Ultrasound simulation for carotid arteries is helpful to the performance assessments of vessel wall detection and signal processing methods by using ultrasound techniques. An ul- trasound simulation method of carotid ...Ultrasound simulation for carotid arteries is helpful to the performance assessments of vessel wall detection and signal processing methods by using ultrasound techniques. An ul- trasound simulation method of carotid artery wall with a three-membrane structure is proposed in present study. According to the ultrasound speckle distributions varying with the shapes and densities of scatterer distributions, as well as the statistic results of the clinical images, the parameters of distributions, densities and intensities of scatterers for different kinds of tissues in the carotid artery phantoms are determined. Each region is acoustically characterized using FIELD II software to produce the radio frequency echo signals, from which ultrasound images are derived. The results based on 30 simulations show that the echo distributions of the intimae, mediae, adventitias and blood are consistent with the clinical ones. Moreover, compared with the results from the central frequency of 8 MHz, the mean measurements for thicknesses of the intima, media and adventitia membranes, as well as the lumen diameter from the simulation images based on 12 MHz are the same as the preset ones, and the maximum relative errors are the 4.01%, 1.25%, 0.04% and 0.15%, respectively. The simulation under this condition is more realistic.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 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
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 ...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.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the features of retinal ischemic injuries in a novel mouse model with bilateral carotid artery stenosis(BCAS).METHODS:BCAS was induced with microcoil implantation in 6-8-week-old C57BL6 mice.Cerebra...AIM:To investigate the features of retinal ischemic injuries in a novel mouse model with bilateral carotid artery stenosis(BCAS).METHODS:BCAS was induced with microcoil implantation in 6-8-week-old C57BL6 mice.Cerebral blood flow was monitored at 2,7,and 28d postoperatively.Retinal morphological changes were evaluated by fundus photography and hematoxylin-eosin staining.Fluorescein fundus angiography(FFA)was performed to detect retinal vascular changes and circulation.The levels of apoptosis,activation of neurogliosis,and expression of hypoxiainducible factor(HIF)-1αin the retina were assessed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining,followed by retinal ganglion cell(RGC)density detection.Additionally,electrophysiological examinations including photopic negative response(PhNR)was also performed.RESULTS:The mice demonstrated an initial rapid decrease in cerebral blood flow,followed by a 4-week recovery period after BCAS.The ratio of retinal artery and vein was decreased under fundus photography and FFA.Compared with the sham mice,BCAS mice showed thinner retinal thickness on day 28.Additionally,apoptosis was increased and RGC density was decreased mainly in peripheral retinal region.Neurogliosis was mainly located in the inner retinal layers,with a stable increase in HIF-1αexpression.The dark-adapted electroretinogram showed a notable reduction in the a-,b-,and oscillatory potential(OP)wave amplitudes between days 2 and 7;this gradually recovered over the following 4wk.However,the b-and OPwave amplitudes were still significantly decreased on PhNR examination on day 28.CONCLUSION:BCAS can result in relatively mild retinal ischemia injuries in mice,mainly in the inner layer and peripheral region.Our study provides a novel animal model for investigating retinal ischemic diseases.展开更多
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 trauma...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.展开更多
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)cannulatio...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.展开更多
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 ...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.展开更多
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-yea...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.展开更多
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 dissect...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.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 To report quality control methods and baseline reproducibility data of the ultrasound measurements of carotid artery intima-media thickness in the project of Establishment of an Integrated System for Corona...Background To report quality control methods and baseline reproducibility data of the ultrasound measurements of carotid artery intima-media thickness in the project of Establishment of an Integrated System for Coronary Heart Disease Prevention and Treatment. Methods Standard ultrasound scanning and measuring protocols were established by the study group. All sonographers and readers were trained by the carotid ultrasound core lab and all digital ultrasound images were centrally read. Ten subjects were scanned twice （with 1 week interval） by 2 sonographers independently and images were read by a single reader to evaluate the sonographer variability. Twenty subjects＇ images were read twice （with 1 week interval） by a single reader to assess the reader variability and the reproducibility of IMT measured at different carotid segments. Results The intraclass correlation （ICC） of intra- and inter-sonographer and intra- reader for mean IMT measurements was 0.99, 0.98 and 0.97 respectively; while for max IMT, it was 0.97, 0.99 and 0.95 respectively. Among different carotid segments and sites, ICC for mean 1MT measurements of common carotid （CCA）, carotid artery bulb （Bulb）, internal carotid artery （ICA）, overall near wall and overall far wall was 0.97, 0.99, 0.89, 0.93 and 0.98 respectively. Conclusion The reproducibility of IMT measurements according to our protocol is acceptable, although better reproducibility is found when measuring the mean IMT than max IMT, CCA and Bulb IMT than ICA IMT, and far wall IMT than near wall IMT.展开更多
BACKGROUND Carotid blowout syndrome(CBS)refers to rupture of the extracranial carotid artery and its branches;as a severe complication,it usually occurs after surgery or radiotherapy for malignant tumours of the head ...BACKGROUND Carotid blowout syndrome(CBS)refers to rupture of the extracranial carotid artery and its branches;as a severe complication,it usually occurs after surgery or radiotherapy for malignant tumours of the head and neck.We present a case of CBS caused by chronic infection of the external carotid artery(ECA).In this case,we did not find any evidence of head and neck tumours.CASE SUMMARY A 42-year-old man was referred to the Emergency Department with a complaint of a lump found on the left side of his neck with pain and fever for 4 d.We diagnosed the condition as neck infection with abscess formation based on physical examination,routine blood examination,ultrasound examination and plain computed tomography(CT)and decided to perform emergency surgery.During the operation,30 mL of grey and smelly pus was drained from the deep surface of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.The second day after the operation,the patient suddenly exhibited a large amount of haemoptysis and incision bleeding.The enhanced CT showed distal occlusion of the left ECA and irregular thickening of the broken ends of the artery encased in an uneven enhancement of soft tissue density.Infected ECA occlusion and rupture were considered.The patient was transferred to a vascular unit for transcatheter ECA embolization and recovered well.CONCLUSION Surgeons need to pay attention to vascular lesions caused by chronic infection that may develop into acute CBS.展开更多
BACKGROUND Automated,accurate,objective,and quantitative medical image segmentation has remained a challenging goal in computer science since its inception.This study applies the technique of convolutional neural netw...BACKGROUND Automated,accurate,objective,and quantitative medical image segmentation has remained a challenging goal in computer science since its inception.This study applies the technique of convolutional neural networks(CNNs)to the task of segmenting carotid arteries to aid in the assessment of pathology.AIM To investigate CNN’s utility as an ancillary tool for researchers who require accurate segmentation of carotid vessels.METHODS An expert reader delineated vessel wall boundaries on 4422 axial T2-weighted magnetic resonance images of bilateral carotid arteries from 189 subjects with clinically evident atherosclerotic disease.A portion of this dataset was used to train two CNNs(one to segment the vessel lumen and the other to segment the vessel wall)with the remaining portion used to test the algorithm’s efficacy by comparing CNN segmented images with those of an expert reader.Overall quantitative assessment between automated and manual segmentations was determined by computing the DICE coefficient for each pair of segmented images in the test dataset for each CNN applied.The average DICE coefficient for the test dataset(CNN segmentations compared to expert’s segmentations)was 0.96 for the lumen and 0.87 for the vessel wall.Pearson correlation values and the intra-class correlation coefficient(ICC)were computed for the lumen(Pearson=0.98,ICC=0.98)and vessel wall(Pearson=0.88,ICC=0.86)segmentations.Bland-Altman plots of area measurements for the CNN and expert readers indicate good agreement with a mean bias of 1%-8%.CONCLUSION Although the technique produces reasonable results that are on par with expert human assessments,our application requires human supervision and monitoring to ensure consistent results.We intend to deploy this algorithm as part of a software platform to lessen researchers’workload to more quickly obtain reliable results.展开更多
Different treatment options are available for subclavian stenosis(SS).Carotid to subclavian bypass surgery(CSBS)is an increasingly used effective treatment strategy when stenting is impossible.However,in Nepal,little ...Different treatment options are available for subclavian stenosis(SS).Carotid to subclavian bypass surgery(CSBS)is an increasingly used effective treatment strategy when stenting is impossible.However,in Nepal,little is known about SS and its management.A 58-year-old man with a history of aortic valve replacement surgery complained of progressive left arm weakness for the past 6 months associated with pain on exertion and blood pressure discrepancies in both arms.A computed tomographic scan confirmed near-complete subclavian artery stenosis and a Doppler ultrasound showed decreased bloodflow and systolic velocity.CSBS was selected as stenting was not feasible.Post-CSBS,all hemodynamic parameters returned to normal,lasting even after 2 years.CSBS appears to be a viable,safe,and promising treatment for symptomatic SS.However,additional studies need to be conducted to analyze the benefits of CSBS relative to other interventions.展开更多
This study aimed to summarize therapy experience of carotid endarterectomy, carotid endarterec- tomy combined with Fogarty catheter embolectomy, and hybrid surgery for the treatment of extrac- ranial internal carotid ...This study aimed to summarize therapy experience of carotid endarterectomy, carotid endarterec- tomy combined with Fogarty catheter embolectomy, and hybrid surgery for the treatment of extrac- ranial internal carotid artery occlusion. The study included 65 patients with extracranial internal ca- rotid artery occlusion who underwent carotid endarterectomy, carotid endarterectomy combined with Fogarty catheter embotectomy, or hybrid surgery in the Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, China between January 2006 and December 2012. Prior to surgery, all patients underwent perfusion CT or xenon CT to evaluate the occlusion. The procedure for each patient was chosen according to digital subtraction angiography data. The carotid artery was successfully recanalized in 46 of 51 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy, 9 of 10 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy combined with Fogarty catheter embolectomy, and 3 of 4 patients who underwent hybrid surgery. In patients with symptomatic carotid artery occlusion, the carotid artery can be recanalized by choosing a treatment procedure based on imaging ex- amination findings.展开更多
Objective To determine the association between the irregularity of carotid plaque surface using multidimensional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) of ipsilateral acute cerebral infarction(ACI) cases. Methods Patients wi...Objective To determine the association between the irregularity of carotid plaque surface using multidimensional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) of ipsilateral acute cerebral infarction(ACI) cases. Methods Patients with recent cerebrovascular symptoms(stroke or transient ischemic attack < 2 weeks) and atherosclerotic plaque in at least one carotid artery were diagnosed by B-mode ultrasound imaging(intima-media thickness ≥ 1.5 mm) and recruited for the present study. Irregular surface was defined when plaque surface was uneven with high and low fluctuation or plaque with surface ulceration. The irregularity of carotid plaque surface was determined on axial or oblique images alone(single-dimension) and on both axial images and oblique images(multidimensions), separately. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratio(OR) and the corresponding 95% CI of the irregular plaque surface in discriminating the presence of ipsilateral ACI. Results A total of 217 included subjects(mean age: 60.7 ± 10.2 years, 149 men) were recruited and 89(41.0%), 88(40.6%) and 118(54.4%) of them exhibited irregular plaque surface on axial, oblique and multidimensional MR images, respectively. The OR of irregularity of the plaque surface was determined by multidimensional MRI to be 5.88(95% CI: 3.16–10.96, P < 0.001) in discriminating the presence of ipsilateral ACI. Following adjustment for clinical confounding factors, this association remained statistically significant(OR = 5.65, 95% CI: 2.53–12.60, P < 0.001). The analysis included further adjustment for the presence of lipid-rich necrotic core, intraplaque hemorrhage and stenosis and the results included that this association also remained statistically significant(OR = 6.08, 95% CI: 2.52–14.68, P < 0.001). Conclusions The irregular plaque surface was determined by multidimensional MRI as an independent indicator for ipsilateral acute cerebral infarction.展开更多
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 art...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.展开更多
Objective To investigate the relationship between insulin resistance and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with potential hyperglycemia. Methods A total of 221 patients were recruited among those with potential hype...Objective To investigate the relationship between insulin resistance and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with potential hyperglycemia. Methods A total of 221 patients were recruited among those with potential hyperglycemia. All participants underwent physical examination, medical history interview, and 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Venous blood was sampled for measurement of insulin and cholesterol levels. The intima-media thickness (IMT) in bilateral common carotid arteries was observed by B-mode ultrasound. Insulin resistance index was calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Subjects were stratified in quintiles according to HOMA-IR values. Risk factors and atherosclerotic parameters were analyzed. Results With HOMA-IR value increase, incidence of impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease increased, the levels of triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting plasma glucose, 2 hour plasma glucose, and fasting insulin increased as well, while the level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased. Meanwhile, all atherosclerotic parameters increased. Multivariate regression analysis showed that TG, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C levels, and ln(HOMA-IR) were related to IMT, hence were risk factors for IMT increase. Conclusion Insulin resistance is implicated in atherogenesis.展开更多
AIM：To demonstrate the differences of retinal and choroidal structure changes in internal carotid artery（ICA） patients of China by enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography（EDI-OCT）.METHODS：A retrospec...AIM：To demonstrate the differences of retinal and choroidal structure changes in internal carotid artery（ICA） patients of China by enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography（EDI-OCT）.METHODS：A retrospective review was conducted of 46 patients with a diagnosis of ICA stenosis greater than 65% on only one side（the opposite ICA Stenosis had less than 40% stenosis） from June 2015 through June 2016.All of the patients were combined with amaurosis fugax,but without any abnormality with other ocular examination.Thickness and volume of choroid and retina were manually measured by EDI-OCT.Differences were compared between ICA stenosis eyes and fellow eyes.RESULTS：There were no significant differences in the retinal thickness,macular retinal nerve fiber layer（m RNFL） thickness,inner thickness,or outer retinal thickness between the ICA Stenosis group and the control group（P=0.834,0.187,0.552,and 0.903,respectively）.The mean central choroidal thickness of the ICA Stenosis group was significantly lower than that of the control group（239.70±23.76 μm vs 257.46±22.13 μm,P〈0.001）.The percentage of ICA stenosis was significantly associated with the central choroidal thickness,central retinal thickness,foveal center choroidal volume,and foveal center retinal volume（r=0.854,0.678,0.729,and 0.785,respectively;P〈0.001）.There were no significant differences in the retinal and choroidal volume values in the 4 inner and 4 outer sectors between the two groups.CONCLUSION：The choroidal thickness in severe ICA stenosis eyes is lower than in fellow eyes.The choroidal thinning may occur before the retinal changes in patients with ocular ischemic syndrome.Evaluations of choroidal thickness may be useful to choose the optimal therapeutic schedule for ICA patients.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant 61261007)the Key Program of Yunnan Natural Science Foundation(Grant 2013FA008)
文摘Ultrasound simulation for carotid arteries is helpful to the performance assessments of vessel wall detection and signal processing methods by using ultrasound techniques. An ul- trasound simulation method of carotid artery wall with a three-membrane structure is proposed in present study. According to the ultrasound speckle distributions varying with the shapes and densities of scatterer distributions, as well as the statistic results of the clinical images, the parameters of distributions, densities and intensities of scatterers for different kinds of tissues in the carotid artery phantoms are determined. Each region is acoustically characterized using FIELD II software to produce the radio frequency echo signals, from which ultrasound images are derived. The results based on 30 simulations show that the echo distributions of the intimae, mediae, adventitias and blood are consistent with the clinical ones. Moreover, compared with the results from the central frequency of 8 MHz, the mean measurements for thicknesses of the intima, media and adventitia membranes, as well as the lumen diameter from the simulation images based on 12 MHz are the same as the preset ones, and the maximum relative errors are the 4.01%, 1.25%, 0.04% and 0.15%, respectively. The simulation under this condition is more realistic.
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 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.
基金Supported by The State Key Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82030027)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82101123).
文摘AIM:To investigate the features of retinal ischemic injuries in a novel mouse model with bilateral carotid artery stenosis(BCAS).METHODS:BCAS was induced with microcoil implantation in 6-8-week-old C57BL6 mice.Cerebral blood flow was monitored at 2,7,and 28d postoperatively.Retinal morphological changes were evaluated by fundus photography and hematoxylin-eosin staining.Fluorescein fundus angiography(FFA)was performed to detect retinal vascular changes and circulation.The levels of apoptosis,activation of neurogliosis,and expression of hypoxiainducible factor(HIF)-1αin the retina were assessed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining,followed by retinal ganglion cell(RGC)density detection.Additionally,electrophysiological examinations including photopic negative response(PhNR)was also performed.RESULTS:The mice demonstrated an initial rapid decrease in cerebral blood flow,followed by a 4-week recovery period after BCAS.The ratio of retinal artery and vein was decreased under fundus photography and FFA.Compared with the sham mice,BCAS mice showed thinner retinal thickness on day 28.Additionally,apoptosis was increased and RGC density was decreased mainly in peripheral retinal region.Neurogliosis was mainly located in the inner retinal layers,with a stable increase in HIF-1αexpression.The dark-adapted electroretinogram showed a notable reduction in the a-,b-,and oscillatory potential(OP)wave amplitudes between days 2 and 7;this gradually recovered over the following 4wk.However,the b-and OPwave amplitudes were still significantly decreased on PhNR examination on day 28.CONCLUSION:BCAS can result in relatively mild retinal ischemia injuries in mice,mainly in the inner layer and peripheral region.Our study provides a novel animal model for investigating retinal ischemic diseases.
基金Supported by the Science and Technology Program of Nantong Health Committee,No.MA2019003 and No.MA2021017Science and Technology Program of Nantong City,No.Key003 and No.JCZ2022040Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University,No.KD2021JYYJYB025,No.KD2022KYJJZD019,and No.KD2022KYJJZD022.
文摘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.
基金Supported by Huanhua Talent for Discipline Backbone of Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital,No.SY2022017Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Sichuan Province,No.2021JDJQ0041+1 种基金Sichuan Science and Technology Program,No.2020YFQ0060National Natural Science and Technology Foundation of China,No.81800274.
文摘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.
基金Supported by The Key Research and Development Program Projects of Shaanxi Province of China,No.S2023-YF-YBSF-0273Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province of China,No.2022JQ-900.
文摘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.
文摘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.
文摘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.
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 To report quality control methods and baseline reproducibility data of the ultrasound measurements of carotid artery intima-media thickness in the project of Establishment of an Integrated System for Coronary Heart Disease Prevention and Treatment. Methods Standard ultrasound scanning and measuring protocols were established by the study group. All sonographers and readers were trained by the carotid ultrasound core lab and all digital ultrasound images were centrally read. Ten subjects were scanned twice （with 1 week interval） by 2 sonographers independently and images were read by a single reader to evaluate the sonographer variability. Twenty subjects＇ images were read twice （with 1 week interval） by a single reader to assess the reader variability and the reproducibility of IMT measured at different carotid segments. Results The intraclass correlation （ICC） of intra- and inter-sonographer and intra- reader for mean IMT measurements was 0.99, 0.98 and 0.97 respectively; while for max IMT, it was 0.97, 0.99 and 0.95 respectively. Among different carotid segments and sites, ICC for mean 1MT measurements of common carotid （CCA）, carotid artery bulb （Bulb）, internal carotid artery （ICA）, overall near wall and overall far wall was 0.97, 0.99, 0.89, 0.93 and 0.98 respectively. Conclusion The reproducibility of IMT measurements according to our protocol is acceptable, although better reproducibility is found when measuring the mean IMT than max IMT, CCA and Bulb IMT than ICA IMT, and far wall IMT than near wall IMT.
基金Supported by Medical Science Research Project of Hebei Provincial Health Commission,No.20211642.
文摘BACKGROUND Carotid blowout syndrome(CBS)refers to rupture of the extracranial carotid artery and its branches;as a severe complication,it usually occurs after surgery or radiotherapy for malignant tumours of the head and neck.We present a case of CBS caused by chronic infection of the external carotid artery(ECA).In this case,we did not find any evidence of head and neck tumours.CASE SUMMARY A 42-year-old man was referred to the Emergency Department with a complaint of a lump found on the left side of his neck with pain and fever for 4 d.We diagnosed the condition as neck infection with abscess formation based on physical examination,routine blood examination,ultrasound examination and plain computed tomography(CT)and decided to perform emergency surgery.During the operation,30 mL of grey and smelly pus was drained from the deep surface of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.The second day after the operation,the patient suddenly exhibited a large amount of haemoptysis and incision bleeding.The enhanced CT showed distal occlusion of the left ECA and irregular thickening of the broken ends of the artery encased in an uneven enhancement of soft tissue density.Infected ECA occlusion and rupture were considered.The patient was transferred to a vascular unit for transcatheter ECA embolization and recovered well.CONCLUSION Surgeons need to pay attention to vascular lesions caused by chronic infection that may develop into acute CBS.
基金Supported by American Heart Association Grant in Aid Founders Affiliate No.17GRNT33420119(Mani V)NIH NHLBI 2R01HL070121(Fayad ZA)and NIH NHLBI 1R01HL135878(Fayad ZA)
文摘BACKGROUND Automated,accurate,objective,and quantitative medical image segmentation has remained a challenging goal in computer science since its inception.This study applies the technique of convolutional neural networks(CNNs)to the task of segmenting carotid arteries to aid in the assessment of pathology.AIM To investigate CNN’s utility as an ancillary tool for researchers who require accurate segmentation of carotid vessels.METHODS An expert reader delineated vessel wall boundaries on 4422 axial T2-weighted magnetic resonance images of bilateral carotid arteries from 189 subjects with clinically evident atherosclerotic disease.A portion of this dataset was used to train two CNNs(one to segment the vessel lumen and the other to segment the vessel wall)with the remaining portion used to test the algorithm’s efficacy by comparing CNN segmented images with those of an expert reader.Overall quantitative assessment between automated and manual segmentations was determined by computing the DICE coefficient for each pair of segmented images in the test dataset for each CNN applied.The average DICE coefficient for the test dataset(CNN segmentations compared to expert’s segmentations)was 0.96 for the lumen and 0.87 for the vessel wall.Pearson correlation values and the intra-class correlation coefficient(ICC)were computed for the lumen(Pearson=0.98,ICC=0.98)and vessel wall(Pearson=0.88,ICC=0.86)segmentations.Bland-Altman plots of area measurements for the CNN and expert readers indicate good agreement with a mean bias of 1%-8%.CONCLUSION Although the technique produces reasonable results that are on par with expert human assessments,our application requires human supervision and monitoring to ensure consistent results.We intend to deploy this algorithm as part of a software platform to lessen researchers’workload to more quickly obtain reliable results.
文摘Different treatment options are available for subclavian stenosis(SS).Carotid to subclavian bypass surgery(CSBS)is an increasingly used effective treatment strategy when stenting is impossible.However,in Nepal,little is known about SS and its management.A 58-year-old man with a history of aortic valve replacement surgery complained of progressive left arm weakness for the past 6 months associated with pain on exertion and blood pressure discrepancies in both arms.A computed tomographic scan confirmed near-complete subclavian artery stenosis and a Doppler ultrasound showed decreased bloodflow and systolic velocity.CSBS was selected as stenting was not feasible.Post-CSBS,all hemodynamic parameters returned to normal,lasting even after 2 years.CSBS appears to be a viable,safe,and promising treatment for symptomatic SS.However,additional studies need to be conducted to analyze the benefits of CSBS relative to other interventions.
基金supported by a grant from the National 12~(th) Five-Year Science and Technology Support Plan Project,No.2011BAI08B00
文摘This study aimed to summarize therapy experience of carotid endarterectomy, carotid endarterec- tomy combined with Fogarty catheter embolectomy, and hybrid surgery for the treatment of extrac- ranial internal carotid artery occlusion. The study included 65 patients with extracranial internal ca- rotid artery occlusion who underwent carotid endarterectomy, carotid endarterectomy combined with Fogarty catheter embotectomy, or hybrid surgery in the Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, China between January 2006 and December 2012. Prior to surgery, all patients underwent perfusion CT or xenon CT to evaluate the occlusion. The procedure for each patient was chosen according to digital subtraction angiography data. The carotid artery was successfully recanalized in 46 of 51 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy, 9 of 10 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy combined with Fogarty catheter embolectomy, and 3 of 4 patients who underwent hybrid surgery. In patients with symptomatic carotid artery occlusion, the carotid artery can be recanalized by choosing a treatment procedure based on imaging ex- amination findings.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81771825)Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission (D1711000 03017003)Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2017YFC1307904)
文摘Objective To determine the association between the irregularity of carotid plaque surface using multidimensional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) of ipsilateral acute cerebral infarction(ACI) cases. Methods Patients with recent cerebrovascular symptoms(stroke or transient ischemic attack < 2 weeks) and atherosclerotic plaque in at least one carotid artery were diagnosed by B-mode ultrasound imaging(intima-media thickness ≥ 1.5 mm) and recruited for the present study. Irregular surface was defined when plaque surface was uneven with high and low fluctuation or plaque with surface ulceration. The irregularity of carotid plaque surface was determined on axial or oblique images alone(single-dimension) and on both axial images and oblique images(multidimensions), separately. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratio(OR) and the corresponding 95% CI of the irregular plaque surface in discriminating the presence of ipsilateral ACI. Results A total of 217 included subjects(mean age: 60.7 ± 10.2 years, 149 men) were recruited and 89(41.0%), 88(40.6%) and 118(54.4%) of them exhibited irregular plaque surface on axial, oblique and multidimensional MR images, respectively. The OR of irregularity of the plaque surface was determined by multidimensional MRI to be 5.88(95% CI: 3.16–10.96, P < 0.001) in discriminating the presence of ipsilateral ACI. Following adjustment for clinical confounding factors, this association remained statistically significant(OR = 5.65, 95% CI: 2.53–12.60, P < 0.001). The analysis included further adjustment for the presence of lipid-rich necrotic core, intraplaque hemorrhage and stenosis and the results included that this association also remained statistically significant(OR = 6.08, 95% CI: 2.52–14.68, P < 0.001). Conclusions The irregular plaque surface was determined by multidimensional MRI as an independent indicator for ipsilateral acute cerebral infarction.
基金supported by the capital health research and development of special project [2016-2-2043]the ‘13th Five-Year Plan’ National Science and Technology supporting plan [2015BAI12B04]+4 种基金the National Key Technology Research and Development Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China [2013BAI09B03]Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals’ Mission Plan [SML20150501]Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders [BIBD-PXM2013_014226_07_000084]the Program of Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission [Z13110200680000]the Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China [81371292]
文摘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.
文摘Objective To investigate the relationship between insulin resistance and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with potential hyperglycemia. Methods A total of 221 patients were recruited among those with potential hyperglycemia. All participants underwent physical examination, medical history interview, and 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Venous blood was sampled for measurement of insulin and cholesterol levels. The intima-media thickness (IMT) in bilateral common carotid arteries was observed by B-mode ultrasound. Insulin resistance index was calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Subjects were stratified in quintiles according to HOMA-IR values. Risk factors and atherosclerotic parameters were analyzed. Results With HOMA-IR value increase, incidence of impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease increased, the levels of triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting plasma glucose, 2 hour plasma glucose, and fasting insulin increased as well, while the level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased. Meanwhile, all atherosclerotic parameters increased. Multivariate regression analysis showed that TG, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C levels, and ln(HOMA-IR) were related to IMT, hence were risk factors for IMT increase. Conclusion Insulin resistance is implicated in atherogenesis.
基金Supported by Start funding of Beijing Friendship Hospital(No.yyqdkt2016-8)
文摘AIM：To demonstrate the differences of retinal and choroidal structure changes in internal carotid artery（ICA） patients of China by enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography（EDI-OCT）.METHODS：A retrospective review was conducted of 46 patients with a diagnosis of ICA stenosis greater than 65% on only one side（the opposite ICA Stenosis had less than 40% stenosis） from June 2015 through June 2016.All of the patients were combined with amaurosis fugax,but without any abnormality with other ocular examination.Thickness and volume of choroid and retina were manually measured by EDI-OCT.Differences were compared between ICA stenosis eyes and fellow eyes.RESULTS：There were no significant differences in the retinal thickness,macular retinal nerve fiber layer（m RNFL） thickness,inner thickness,or outer retinal thickness between the ICA Stenosis group and the control group（P=0.834,0.187,0.552,and 0.903,respectively）.The mean central choroidal thickness of the ICA Stenosis group was significantly lower than that of the control group（239.70±23.76 μm vs 257.46±22.13 μm,P〈0.001）.The percentage of ICA stenosis was significantly associated with the central choroidal thickness,central retinal thickness,foveal center choroidal volume,and foveal center retinal volume（r=0.854,0.678,0.729,and 0.785,respectively;P〈0.001）.There were no significant differences in the retinal and choroidal volume values in the 4 inner and 4 outer sectors between the two groups.CONCLUSION：The choroidal thickness in severe ICA stenosis eyes is lower than in fellow eyes.The choroidal thinning may occur before the retinal changes in patients with ocular ischemic syndrome.Evaluations of choroidal thickness may be useful to choose the optimal therapeutic schedule for ICA patients.
