic brain injury.Traumatic skull base fracture is one of the causes of traumatic internal carotid artery occlusion.If not detected early and treated in time,the prognosis of patients is poor.This editorial makes a relevant analysis of this disease.

Cerebral perfusion in patients with unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion by dual post-labeling delays arterial spin labeling imaging

BACKGROUND Global and regional cerebral blood flow(CBF)changes in patients with unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion(ICAO)are unclear when the dual post-labeling delays(PLD)arterial spin labeling(ASL)magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)technique is used.Manual delineation of regions of interest for CBF measurement is time-consuming and laborious.AIM To assess global and regional CBF changes in patients with unilateral ICAO with the ASL-MRI perfusion technique.METHODS Twenty hospitalized patients with ICAO and sex-and age-matched controls were included in the study.Regional CBF was measured by Dr.Brain's ASL software.The present study evaluated differences in global,middle cerebral artery(MCA)territory,anterior cerebral artery territory,and Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score(ASPECTS)regions(including the caudate nucleus,lentiform nucleus,insula ribbon,internal capsule,and M1-M6)and brain lobes(including frontal,parietal,temporal,and insular lobes)between ICAO patients and controls at PLD 1.5 s and PLD 2.5 s.RESULTS When comparing CBF between ICAO patients and controls,the global CBF in ICAO patients was lower at both PLD 1.5 s and PLD 2.5 s;the CBF on the occluded side was lower in 15 brain regions at PLD 1.5 s,and it was lower in 9 brain regions at PLD 2.5 s;the CBF in the contralateral hemisphere was lower in the caudate nucleus and internal capsule at PLD 1.5 s and in M6 at PLD 2.5 s.The global CBF in ICAO patients was lower at PLD 1.5 s than at PLD 2.5 s.The ipsilateral CBF at PLD 1.5 s was lower than that at PLD 2.5 s in 15 regions,whereas the contralateral CBF was lower at PLD 1.5 s than at PLD 2.5 s in 12 regions.The ipsilateral CBF was lower than the contralateral CBF in 15 regions at PLD 1.5 s,and in M6 at PLD 2.5 s.CONCLUSION Unilateral ICAO results in hypoperfusion in the global and MCA territories,especially in the ASPECTS area.Dual PLD settings prove more suitable for accurate CBF quantification in ICAO.

Massive Epistaxis Revealing a Post-Traumatic Aneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery: A Clinical Case and Review of the Literature

Internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms are an unusual but serious cause of epistaxis. This epistaxis is massive and sometimes uncontrollable threatening the vital prognosis of patients. We report the case of a 16-year-old adolescent received in emergency with severe bilateral epistaxis, asthenia and grade-3 left exophthalmos. In his history, the subject had been the victim of an assault six months before consultation. He had received blows on the cephalic extremity with light but repeated epistaxis. The treatment consisted to blood products transfusion and local compression by sterile gazes. An ICA aneurysm in sphenoid sinus has been confirmed in a craniofacial CT scan coupled to vascular opacification. Although the ICA has a variable course in contact with the sphenoid sinus, massive epistaxis would be the consequence of a pronounced dehiscence of the ICA in the sphenoid sinus, particularly in a traumatic context. In front of this type of epistaxis in our context, general practitioners must be able to suspect a ruptured ICA aneurysm in the presence of exophthalmos and a notion of old or recent cranio-encephalic injury. Additionally, due to the high morbidity and mortality of this condition, a monitoring algorithm is necessary for patients with head trauma to facilitate early detection.

Carotid versus axillary artery cannulation for descending aorta remodeling in type A acute aortic dissection

BACKGROUND Arterial cannulation sites for the surgical repair of type A aortic dissection(AAD)have evolved from right axillary artery(AA)cannulation to bilateral carotid artery(CA)based of femoral artery(FA)cannulation.Postoperative descending aorta remodeling is closely linked to the false lumen area ratio(FLAR),defined as false lumen area/aortic area,as well as to the incidence of renal replacement therapy(RRT).AIM To investigate the effect of the updated arterial cannulation strategy on descending aortic remodeling.METHODS A total of 443 AAD patients who received FA combined cannulation between March 2015 and March 2023 were included in the study.Of these,209 received right AA cannulation and 234 received bilateral CA cannulation.The primary outcome was the change in FLAR,as calculated from computed tomography angiography in three segments of the descending aorta:Thoracic(S1),upper abdominal(S2),and lower abdominal(S3).Secondary outcomes were the incidence of RRT and the serum inflammation response,as observed by the levels of high sensitivity C reaction protein(hs-CRP)and Interleukin-6(IL-6).RESULTS The postoperative/preoperative ratio of FLAR in S2 and S3 was higher in the AA group compared to the CA group(S2:0.80±0.08 vs 0.75±0.07,P<0.001;S3:0.57±0.12 vs 0.50±0.12,P<0.001,respectively).The AA group also had a significantly higher incidence of RRT(19.1%vs 8.5%,P=0.001;odds ratio:2.533,95%CI:1.427-4.493)and higher levels of inflammation cytokines 24 h after the procedure[hr-CRP:117±17 vs 104±15 mg/L;IL-6:129(103,166)vs 83(69,101)pg/mL;both P<0.001]compared to the CA group.CONCLUSION The CA cannulation strategy was associated with better abdominal aorta remodeling after AAD repair compared to AA cannulation,as observed by a greater change in FLAR and lower incidence of RRT.

Ultrasound Combined with CTA in Diagnosis of Painless Aortic Dissection Combined with Carotid Artery Active Thrombosis: A Case Report

Background: Aortic dissection (AD) is a relatively rare but dreadful illness, often accompanied by severe, sharp (or tearing) back pain or anterior chest pain, as well as acute hemodynamic compromise. Painless dissection has also been reported in rare cases and might be misdiagnosed due to its atypical symptoms leading to catastrophic outcomes. Case presentation: The patient was admitted to the hospital due to right limb weakness with speech inability for more than 10 hours. In the routine cardiac ultrasound examination, the avulsion intimal echo was found in the initial segment of the descending aorta. The rupture range was about 11 mm, and the lumen was separated into real and false lumen. Further computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination confirmed the major arterial dissection (De Bakey Type I). Conclusion: We report a case of painless aortic dissection with active carotid artery thrombosis diagnosed by ultrasound and CTA, and to improve the understanding of painless aortic dissection by reviewing relevant domestic and foreign literature.

The Relationship Between NLRP3 Inflammasome and Its Downstream Inflammatory Factors in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients with Carotid Atherosclerosis Under Cigarette Exposure

Aim:To study the relationship between NLRP3(nucleotide oligomerization domain[NOD]-,leucine-rich repeats[LRR]-,and pyrin domain-containing protein 3)inflammasome and its downstream inflammatory factors in obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)patients with carotid atherosclerosis(CAS)under cigarette exposure,further exploring the risk factors of CAS in OSA patients.Methods:A total of 109 adult males who underwent polysomnography and carotid artery ultrasonography in our hospital from October 2019 to December 2021 were selected.According to the detection results,they were divided into the OSA group,the CAS group,and the OSA combined CAS group;additionally,29 healthy subjects who underwent a physical examination were also included.According to whether they were smoking,the groups were further divided into smoking and non-smoking groups.The age,body mass index(BMI),blood pressure,apnea-hypopnea index(AHI),lowest blood oxygen saturation(LSaO2),carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT),levels of blood sugar,blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDLc),and serum NLRP3,interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and interleukin-18(IL-18)of all subjects were recorded.Results:The OSA combined CAS group had higher LDLc levels and AHI and lower LSaO2 than the OSA group and CAS group.The levels of serum NLRP3,IL-1β,and IL-18 in the OSA group were higher than those in the normal control group(P<0.05);and those in the OSA combined CAS group were higher than the OSA group and CAS group(P<0.05),regardless of cigarette exposure.Considering cigarette exposure,serum NLRP3,IL-1β,and IL-18 levels were higher in the OSA,CAS,and OSA combined CAS smoking groups than those in the non-smoking group(P<0.05).Under cigarette exposure,AHI,LDLc,NLRP3,IL-1β,and IL-18 were significantly positively correlated(P<0.05),and LSaO2 was negatively correlated with CAS in OSA(P<0.05).AHI,LSaO2,LDLc,NLRP3,and IL-1βare the risk factors for OSA combined with CAS.Conclusion:LSaO2,AHI,LDLc,NLRP3,and IL-1βare the important risk factors for OSA combined with CAS under cigarette exposure,and their levels can be used to predict the occurrence of CAS in OSA.

Correlation Study of Aortic Velocity Propagation, Abdominal Aortic Intima-Media Thickness, and Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness in Subclinical Hypothyroidism Patients

Objective:To explore the correlation between epicardial fat thickness(EFT),aortic velocity propagation(AVP),and abdominal aortic intima-media thickness(AA-IMT)in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism(SH).Additionally,to compare these indicators between SH patients and healthy individuals,providing a new theoretical basis for the clinical prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.Method:Clinical data from 50 SH patients(23 males and 27 females)and 50 healthy outpatient examinees(22 males and 28 females)were analyzed.The participants were selected from January 2022 to December 2023 at Loudi Central Hospital.EFT,AVP,and AA-IMT were measured,and their correlations were analyzed.Results:SH patients had significantly higher EFT and AA-IMT levels than the control group,while their AVP was significantly lower,with these differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between EFT and AVP(P<0.001),a significant positive correlation between EFT and AAO-IMT(P<0.001),and a significant negative correlation between AVP and AAO-IMT(P<0.001).Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis identified increased EFT,decreased AVP,and increased AAO-IMT as independent risk factors for SH patients.Conclusion:In SH patients,EFT and AAO-IMT are elevated,whereas AVP is reduced.EFT and AVP are significantly correlated with AAO-IMT.EFT and AAO-IMT can serve as reliable indicators for evaluating subclinical atherosclerosis in SH patients,providing a diagnostic basis for clinical practice.