Advances in our understanding of the natural history and biology of atherosclerotic vascular disease led to the concept of a vulnerable plaque (VP), which is predisposed toward more rapid progression and acute coronary events. With newer technologies, we now have at our disposal high-quality imaging studies, both invasive and noninvasive, which promise in identifying plaque characteristics that make it more vulnerable. Upcoming trials aim to evaluate the utility of imaging VP in predicting clinical events. We discuss the role of VP imaging in managing atherosclerotic vascular disease.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/CRD.0000000000000238 | DOI Listing |
J Am Heart Assoc
January 2025
Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Oslo Norway.
Background: Complement activation may promote atherosclerosis. Yet, data on the to which extent complement, and more specifically the alternative complement pathway, is activated in patients with carotid atherosclerosis and related to adverse outcome in these patients, are scarce.
Methods And Results: We measured, by ELISA, plasma levels of factor D, properdin, C3bBbP (C3 convertase), and factor H in patients with advanced carotid atherosclerosis in a (n=324) and in a (n=206) cohort in relation to adverse outcome (mean follow-up 7.
J Atheroscler Thromb
January 2025
Department of Neurology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center.
Aim: Branch atheromatous disease (BAD), characterized by the occlusion of perforating branches near the orifice of a parent artery, often develops early neurological deterioration because the mechanisms underlying BAD remain unclear. Abnormal wall shear stress (WSS) is strongly associated with endothelial dysfunction and plaque growth or rupture. Therefore, we hypothesized that computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling could detect differences in WSS between BAD and small-vessel occlusion (SVO), both of which result from perforating artery occlusion/stenosis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Biosci (Landmark Ed)
January 2025
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece.
Background: Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and its related vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may play a significant role in atherosclerosis and their targeting is a strategic approach that may affect multiple pathways influencing disease progression. This study aimed to perform a systematic review to reveal current evidence on the role of HIF-1α and VEGF immunophenotypes with other prognostic markers as potential biomarkers of atherosclerosis prognosis and treatment efficacy.
Methods: We performed a systematic review of the current literature to explore the role of HIF-1α and VEGF protein expression along with the relation to the prognosis and therapeutic strategies of atherosclerosis.
J Clin Med
January 2025
Operative Unit of Vascular Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy.
: Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is one of the main causes of stroke, and the vulnerability of plaque has been proved to be a determinant. A joint analysis of shear wave elastography, a radiofrequency echo-based wall tracking technique for arterial stiffness evaluation, and of autonomic and baroreflex function is proposed to noninvasively, preoperatively assess plaque vulnerability in asymptomatic CAS patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy. : Elastographic markers of arterial stiffness were derived preoperatively in 78 CAS patients (age: 74.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnn Vasc Surg
January 2025
Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL. Electronic address:
Introduction: Carotid artery stenosis is a significant contributor to ischemic strokes, and its surgical management includes carotid artery endarterectomy (CEA), transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TF-CAS), and trans carotid artery revascularization (TCAR). CEA has traditionally been preferred, but TF-CAS and TCAR are also excellent alternative options if the anatomy of the vessels allows them. This study reports our short- and mid-term outcomes after carotid artery revascularization in symptomatic patients at a stroke center.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!