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Background: Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms arising from the internal carotid artery subsequent to carotid endarterectomy are exceptionally infrequent. Herein, we present a case detailing an internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm that manifested subsequent to a hybrid carotid endarterectomy and endovascular therapy intervention. Our approach to managing this condition involved a novel technique wherein thrombin was directly injected into the luminal cavity of the pseudoaneurysm under the guidance of a C-arm. Case presentation: A 66-year-old male patient of Chinese ethnicity exhibited a 4-month history of headache and a 20-day history of gait disturbance. Digital subtraction angiography revealed occlusion in the cervical region of the left carotid artery. Following a hybrid surgical procedure, the patient reported mild pain and bruising surrounding the incision site of the left internal carotid artery endarterectomy. Subsequent angiography identified the presence of a carotid artery pseudoaneurysm. Utilizing C-arm guidance, thrombin was then directly injected into the luminal cavity of the pseudoaneurysm, resulting in complete healing during follow-up. Conclusion: For the management of pseudoaneurysms arising post carotid endarterectomy, the direct injection of thrombin into the aneurysm cavity under the guidance of a C-arm is deemed both safe and efficacious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a surgical procedure that can reduce the risk of stroke in patients with carotid artery stenosis. However, controversy still exists regarding the optimal surgical technique for CEA. Objective: To compare the safety and effectiveness of different techniques. Methods: Data on baseline characteristics as well as perioperative and postoperative complications from patients who underwent CEA at the Department of Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 262 CEA patients included in study, with a total of 265 CEA operations. The mean age of 69.95 ± 7.29 (range, 44–89) years. 65 (24.5%) patients underwent cCEA, 94 (35.5%) underwent pCEA, and 106 (40.0%) underwent eCEA. The use of shunt (1.9%) and the mean operation time were lower in eCEA group (P < 0.05). eCEA was also associated with a lower incidence of postoperative hypotension, whereas pCEA was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative hypertension (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in clinical baseline characteristics, occurrence of perioperative complications, and survival whether restenosis-free, asymptomatic or overall. Conclusions: This study found that all three surgical methods are equally safe for the treatment of carotid artery stenosis and are effective in preventing stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perioperative symptomatic carotid artery occlusion after carotid endarterectomy is a rare complication. In this study, we present a case of symptomatic acute carotid artery occlusion that occurred after carotid endarterectomy in a patient with coexistent subclavian artery steal phenomenon, which was successfully treated with subclavian artery stenting. Case presentation: A 57-year-old East Asian female presented with stenosis in the left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery along with subclavian steal. The proximal segment of the left anterior cerebral artery was hypoplastic, and the posterior communicating arteries on both sides were well-developed. Left internal carotid artery stenosis progressed during the follow-up examination; therefore, left carotid endarterectomy was performed. On the following day, symptoms of cerebral perfusion deficiency appeared due to occlusion of the left carotid artery. The stenotic origin of the left common carotid artery and the suspected massive thrombus in the left carotid artery posed challenges to carotid revascularization. Therefore, left subclavian artery stenting for the subclavian steal phenomenon was determined to be the best option for restoring cerebral blood flow to the whole brain. Her symptoms improved after the procedure, and the postprocedural workup revealed improved cerebral blood flow. Conclusion: Subclavian artery stenting is safe and may be helpful in patients with cerebral perfusion deficiency caused by intractable acute carotid occlusion coexisting with the subclavian steal phenomenon. Revascularization of asymptomatic subclavian artery stenosis is generally not recommended. However, cerebral circulatory insufficiency as a comorbidity may be worth considering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) have a high restenosis rate, which increases the risk of stroke, and there is still a lack of effective treatment for restenosis. The cause of stenosis is related to local inflammatory reactions. Some basic studies have shown that the inflammatory response causing arterial stenosis is closely related to the nerve axons distributed in its outer membrane, and that removal of the nerve is effective in reducing the inflammatory response to prevent arterial stenosis. Therefore, we propose to design a randomized controlled trial to study whether disconnecting the carotid sinus nerve during a CEA operation can reduce carotid arterial restenosis. Method/design: This study is a randomized, double-blind, single-center study. We will recruit 276 patients, who will be randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group. Based on the standard CEA operation, the operator will search for the carotid sinus nerve on the surface of the internal carotid artery and will entirely transect it in the experimental group. Both groups will be guided with the same postoperative treatment and will be followed up every 3 months for 3 years after the operation. The main indices observed will be the carotid restenosis rate, incidence and nature of carotid plaque, and carotid blood flow velocity. Other indices will be arrhythmia, blood pressure variability, and biomarkers of atherosclerosis, such as blood lipids, hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homocysteine, and total bilirubin. Discussion: It is expected that carotid sinus nerve transection will significantly reduce the occurrence of restenosis after CEA, decrease the incidence of ischemic stroke, and realize the effective primary prevention of stroke. Trial registration: ChiCTR2300073652. Registered on July 18, 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of the current meta-analysis was to determine the incidence and risk factors to provide a scientific basis for prevention and treatment of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods: Relevant articles published before October 2022 were searched from Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane and Embase databases. The outcomes were the incidence and risk factors for POCD. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the overall odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) for all risk factors through STATA 14.0 and RevMan 5.4. The quality of eligible studies was evaluated by Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) as previously described. Results: A total of 22 articles involving 3459 CEA patients were finally identified. The weighted mean incidence of POCD was 19% (95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 0.16–0.24, P < 0.001). Of the 16 identified risk factors, hyperperfusion (OR: 0.54, 95% CI 0.41–0.71) and degree of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis (OR: 5.06, 95% CI 0.86–9.27) were the potential risk factors of POCD, whereas patients taking statins preoperative had a lower risk of POCD (OR: 0.54, 95% CI 0.41–0.71). Subgroup analysis revealed that the risk of POCD at 1 month after CEA was higher in patients with diabetes (OR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.07–2.71). Conclusion: The risk factors of POCD were hyperperfusion and degree of ICA stenosis, while diabetes could significantly increase the incidence of POCD at 1 month after surgery. Additionally, preoperative statin use could be a protective factor for POCD following CEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: At present, the carotid web (CaW) as an important cause of cryptogenic ischemic stroke has gradually received clinical attention. CaW is associated with a high risk of stroke and patient is more likely to have recurrent stroke if the CaW is untreated. We report a patient who developed CaW related thrombosis during the acute period of cerebral infarction. Case presentation: A 49-year-old male patient with CaW in the left internal carotid artery was diagnosed by computed tomography angiography (CTA) and had two cerebral infarctions in two years. Within 72 h after thrombolysis for an acute cerebral infarction, acute thrombosis was identified between the web and the posterior wall of the carotid artery on carotid ultrasound. Emergent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) was performed to remove abnormal CaW structures and thrombosis to prevent stroke. The patient recovered well and was asymptomatic at 2 months follow-up. Conclusion: Carotid web related thromboembolism is a rare cause of stroke. Carotid ultrasound plays an important role in the diagnosis of asymptomatic thrombosis caused by carotid web. Carotid endarterectomy is effective for stroke prevention in patient with carotid web related thrombosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the effects and safety of remimazolam versus propofol on cerebral oxygen saturation and cerebral hemodynamics during the induction of general anesthesia in patients receiving carotid endarterectomy (CEA), so as to provide theoretical basis for better clinical application of remimazolam. Methods: Forty-three patients (60–75 years old) with carotid artery stenosis (carotid artery stenosis greater than 70%) were randomly divided into the remimazolam group (R group) and the propofol group (P group). Anesthesia was induced with remimazolam (0.3 mg/kg) or propofol (1.5-2 mg/kg) individually. At time of admission (T0), post-anesthesia induction (T1), consciousness disappears (T2), 1 min after loss of consciousness (T3), 2 min after loss of consciousness (T4) and pre-endotracheal intubation (T5), measurement in patients with regional cerebral oxygen saturation (SrO2), average blood flow velocity (Vm), resistance index (RI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and cardiac index (CI) were recorded. Results: SrO2 increased significantly in both groups after induction of anesthesia compared with baseline (P < 0.05) and decreased after loss of consciousness (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the mean value of the relative changes in SrO2 between the groups. Meanwhile, the Vm, RI, HR and CI of each time point between two groups showed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) while MAP in group P at T5 was lower than that in group R individually(P < 0.05). In each group, Vm, HR, CI and MAP at T2-T5 were all significantly reduced compared with T1, with statistically differences(P < 0.05). Specifically, there was no difference of RI at each time between or within groups(P > 0.05). Conclusions: Our study revealed that remimazolam can be administered safely and effectively during the induction of general anesthesia for carotid endarterectomy in elder population and it demonstrated superiority in hemodynamic changes compared with propofol. Clinical trial registration: This trial was retrospectively registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Registration number: ChiCTR2300070370. Date of registration: April 11, 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an alternative treatment to carotid endarterectomy for carotid artery stenosis. Acute stent thrombosis (ACST) is an extremely rare complication but can have devastating consequences. Although many cases have been reported, the best treatment is still uncertain. In this study, we report the treatment of ACST caused by diarrhea in an intermediate clopidogrel metabolizer. We also review the literature and discuss appropriate treatment strategies for this rare event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carotid endarterectomy is routinely performed after ischemic stroke due to carotid stenosis. Perioperative, cerebral blood flow and oxygenation can be monitored in different ways, but there is no clear evidence of a gold standard and a uniform guideline is lacking. Electroencephalography and near-infrared spectroscopy are among the most frequently used methods of neuromonitoring. Clinicians should be aware of their pitfalls and the added value of transcranial doppler.Case Presentation: We present the case of an 85-year old male with perioperative haemodynamic stroke during carotid endarterectomy. Ischemic stroke was caused by suddenly increased carotid stenosis resulting in major neurologic deficit. This was registered only by transcranial doppler, while surface electroencephalography and near-infrared spectroscopy failed to detect any significant change in cerebral perfusion, despite a large perfusion defect on computed tomography. Circulation was restored with endovascular treatment and neurologic deficit quickly resolved.Conclusion: We strongly advocate the practice of multimodal neuromonitoring including transcranial doppler whenever possible to minimize the risk of persistent neurologic deficit due to perioperative stroke during carotid endarterectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carotid endarterectomy is currently recommended for patients with recently symptomatic carotid stenosis ≥50%, based on randomised trials conducted 30 years ago. Several factors such as carotid plaque ulceration, age and associated comorbidities might influence the risk-benefit ratio of carotid revascularisation. A model developed in previous trials that calculates the future risk of stroke based on these features can be used to stratify patients into low, intermediate or high risk. Since the original trials, medical treatment has improved significantly. Our hypothesis is that patients with carotid stenosis ≥50% associated with a low to intermediate risk of stroke will not benefit from additional carotid revascularisation when treated with optimised medical therapy. We also hypothesise that prediction of future risk of stroke in individual patients with carotid stenosis can be improved using the results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the carotid plaque.Methods: Patients are randomised between immediate revascularisation plus OMT versus OMT alone. Suitable patients are those with asymptomatic or symptomatic carotid stenosis ≥50% with an estimated 5-year risk of stroke of <20%, as calculated using the Carotid Artery Risk score. MRI of the brain at baseline and during follow-up will be used as a blinded measure to assess the incidence of silent infarction and haemorrhage, while carotid plaque MRI at baseline will be used to investigate the hypotheses that plaque characteristics determine future stroke risk and help identify a subgroup of patients that will benefit from revascularisation. An initial analysis will be conducted after recruitment of 320 patients with baseline MRI and a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, to provide data to inform the design and sample size for a continuation or re-launch of the study. The primary outcome measure of this initial analysis is the combined 2-year rate of any clinically manifest stroke, new cerebral infarct on MRI, myocardial infarction or periprocedural death.Discussion: ECST-2 will provide new data on the efficacy of modern optimal medical therapy alone versus added carotid revascularisation in patients with carotid stenosis at low to intermediate risk of future stroke selected by individualised risk assessment. We anticipate that the results of baseline brain and carotid plaque MRI will provide data to improve the prediction of the risk of stroke and the effect of treatment in patients with carotid stenosis.Trial Registration: ISRCTN registry ISRCTN97744893 . Registered on 05 July 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plaque hardness in carotid artery stenosis correlates with cerebral infarction. This study aimed to quantitatively compare plaque hardness with histopathological findings and identify the pathological factors involved in plaque hardness. Methods: This study included 84 patients (89 lesions) undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) at our institution. Plaque hardness was quantitatively measured immediately after excision using a hardness meter. Collagen and calcification were evaluated as the pathological factors. Collagen was stained with Elastica van Gieson stain, converted to a gray-scale image, and displayed in a 256-step histogram. The median gray-scale median (GSM) was used as the collagen content. The degree of calcification was defined by the hematoxylin–eosin stain as follows: "0:" no calcification, "1:" scattered microcalcification, or "2:" calcification greater than 1 mm or more than 2% of the total calcification. Carotid echocardiographic findings, specifically echoluminance or the brightness of the narrowest lesion of the plaque, classified as hypo-, iso-, or hyper-echoic by comparison with the intima-media complex surrounding the plaque, and clinical data were reviewed. Results: Plaque hardness was significantly negatively correlated with GSM [Spearman's correlation coefficient: -0.7137 (p < 0.0001)]: the harder the plaque, the higher the collagen content. There were significant differences between plaque hardness and degree of calcification between "0" and "2" (p = 0.0206). For plaque hardness and echoluminance (hypo-iso-hyper), significant differences were found between hypo-iso (p = 0.0220), hypo-hyper (p = 0.0006), and iso-hyper (p = 0.0015): the harder the plaque, the higher the luminance. In single regression analysis, GSM, sex, and diabetes mellitus were significant variables, and in multiple regression analysis, only GSM was extracted as a significant variable. Conclusions: Plaque hardness was associated with a higher amount of collagen, which is the main component of the fibrous cap. Greater plaque hardness was associated with increased plaque stability. The degree of calcification may also be associated with plaque hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Studies of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) require stratification by symptomatic vs asymptomatic status because of marked differences in benefits and harms. In administrative datasets, this classification has been done using hospital discharge diagnosis codes of uncertain accuracy. This study aims to develop and evaluate algorithms for classifying symptomatic status using hospital discharge and physician claims data.Methods: A single center's administrative database was used to assemble a retrospective cohort of participants with CEA. Symptomatic status was ascertained by chart review prior to linkage with physician claims and hospital discharge data. Accuracy of rule-based classification by discharge diagnosis codes was measured by sensitivity and specificity. Elastic net logistic regression and random forest models combining physician claims and discharge data were generated from the training set and assessed in a test set of final year participants. Models were compared to rule-based classification using sensitivity at fixed specificity.Results: We identified 971 participants undergoing CEA at the Vancouver General Hospital (Vancouver, Canada) between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2016. Of these, 729 met inclusion/exclusion criteria (n = 615 training, n = 114 test). Classification of symptomatic status using hospital discharge diagnosis codes was 32.8% (95% CI 29-37%) sensitive and 98.6% specific (96-100%). At matched 98.6% specificity, models that incorporated physician claims data were significantly more sensitive: elastic net 69.4% (59-82%) and random forest 78.8% (69-88%).Conclusion: Discharge diagnoses were specific but insensitive for the classification of CEA symptomatic status. Elastic net and random forest machine learning algorithms that included physician claims data were sensitive and specific, and are likely an improvement over current state of classification by discharge diagnosis alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychological factors like anxiety and depression are recognised to play a causal role in the development of cardiovascular disease and they may also influence outcome after vascular surgery procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of anxiety and depression with postoperative outcome following elective carotid surgery. Methods: Single centre prospective observational study of patients treated for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis at an academic vascular surgery centre. Preoperative anxiety and depression were evaluated using self-reporting questionnaires: Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S/-T) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A/-D). Postoperative morbidity and mortality were assessed with the primary composite endpoint of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) and death. Standard reporting guidelines for carotid disease were applied. Results: From June 2012 to November 2015, 393 carotid endarterectomies (CEA) were performed at our institution. Out of those, 98 asymptomatic patients were available for analysis (78% male; median age, 71.1 years). Median scores of self-reporting questionnaires did not differ from published data of the general population (STAI-T, trait component, median, 36; IQR, 31-42.75; STAI-S, state component, median, 38; IQR, 32-43; HADS-A median, 6; IQR, 3-8; HADS-D median, 4; IQR, 2-7). Cardiovascular risk factors were similar in anxious and non-anxious patients. The composite endpoint of stroke, MI and death occurred significantly more often in patients presenting with a preoperative HADS-A score higher than 6 (10.5%, 95% CI, 3-25; p =.020). Conclusions: The present study indicates that preoperative anxiety is associated with the occurrence of intra- and postoperative neurological events in patients undergoing CEA. Patients who had a preoperative HADS-A score of 6 or less had a very low probability of experiencing these complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carotid atherosclerosis represents one of the complications of diabetes mellitus. In particular, plaque instability contributes to disease progression and stroke incidence. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein involved in promotion and progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between HMGB1 serum levels, main inflammatory cytokines, the presence of internal carotid stenosis and unstable plaque in a diabetic population. Research design and methods: We studied 873 diabetic patients, including 347 patients with internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) who underwent carotid endarterectomy and 526 diabetic patients without internal carotid artery stenosis (WICAS). At baseline, HMGB1 and the main inflammatory cytokines serum levels were evaluated. For ICAS patients, the histological features of carotid plaque were also collected to differentiate them in patients with stable or unstable atherosclerotic lesions. Results: We found that HMGB1 serum levels, osteoprotegerin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, were significantly higher in diabetic ICAS patients compared to diabetic WICAS patients. Among ICAS patients, individuals with unstable plaque had higher levels of these cytokines, compared to patients with stable plaque. A multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that HMGB1 and osteoprotegerin remained independently associated with unstable plaque in ICAS patients. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that HMGB1 is an independent risk factor for carotid plaque vulnerability in an Italian population with diabetes mellitus, representing a promising biomarker of carotid plaque instability and a possible molecular target to treat unstable carotid plaques and to prevent stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carotid atherosclerosis represents one of the complications of diabetes mellitus. In particular, plaque instability contributes to disease progression and stroke incidence. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein involved in promotion and progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between HMGB1 serum levels, main inflammatory cytokines, the presence of internal carotid stenosis and unstable plaque in a diabetic population. Research design and methods: We studied 873 diabetic patients, including 347 patients with internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) who underwent carotid endarterectomy and 526 diabetic patients without internal carotid artery stenosis (WICAS). At baseline, HMGB1 and the main inflammatory cytokines serum levels were evaluated. For ICAS patients, the histological features of carotid plaque were also collected to differentiate them in patients with stable or unstable atherosclerotic lesions. Results: We found that HMGB1 serum levels, osteoprotegerin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, were significantly higher in diabetic ICAS patients compared to diabetic WICAS patients. Among ICAS patients, individuals with unstable plaque had higher levels of these cytokines, compared to patients with stable plaque. A multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that HMGB1 and osteoprotegerin remained independently associated with unstable plaque in ICAS patients. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that HMGB1 is an independent risk factor for carotid plaque vulnerability in an Italian population with diabetes mellitus, representing a promising biomarker of carotid plaque instability and a possible molecular target to treat unstable carotid plaques and to prevent stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patch angioplasty in conventional carotid endarterectomy is suggested to reduce the risk of restenosis and recurrent ipsilateral stroke compared with primary closure. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials is needed to compare outcomes (benefits and harms) of both techniques. Methods: Searches (CENTRAL, PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and other databases) were last updated 3rd of January 2021. We included randomized clinical trials comparing carotid endarterectomy with patch angioplasty versus primary closure of the arterial wall in patients with a symptomatic and significant (> 50%) carotid stenosis. Primary outcomes are defined as all-cause mortality and serious adverse events. Results: We included 12 randomized clinical trials including 2187 participants who underwent 2335 operations for carotid stenosis comparing carotid endarterectomy with patch closure (1280 operations) versus carotid endarterectomy with primary closure (1055 operations). Meta-analysis comparing carotid endarterectomy with patch angioplasty versus carotid endarterectomy with primary closure may potentially decrease the number of patients with all-cause mortality (RR 0.53; 95% CI 0.26 to 1.08; p = 0.08, best-case scenario for patch), serious adverse events (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.56 to 0.96; p = 0.02, best-case scenario for patch), and the number of restenosis (RR 0.41; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.71; p < 0.01). Trial sequential analysis demonstrated that the required information sizes were far from being reached for these patient-important outcomes. All the patient-relevant outcomes were at low certainty of evidence according to The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Conclusions: This systematic review showed no conclusive evidence of a difference between carotid endarterectomy with patch angioplasty versus primary closure of the arterial wall on all-cause mortality, < 30 days mortality, < 30 days stroke, or any other serious adverse events. These conclusions are based on data from 15 to 35 years ago, obtained in trials with very low certainty according to GRADE, and should be interpreted cautiously. Therefore, we suggest conducting new randomized clinical trials patch angioplasty versus primary closure in carotid endarterectomy in symptomatic patients with an internal carotid artery stenosis of 50% or more. Such trials ought to be designed according to the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials statement (Chan et al., Ann Intern Med 1:200–7, 2013) and reported according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement (Schulz et al., 7, 2010). Until conclusive evidence is obtained, the standard of care according to guidelines should not be abandoned. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42014013416. Review protocol publication 2019 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026419. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative delirium is a frequent event after cardiac surgery. This meta-analysis aimed to identify relevant risk factors.Method: In this meta-analysis, all original researches regarding patients undergoing mixed types of cardiac surgery (excluding transcatheter procedures) and postoperative delirium were evaluated for inclusion. On July 28th 2020, we searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus. Data about name of first author, year of publication, inclusion and exclusion criteria, research design, setting, method of delirium assessment, incidence of delirium, odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of risk factors, and other information relevant was collected. OR and 95% CI were used as metrics for summarized results. Random effects model was applied.Results: Fourteen reports were included with a total sample size of 13,286. The incidence of delirium ranged from 4.1 to 54.9%. Eight risk factors were identified including aging, diabetes, preoperative depression, mild cognitive impairment, carotid artery stenosis, NYHA functional class III or IV, time of mechanical ventilation and length of intensive care unit stay.Conclusion: In this study several risk factors associated with postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery were identified. Utilizing the information may allow us to identifying patients at high risk of developing postoperative delirium prior to delirium onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate early and long-term outcomes after treatment of carotid artery stenosis in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to patients without T2D. Design/method: This observational nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study investigated all T2D patients treated for carotid stenosis registered in the National Swedish Vascular Surgery and the National Diabetes Registries. Data was collected prospectively for all patients after carotid intervention, during 2009–2015. We estimated crude early (within 30-days) hazard ratios (HRs) risk of stroke and death, and long-term HRs risk, adjusted for confounders with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), for stroke and death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by using inverse probability of treatment weighting matching. Results: A total of 1341 patients with T2D and 4162 patients without T2D were included; 89% treated for symptomatic carotid stenosis, 96% with carotid endarterectomy. There was an increased early risk, HRs (95% CI), for stroke in T2D patients 1.65 (1.17–2.32), whereas risk for early death 1.00 (0.49–2.04) was similar in both groups. During a median follow-up of 4.3 (T2D) and 4.6 (without T2D), with a maximum of 8.0 years; after propensity score matching there was an increased HRs (95% CI) of stroke 1.27 (1.05–1.54) and death 1.27 (1.10–1.47) in T2D patients compared to patients without T2D. Corresponding numbers for MACE were 1.21 (1.08–1.35). Conclusions: Patients with T2D run an increased risk for stroke, death, and MACE after carotid intervention. They also have an increased perioperative risk for stroke, but not for death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carotid stenosis is a known risk factor for ischemic stroke, and carotid artery stenting is an effective preventive procedure. However, the stroke risk reduction for asymptomatic patients is small. Therefore, it is important to reduce the risk of complications, particularly in asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Statins are known to reduce the overall risk of periprocedural complications, although there is a lack of data focusing on asymptomatic patients. We aimed to investigate whether different doses of statin pretreatment can reduce periprocedural complications of carotid artery stenting (CAS) in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis.Methods: Between July 2003 and June 2013, 276 consecutive patients received CAS for asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Periprocedural complications included the outcome of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death within 30 days of CAS. Statin pretreatment was categorized as no-statin (n = 87, 31.5%), standard-dose (< 40 mg, n = 139, 50.4%), and high-dose statin (≥40 mg, n = 50, 18.1%) according to the atorvastatin equivalent dose. The Cochran-Armitage (CA) trend test was performed to investigate the association of periprocedural complications with statin dose.Results: The overall periprocedural complication rate was 3.3%. There was no significant difference in the risk of periprocedural complications between the three groups (no statin: n = 3 [3.4%]; standard-dose: n = 4 [2.9%]; high-dose n = 2 [4.0%] p = 0.923). The CA trend test did not demonstrate a trend in the proportion of periprocedural complications across increasing statin equivalent doses (p = 0.919).Conclusions: Statin pretreatment before CAS showed neither absolute nor dose-dependent effects against periprocedural complications in asymptomatic patients undergoing CAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the clinical predictors of pathological good response (PGR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) to clarify the indications for local excision.Methods and Materials: A total of 173 patients with LARC (cT3-4/N +) who were treated with nCRT followed by surgery were enrolled in our retrospective study. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the different tumor responses of surgical pathology. Stage ypT0-1N0 was defined as the group with PGR, and stage ypT2-4N0/ypTanyN + was the defined as the pathological poor response (PPR) group, and the potential predictors were compared.Results: Of 173 patients, PGR was achieved in 57 patients (32.95%). The distance from the inferior margin of the tumor to the anal verge, cT classification, pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and the interval from the end of radiation to surgery were correlated with pathological response. In the multivariate analysis, the distance from anal verge < 5 cm (OR = 0.443, p = 0.019), pretreatment CEA < 5 ng/mL (OR = 0.412, p = 0.015) and the interval from the end of radiation to surgery ≥ 84 days (OR = 2.652, p = 0.005) were independent predictors of PGR.Conclusions: The distance from the inferior margin of the tumor to the anal verge, pretreatment CEA and the interval from the end of radiation to surgery were significant predictors of PGR in LARC. A prospective study is needed to further validate these results in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of tofogliflozin, a selective sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, on atherosclerosis progression in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients without apparent cardiovascular disease (CVD) by monitoring carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Methods: This prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint, multicenter, parallel-group, comparative study included 340 subjects with T2DM and no history of apparent CVD recruited at 24 clinical units. Subjects were randomly allocated to either the tofogliflozin treatment group (n = 169) or conventional treatment group using drugs other than SGLT2 inhibitors (n = 171). Primary outcomes were changes in mean and maximum common carotid IMT measured by echography during a 104-week treatment period. Results: In a mixed-effects model for repeated measures, the mean IMT of the common carotid artery (mean-IMT-CCA), along with the right and left maximum IMT of the CCA (max-IMT-CCA), significantly declined in both the tofogliflozin (− 0.132 mm, SE 0.007; − 0.163 mm, SE 0.013; − 0.170 mm, SE 0.020, respectively) and the control group (− 0.140 mm, SE 0.006; − 0.190 mm, SE 0.012; − 0.190 mm, SE 0.020, respectively). Furthermore, the tofogliflozin and the conventional treatment group did not significantly differ in the progression of the mean-IMT-CCA (mean change (95% CI) 0.008 (− 0.009, 0.025) mm, P = 0.34), along with the right (mean change (95% CI) 0.027 (− 0.005, 0.059) mm, P = 0.10) and the left max-IMT-CCA (mean change (95% CI) 0.020 (− 0.030, 0.070), P = 0.43). Similar findings were obtained even after adjusting for traditional CV risk factors and/or administration of drugs at baseline. Relative to the control treatment effects, tofogliflozin significantly reduced the HbA1c, blood glucose level, body weight/body mass index, abdominal circumference, and systolic blood pressure, and significantly increased the HDL-C. The total and serious adverse events incidences did not significantly vary between the treatment groups. Conclusions/interpretation: No IMT changes were observed between the tofogliflozin and the conventional treatment groups. However, tofogliflozin is a safe and effective treatment option for managing primary CVD risk factors in this population. Clinical Trial Registration UMIN000017607 (https://www.umin.ac.jp/icdr/index.html). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been proved that multi-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) vessel wall imaging could be used to characterize carotid vulnerable plaque components according to the signal intensity on different contrast images. The signal intensity of plaque components is mainly dependent on the values of T1 and T2 relaxation. T1 mapping recently showed a potential in identifying plaque components but it is not well validated by histology. This study aimed to validate the usefulness of in vivo T1 mapping in assessing carotid vulnerable plaque components by histology. Methods: Thirty-four subjects (mean age, 64.0 ± 8.9 years; 26 males) with carotid plaques referred to carotid endarterectomy were prospectively enrolled and underwent 3 T CMR imaging from May 2017 to October 2017. The T1 values of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), necrotic core (NC) and loose matrix (LM) which were identified on multi-contrast vessel wall images or histology were measured on in-vivo T1 mapping. The IPHs were divided into two types based on the proportion of the area of fresh hemorrhage on histology. The T1 values of different plaque components were compared using Mann-Whitney U test and the agreement between T1 mapping and histology in identifying and quantifying IPH was analyzed with Cohen's Kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Of 34 subjects, 19 had histological specimens matched with CMR imaging. The mean T1 values of IPH (651 ± 253 ms), NC (1161 ± 182 ms) and LM (1447 ± 310 ms) identified by histology were significantly different. The T1 values of Type 1 IPH were significantly shorter than that of Type 2 IPH (456 ± 193 ms vs. 775 ± 205 ms, p < 0.001). Moderate to excellent agreement was found in identification (kappa = 0.51, p < 0.001), classification (kappa = 0.40, p = 0.028) and segmentation (ICC = 0.816, 95% CI 0.679–0.894) of IPHs between T1 mapping and histology. Conclusions: The T1 values of carotid plaque components, particularly for intraplaque hemorrhage, are differentiable, and the stage of intraplaque hemorrhage can be classified according to T1 values, suggesting the potential capability of assessment of vulnerable plaque components by T1 mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Observe the relationship of anxiety and depression on quality of life outcomes after open and endovascular cerebrovascular procedures.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 349 patients who underwent a procedure for aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, intraparenchymal hemorrhage, carotid stenosis, acute stroke, and conventional catheter angiogram over three years at a community hospital. We correlated pre-procedural anxiety and depression with Global Physical Health, Global Mental Health, and Modified Rankin Scale scores. We performed univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses adjusting for past medical history and sociodemographic factors.Results: Anxiety or depression occurred in 18 % of patients. Patients with anxiety or depression were more likely to be female (81% vs 60.8%; p = 0.002) and younger (54 vs. 59 years old; p = 0.025). The groups did not differ in type or urgency of procedure, smoking or history of diabetes. Patients with anxiety or depression reported lower mental health scores at 30 days (45.1 vs 48.2; p = 0.002) post-procedure. In multivariate analyses, anxious or depressed patients had worse mental health scores at 30 days (t = - 2.893; p = 0.008) than those who did not have a history of anxiety or depression. There was no difference between groups in length of stay, mortality, physical health t-scores, functionality scores, or six month quality of life outcomes.Conclusions: Patients undergoing cerebrovascular procedures who self-reported anxiety or depression showed a significant difference in mental health outcomes at 30 days, but six month mental health and other medical and functional outcomes measures were similar to patients without these diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a beneficial procedure for selected patients with an internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. Surgical risk of CEA varies from between 2 and 15%. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of sonolysis (continual transcranial Doppler monitoring, TCD) using a 2-MHz diagnostic probe with maximal diagnostic energy on the reduction of the incidence of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) and brain infarction detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by the activation of the endogenous fibrinolytic system during CEA.Methods/design: Design: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial.Scope: international, multicenter trial for patients with at least 70% symptomatic or asymptomatic ICA stenosis undergoing CEA.Inclusion Criteria: patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic ICA stenosis of at least 70% are candidates for CEA; a sufficient temporal bone window for TCD; aged 40-85 years, functionally independent; provision of signed informed consent. Randomization: consecutive patients will be assigned to the sonolysis or control (sham procedure) group by computer-generated 1:1 randomization. Prestudy calculations showed that a minimum of 704 patients in each group is needed to reach a significant difference with an alpha value of 0.05 (two-tailed) and a beta value of 0.8 assuming that 10% would be lost to follow-up or refuse to participate in the study (estimated 39 endpoints).Endpoints: the primary endpoint is the incidence of stroke or TIA during 30 days after CEA and the incidence of new ischemic lesions on brain MRI performed 24 h after CEA in the sonolysis and control groups. Secondary endpoints are occurrence of death, any stroke, or myocardial infarction within 30 days, changes in cognitive functions 1 year post procedure related to pretreatment scores, and number of new lesions and occurrence of new lesions ≥0.5 mL on post-procedural brain MRI.Analysis: descriptive statistics and linear/logistic multiple regression models will be performed. Clinical relevance will be measured as relative risk reduction, absolute risk reduction and the number needed to treat.Discussion: Reduction of the periprocedural complications of CEA using sonolysis as a widely available and cheap method may significantly increase the safety of CEA and extend the indication criteria for CEA.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02398734 . Registered on 20 March 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transesophageal echocardiography is widely used in cardiac surgery. Transesophageal echocardiography probe insertion and manipulation can injure the esophagus. Case presentation: A 76-year-old Asian man was admitted to our hospital for coronary artery bypass graft revascularization surgery. A right carotid endarterectomy was successfully performed 2 days before coronary artery bypass graft revascularization surgery. After the coronary artery bypass graft revascularization surgery was done successfully, postoperative computed tomography and esophagography revealed perforation of the middle esophagus. The patient was managed with fasting, parenteral nutrition, and intravenous antibiotics. Conclusions: Esophageal perforation can occur with transesophageal echocardiography probe insertion, even without difficulty or resistance, in patients with atherosclerotic disease. Appropriate imaging and vigilance for esophageal injury after a transesophageal echocardiography examination in patients with cardiovascular disease are necessary for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of carotid endarterectomy (CE) compared with carotid angioplasty (CA) in preventing stroke. Whether the use of CE is more efficient in preventing stroke than CA is a matter of debate.Methods: Data were gathered from randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effect of CE compared with CA on the risk of stroke. Electronic searches in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were performed to identify studies till November 2014. Only randomized controlled trials performed on patients who received either CE or CA for stroke prevention were included.Results: Nine relevant trials (n = 7163) that met the inclusion criteria were identified. In a pooled analysis, CE resulted in 35 % reduction in relative risk (RR) for short-term stroke [RR, 0.65; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.47-0.89; P = 0.007)] and 22 % reduction in RR for long-term stroke (RR, 0.78; 95 % CI: 0.66-0.93; P = 0.006) relative to CA. However, CE also increased the risk of 30-day myocardial infarction by 114 % compared with CA (RR, 2.14; 95 % CI: 1.30-3.53; P = 0.003). Sensitivity analyses suggested that CE might influence the risk of 30-day major vascular events and 1-year major vascular events compared with CA.Conclusions: CE could reduce the risk of stroke (whether short term or long term), but resulted in a relative increase in the risk of myocardial infarction. This study might guide appropriate judgments about treatment approach. It also provided evidence to justify general guidelines for patients with carotid artery stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral hyperperfusion is a relatively rare syndrome with significant and potentially preventable clinical consequences. The pathophysiology of cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) may involve dysregulation of the cerebral vascular system and hypertension, in the setting of increase in cerebral blood flow. The early recognition of CHS is important to prevent complications such as intracerebral hemorrhage. This review will focus on CHS following carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting. We will discuss the typical clinical features of CHS, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities for detection, identification of patients at risk, and prevention and treatment. Although currently there are no specific guidelines for the management of CHS, identification of patients at risk for CHS and aggressive treatment of hypertension are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To compare the six-month outcome on mood, cognition and quality of life (QoL) in patients with severe carotid atherosclerosis (CA) who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with subjects who refused treatment. Methods: Cohort study on consecutive inpatients with CA (stenosis ≥ 50 %) (N= 46; age 72.56 ± 7.26; male 65.2 %). Intervention cohort: subjects who decided to undergo CEA (N = 35); Control cohort patients who refused CEA (N= 11). DSM-IV-Psychiatric diagnosis made by clinicians using interviews, QoL measured by Short Form Health Survey (SF-12); cognitive performance by WAIS Intelligent Coefficient (IC). Results: The study showed a better improvement during six months in Overall IC, Performance IC and Verbal IC in the group that underwent CEA. QoL in the two cohorts did not reach statistical significance. Percentages of patients who improved in the CEA group were significantly higher with regard to Overall and Verbal IC scores, and at the limits of statistical significance in Performance IC. The differences of subject with improvement in SF-12 score in the two groups did not reach statistical significance. Ages below 68 were found to be determinant of a good outcome in Overall IC score. Limit: study conducted with a small sample size. Conclusions: Patients with severe carotid atherosclerosis who underwent CEA enhanced their cognitive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between preoperative chronic cerebral ischemia and postoperative new cerebral ischemia in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA).Methods: We reviewed the diffusion weighted magnetic resonance images (DWI) of the 51 patients (37 men, mean age 68.8 ± 8.4 years) undergoing isolated CEA in the preoperative and early postoperative period. The number, anatomic location and the size of new ischemic lesions were recorded.Results: In the preoperative period, 28 (54.9 %) patients were symptomatic. There was chronic cerebral infarction in the preoperative DWI images of 17 patients (33.3 %). In the postoperative period, there was newly developed cerebral ischemia in postoperative DWI images of eight (15.7 %) patients. Six of the eight patients with newly developed cerebral ischemia had chronic cerebral infarction in their preoperative DWI images. The incidence of newly developed cerebral ischemia after CEA in patients with preoperative chronic cerebral ischemia was significantly higher than the incidence in patients without preoperative chronic cerebral ischemia (p = 0.01).Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that preoperative chronic cerebral ischemia may aggravate postoperative newly developed cerebral ischemia in patients undergoing CEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is a well-established independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality related to atherosclerotic disease. Four GGT fractions have been identified in plasma, but only b-GGT fraction accumulates in atherosclerotic plaques, and correlates with other histological markers of vulnerability. The present study was aimed to evaluate whether macrophagic lineage cells may provide a source of b-GGT within the atherosclerotic plaque.Methods: GGT expression and release were studied in human monocytes isolated from peripheral blood of healthy donors. The growth factors GM-CSF and M-CSF were used to induce differentiation into M1-like and M2-like macrophages, respectively. Plaque GGT was investigated in tissue samples obtained from patients undergoing carotid endoarterectomy.Results: We found that M1-like macrophages express higher levels of GGT as compared to M2-like, and that both monocytes and M1-like macrophages-but not M2-like-are able to release the b-GGT fraction upon activation with pro-inflammatory stimuli. Western blot analysis of b-GGT extracted from plaques confirmed the presence of a GGT immunoreactive peptide coincident with that of macrophages.Conclusions: Our data indicate that macrophages characterized by a pro-inflammatory phenotype may contribute to intra-plaque accumulation of b-GGT, which in turn may play a role in the progression of atherosclerosis by modulating inflammatory processes and favouring plaque instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Stenosis of the internal carotid artery has been associated with cognitive impairment and decline. However, studies testing the effect of carotid revascularisation on cognition have had conflicting results. This may in part be explained by variation in the flow territory of the carotid artery. In 12 to 36% of the patients, the posterior cerebral artery is mainly or exclusively supplied by the internal carotid artery via a foetal-type posterior cerebral artery. In these patients, ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis is likely to result in a larger area with hypoperfusion than in case of a normal posterior cerebral artery. Patients with a foetal-type posterior cerebral artery could therefore benefit more from revascularisation. We compared the effects of carotid revascularisation on cognition between patients with a foetal-type and those with a normal posterior cerebral artery. Methods Patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis ⩾ 50%, enrolled in the International Carotid Stenting Study (ICSS) at a single centre, underwent detailed neuropsychological examinations before and 6 months after revascularisation. Cognitive test results were standardized into z-scores, from which a cognitive sumscore was calculated. The primary outcome was the change in cognitive sumscore between baseline and follow-up. Changes in cognitive sumscore were compared between patients with an ipsilateral foetal-type and those with a normal posterior cerebral artery, as assessed with CT or MR angiography. Results Of 145 patients enrolled in ICSS at the centre during the study period, 98 had both angiography at baseline and neuropsychological examination at baseline and at 6-months follow-up. The cognitive sum score decreased by 0.28 (95% confidence interval, 0.10 to 0.45) in 13 patients with an ipsilateral foetal-type posterior cerebral artery and by 0.07 (95% CI, 0.002 to 0.15) in 85 patients with a normal posterior cerebral artery (mean difference, - 0.20; 95% CI, -0.40 to -0.01). This did not change essentially after adjustment for baseline factors. Conclusion An ipsilateral foetal-type posterior cerebral artery appears to increase cognitive decline after carotid revascularisation. Our findings have to be reproduced in an independent study before further implications can be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Restenosis of the carotid artery is common following carotid endarterectomy, but analysis of lesion composition has mostly been based on histological study of explanted restenotic lesions. This study investigated the ability of 3T cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to determine the components of recurrent carotid artery disease and examined whether these differed from primary atherosclerotic plaque. Methods 50 patients underwent 3T CMR of both carotid arteries using a standard multicontrast protocol: time-of-flight (TOF), T1-weighted (T1W), T2-weighted (T2W), and PD-weighted (PDW) Turbo-Spin-Echo (TSE) sequences. 25 patients had previously undergone carotid endarterectomy (mean time since surgery 1580 days, range 45-6560 days), and 25 with primary asymptomatic atherosclerotic plaques served as controls. Two experienced reviewers analysed the multicontrast CMR images according to the presence or absence of major plaque features and assigned an overall classification type. Results In patients with recurrent carotid disease following endarterectomy, the mean degree of restenosis was 51% (range 30-90%). Three distinct types of restenosis were identified: 5 patients (20%) showed CMR characteristics of fibro-atheromatous tissue, 11 patients (44%) had plaque features consistent with possible myointimal (fibromuscular) hyperplasia, and 6 patients (24%) had recurrent plaque suggestive of further lipid accumulation. Three patients (12%) showed evidence of post-surgical dissection of the carotid intima. Compared to primary atherosclerotic plaques, restenotic plaques were more likely to contain fibro-atheromatous tissue (p = 0.05) and smooth muscle (p < 0.01), and less likely to contain lipid (p < 0.01). Composition did not differ significantly between patients with early and late restenosis. Conclusions As defined by CMR, restenotic lesions of the carotid artery fall into three distinct types and differ in composition from primary atherosclerotic plaques. If validated by subsequent histological studies, these findings could suggest a role for CMR in detecting high-risk (i.e. lipid-rich) restenotic lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Branches from the cervical portion of the internal carotid artery are rare. In most cases, atherosclerotic stenosis is found at the bifurcation of the internal and external carotid arteries. However, when associated with atherosclerotic carotid artery disease, the origin of the rare branches arising from the internal carotid artery can be another site of stenosis. This report describes a rare case of such tandem carotid stenosis treated by carotid endarterectomy and the importance of the possibility of stenosis at the origin of the anomalous branch from the internal carotid artery. Case presentation A 73-year-old Japanese woman presented with transient left hemiparesis and vertigo. Magnetic resonance angiography seemed to indicate two stenotic lesions distal to the right internal carotid artery in addition to the origin of the right internal carotid artery, and angiography indicated tandem stenotic lesions of the internal carotid artery. The patient was successfully treated with right carotid endarterectomy, including the distal stenotic lesion of internal carotid artery, and postoperative angiography indicated that the occipital artery arose from the internal carotid artery. Conclusion It is important to recognize rare cases of the anomalous origin of the occipital artery from the internal carotid artery and the possibility that the origin of such an anomalous occipital artery may be the cause of stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intraoperative arterial hypotension can lead to severe complications in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, in particular if cerebral auto-regulation is impaired. Short-acting agents, such as phenylephrine or ephedrine, commonly used to correct intra-operative hypotension, have different hemodynamic effects. Recently, it was reported that, in healthy anesthetized subjects with intact cerebral auto-regulation, frontal lobe cerebral tissue oxygenation declined after phenylephrine bolus administration, while it was preserved after ephedrine use (Br J Anaesth 107:209-217, 2011; Neurocrit Care 12:17-23, 2010). However, the effect of both agents in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy is unknown. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of two routinely used vasopressors (phenylephrine and ephedrine) on the cerebral hemodynamics during carotid endarterectomy. Methods/design: Patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy will be prospectively included and randomized for correction of intraoperative hypotension with either phenylephrine (50 to 100 µg) or ephedrine (5 to 10 mg). If hypotension persists for more than five minutes after treatment, the patient will be classified as a non-responder and escape medication as preferred by the anesthesiologist will be administered. Changes in cerebral hemodynamics will be quantified by changes in transcranial Doppler-derived middle cerebral artery blood velocity and near infra-red spectroscopy-derived frontal lobe cerebral tissue oxygenation, when intra-operative hypotension is treated with phenylephrine or ephedrine in patients who undergo carotid endarterectomy with or without an adequate functioning cerebral auto-regulation. To quantify whether the intra-operative cerebral auto-regulation is impaired or not, a decrease in breathing frequency from the normal 12 breaths per minute to 6 breaths per minute for an episode of three minutes will be performed. Discussion: Phenylephrine and ephedrine are two of the most commonly used short-acting agents to increase blood pressure in clinical anesthesiologic practice. Monitoring of middle cerebral artery blood velocity with transcranial Doppler and frontal lobe cerebral tissue oxygenation with near infra-red spectroscopy are part of the standard of care. Furthermore, there are no reports that the three-minute modification in breathing frequency described in the "intervention"-section is harmful. Therefore, the risks for participating patients are negligible and the burden minimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the study of changing trends of carotid artery stenting utilization and carotid endarterectomy (CEA). For past two decades, CEA prevents atherosclerotic stroke. The study comprised of a sample of U.S. hospital discharge records of CEA and CAS. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate intervention with specific data elements like age and gender.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the clinical predictors of pathological good response (PGR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) to clarify the indications for local excision. Methods and materials: A total of 173 patients with LARC (cT3–4/N +) who were treated with nCRT followed by surgery were enrolled in our retrospective study. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the different tumor responses of surgical pathology. Stage ypT0–1N0 was defined as the group with PGR, and stage ypT2–4N0/ypTanyN + was the defined as the pathological poor response (PPR) group, and the potential predictors were compared. Results: Of 173 patients, PGR was achieved in 57 patients (32.95%). The distance from the inferior margin of the tumor to the anal verge, cT classification, pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and the interval from the end of radiation to surgery were correlated with pathological response. In the multivariate analysis, the distance from anal verge < 5 cm (OR = 0.443, p = 0.019), pretreatment CEA < 5 ng/mL (OR = 0.412, p = 0.015) and the interval from the end of radiation to surgery ≥ 84 days (OR = 2.652, p = 0.005) were independent predictors of PGR. Conclusions: The distance from the inferior margin of the tumor to the anal verge, pretreatment CEA and the interval from the end of radiation to surgery were significant predictors of PGR in LARC. A prospective study is needed to further validate these results in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease affecting the coronary, carotid, and lower limb arteries. Cerebrovascular accidents and lower limb ischemia are devastating postoperative complications. We aimed to evaluate the role of non-selective routine arterial duplex scanning in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Methods: This non-randomized clinical trial included 360 patients scheduled for elective isolated CABG who were divided into two groups: low-risk (n = 180) and high-risk (n = 180). Both groups underwent preoperative carotid and lower limb ultrasound screening for associated arteriopathy.Results: 16 (8.9%) patients and 22 (12.2%) patients showed ≥70% carotid artery stenosis while 11 patients (6.1%) and 20 patients (11.1%) showed ≥50% lower limb arterial stenosis in the low-risk group and the high-risk group, respectively; though the difference was not statistically significant in both the cases (p > 0.1).Conclusion: Routine preoperative peripheral arterial screening by sonography is a feasible and effective strategy to avoid unnecessary post CABG complications.Trial Registration: NCT03516929 , Registered in 24 th of April 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ultrasound guided intermediate cervical plexus block with perivascular infiltration of the internal carotid artery (PVB) is a new technique for regional anesthesia in carotid endarterectomy (CEA). We conducted a pilot study investigating the effects of deep cervical block (DCB), intermediate cervical block alone (ICB) and PVB on perioperative complications in patients undergoing elective CEA. We hypothesized, that the ropivacaine plasma concentration is higher in patients receiving DCB compared to PVB and ICB. Methods: In a randomized controlled pilot study thirty patients scheduled for elective CEA were randomly assigned into three groups: DCB receiving 20 mL ropivacaine 0.5% (n = 10), ICB receiving 20 mL ropivacaine 0.5% (n = 10) and PVB receiving 20 mL ropivacaine 0.5% and 10 mL ropivacaine 0,3% (n = 10). As primary outcome, plasma levels of ropivacaine were measured with high performance liquid chromatography before, 5, 10, 20, 60, and 180 min after the injection of ropivacaine. Secondary outcomes were vascular and neurological complications as well as patients' and surgeons' satisfaction. All analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. Results: No conversion to general anesthesia was necessary and we observed no signs of local anesthetic intoxication or accidental vascular puncture. Plasma concentration of ropivacaine was significantly higher in the DCB group compared to PVB and ICB (p < 0.001) and in the PVB group compared to ICB (p = 0.008). Surgeons' satisfaction was higher in the PVB group compared to ICB (p = 0.003) and patients' satisfaction was higher in the PVB group compared to ICB (p = 0.010) and DCB group (p = 0.029). Phrenic nerve paralysis was observed frequently in the DCB group (p < 0.05). None of these patients with hemi-diaphragmatic paralysis showed signs of respiratory distress. Conclusion: The ultrasound guided PVB is a safe and effective technique for CEA which is associated with lower plasma levels of local anesthetic than the standard DCB. Considering the low rate of complications in all types of regional anesthesia for CEA, larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to assess potential side effects among the blocks. Trial registration: The trial was registered at German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) on 04/05/2019 (DRKS00016705, retrospectively registered). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is routinely performed for asymptomatic carotid stenosis, yet its average net benefit is small. Risk stratification may identify high risk patients that would clearly benefit from treatment.Methods: Retrospective cohort study using data from the Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study (ACAS). Risk factors for poor outcomes were included in backward and forward selection procedures to develop baseline risk models estimating the risk of non-perioperative ipsilateral stroke/TIA. Baseline risk was estimated for all ACAS participants and externally validated using data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Baseline risk was then included in a treatment risk model that explored the interaction of baseline risk and treatment status (CEA vs. medical management) on the patient-centered outcome of any stroke or death, including peri-operative events.Results: Three baseline risk factors (BMI, creatinine and degree of contralateral stenosis) were selected into our baseline risk model (c-statistic 0.59 [95% CI 0.54-0.65]). The model stratified absolute risk between the lowest and highest risk quintiles (5.1% vs. 12.5%). External validation in ARIC found similar predictiveness (c-statistic 0.58 [0.49-0.67]), but poor calibration across the risk spectrum. In the treatment risk model, CEA was superior to medical management across the spectrum of baseline risk and the magnitude of the treatment effect varied widely between the lowest and highest absolute risk quintiles (3.2% vs. 10.7%).Conclusion: Even modestly predictive risk stratification tools have the potential to meaningfully influence clinical decision making in asymptomatic carotid disease. However, our ACAS model requires target population recalibration prior to clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sterol regulatory-element binding proteins (SREBPs) and mir-33 (miR-33a, miR-33b), which are encoded by the introns of SREBPs, are key factors in the lipid metabolism pathway. SREBPs mRNA in circulating leucocyte and carotid plaques, along with various risk factors that associated with Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease (CAD) were investigated in a central Chinese cohort. Methods: A total of 218 coronary atherosclerotic disease (CAD) patients, and 178 non-CAD controls, were recruited to collect leukocytes. Carotid plaques and peripheral blood were obtained from CAD patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) (n = 12) while THP-1 and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to establish an in vitro foam cell formation model. SREBPs and miR-33 levels were quantified by qPCR. Routine biochemical markers were measured using standard procedures. Results: SREBP-1 mRNA level of circulating leucocytes in CAD patients were significantly lower than in non-CAD controls (p = 0.005). After stratification coronary artery atherosclerotic complexity, we detected a significant reduction of SREBP-1 in high-risk complexity CAD patients (SYNTAX score > 23) (p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that decreased expression of SREBP-1 was a risk factor of CAD (odds ratio (OR) =0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.30~0.76, p = 0.002) after adjusting clinical confounders; the mRNA levels of SREBPs in carotid plaques correlated with the corresponding value in circulating leukocytes (SREBP-1 r = 0.717, p = 0.010; SREBP-2 r = 0.612, p = 0.034). Finally, there was no significant difference in serum miR-33 levels between CAD patients and controls. Conclusions: Our finding suggesting a potential role in the adjustment of established CAD risk. The future clarification of how SREBP-1 influence the pathogenesis of CAD might pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The monitoring of regional cerebral oxygen saturation (SrO2) using near-infrared spectroscopy is useful method to detect cerebral ischemia during. Sevoflurane and propofol decrease cerebral metabolic rate (CMRO2) in a similar manner, but the effects on the cerebral blood flow (CBF) are different. We hypothesized that the effects of sevoflurane and propofol on SrO2 were different in patients with deficits of CBF. This study compared the effect of sevoflurane and propofol on SrO2 of patients undergoing cerebral endarterectomy (CEA). Method: Patients undergoing CEA were randomly assigned to the sevoflurane or propofol group (n = 74). The experiment was preceded in 2 stages based on carotid artery clamping. The first stage was from induction of anaesthesia to immediately before clamping of the carotid artery, and the second stage was until the end of the operation after clamping of the carotid artery. Oxygen saturation (SrO2, SpO2), haemodynamic variables (blood pressure, heart rate), respiratory parameters (end-tidal carbon dioxide tension, inspired oxygen tension), concentration of anesthetics, and anesthesia depth (bispectral index score) were recorded. Results: During stage 1 period (before carotid artery clamping), the mean value of the relative changes in SrO2 was higher (P = 0.033) and the maximal decrease in SrO2 was lower in the sevoflurane group compared with the propofol group (P = 0.019) in the contralateral (normal) site. However, there is no difference in ipsilateral site (affected site). SrO2 decreased after carotid artery clamping and increased after declamping, but the difference was not significant between two groups. Changes in mean arterial blood pressure was lower in sevoflurane group than propofol group after the carotid artery declamping (P = 0.048). Conclusion: Propofol-remifentanil anesthesia was comparable with sevoflurane-remifentanil anesthesia in an aspect of preserving the SrO2 in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Trial registration: Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT02609087, retrospectively registered on November 18, 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether age has an effect on short and long-term outcome in patients who undergo simultaneous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and carotid endarterectomy.Methods: From 2005 to 2017, 186 consecutive elective patients underwent CABG and synchronous endarterectomy at our institution. Patients were retrospectively classified according to age into 2 groups: patients above 70 years (elderly group: n = 97, 76.1 ± 3.9 years) and patients below 70 years (younger group: n = 89, 63.2 ± 4.8 years).Results: The European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II, 4.4% vs. 2.5%; p < 0.001) and Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score (0.7% vs. 1.6%; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the elderly group. Otherwise, there was no difference between the two groups concerning important preoperative risk factors or the intraoperative data. Postoperatively, the incidence of temporary dialysis was significantly higher in the elderly group (14.4% vs. 3.4%; p = 0.009). The rate of tracheotomy (16.5% vs. 2.2%; p = 0.001), of re-intubation (7.9% vs. 18.6%; p = 0.033) and drainage loss (600 ml vs. 800 ml; p = 0.035) was significantly higher in this elderly group. Neurological complications and 30-day mortality were comparable. Long-term survival was satisfactory for both groups. Nevertheless, 5-year survival rates (63% vs. 85%) were significantly lower in the elderly group (p = 0.003). Logistic regression analysis identified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and arrhythmia as significant risk factors for 30-day-mortality, but not age.Conclusions: CABG in combination with synchronous endarterectomy can also be performed with satisfactory results in elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to compare early and late outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) between Korean type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients and to investigate the impact of diabetes on the overall incidence of cardiovascular events after CEA. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 675 CEAs, which were performed on 613 patients with significant carotid stenosis between January 2007 and December 2014. The CEAs were divided into a type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) group (n = 265, 39.3%) and a non-DM group (n = 410, 60.7%). The study outcomes included the incidence of major adverse events (MAEs), defined as fatal or nonfatal stroke or myocardial infarction or all-cause mortality, during the perioperative period and within 4 years after CEA. Results: Patients in the DM and non-DM groups did not differ significantly in the incidence of MAEs or any of the individual MAE manifestations during the perioperative period. However, within 4 years after CEA, the difference in the MAE incidence was significantly greater in the DM group (P = 0.040). Analysis of the individual MAE manifestations indicated a significantly higher risk of stroke in the DM group (P = 0.006). Multivariate analysis indicated that diabetes was not associated with MAEs or individual MAE manifestations during the perioperative period, whereas within 4 years after CEA, diabetes was an independent risk factor for MAEs overall (hazard ratio [HR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–2.48; P = 0.026) and stroke (HR, 2.55; 95% CI 1.20–5.41; P = 0.015) in particular. Conclusions: Diabetic patients were not at greater risk of perioperative MAEs after CEA; however, the risk of late MAE occurrence was significantly greater in these patients. Within 4 years after CEA, DM was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of MAEs overall and stroke in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The presence of intraplaque haemorrhage (IPH) has been related to plaque rupture, is associated with plaque progression, and predicts cerebrovascular events. However, the mechanisms leading to IPH are not fully understood. The dominant view is that IPH is caused by leakage of erythrocytes from immature microvessels. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is an association between atherosclerotic plaque microvasculature and presence of IPH in a relatively large prospective cohort study of patients with symptomatic carotid plaque. Methods: One hundred and thirty-two symptomatic patients with ≥2 mm carotid plaque underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) of the symptomatic carotid plaque for detection of IPH and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-CMR for assessment of plaque microvasculature. Ktrans, an indicator of microvascular flow, density and leakiness, was estimated using pharmacokinetic modelling in the vessel wall and adventitia. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent samples T-test and binary logistic regression, correcting for clinical risk factors. Results: A decreased vessel wall Ktrans was found for IPH positive patients (0.051 ± 0.011 min− 1 versus 0.058 ± 0.017 min− 1, p = 0.001). No significant difference in adventitial Ktrans was found in patients with and without IPH (0.057 ± 0.012 min− 1 and 0.057 ± 0.018 min− 1, respectively). Histological analysis in a subgroup of patients that underwent carotid endarterectomy demonstrated no significant difference in relative microvessel density between plaques without IPH (n = 8) and plaques with IPH (n = 15) (0.000333 ± 0.0000707 vs. and 0.000289 ± 0.0000439, p = 0.585). Conclusions: A reduced vessel wall Ktrans is found in the presence of IPH. Thus, we did not find a positive association between plaque microvasculature and IPH several weeks after a cerebrovascular event. Not only leaky plaque microvessels, but additional factors may contribute to IPH development. Trial registration: NCT01208025. Registration date September 23, 2010. Retrospectively registered (first inclusion September 21, 2010). NCT01709045, date of registration October 17, 2012. Retrospectively registered (first inclusion August 23, 2011). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atherosclerotic lesions are comprised of distinct regions with different proteomic profiles. Men and women develop differences in lesion phenotype, with lesions from women generally being more stable and less prone to rupture. We aimed to investigate the differences in proteomic profiles between sexes, including distinct lesion regions, to identify altered proteins that contribute to these differences observed clinically. Methods: Carotid endarterectomy samples (ten men/ten women) were obtained, and intraplaque biopsies from three distinct regions (internal control, fatty streak and plaque) were analysed by tandem-mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical modelling, using orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis, was used to discriminate the proteomes between men and women. Results: Multivariate discriminant modelling revealed proteins from 16 functional groups that displayed sex-specific associations. Additional statistics revealed ten proteins that display region-specific alterations when comparing sexes, including proteins related to inflammatory response, response to reactive oxygen species, complement activation, transport and blood coagulation. Transport protein afamin and blood coagulation proteins antithrombin-III and coagulation factor XII were significantly increased in plaque region from women. Inflammatory response proteins lysozyme C and phospholipase A2 membrane-associated were significantly increased in plaque region from men. Limitations with this study are the small sample size, limited patient information and lack of complementary histology to control for cell type differences between sexes. Conclusions: This pilot study, for the first time, utilises a multivariate proteomic approach to investigate sexual dimorphism in human atherosclerotic tissue, and provides an essential proteomic platform for further investigations to help understand sexual dimorphism and plaque vulnerability in atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our aim was to compare the perioperative time courses of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its inhibitor (TIMP-1) in during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS).Methods: In our prospective study, twenty-five patients who were scheduled to undergo CAS were enrolled. We used a matched, historical CEA group as controls. Blood samples were collected at four time points: T1: preoperative; T2: 60 min after stent insertion; T3: first postoperative morning; and T4: third postoperative morning. Plasma MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels were measured by ELISA.Results: In the CEA group, the plasma levels of MMP-9 were significantly elevated at T3 compared to T1. In the CAS group, there was no significant difference in MMP-9 levels in the perioperative period. MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in the T3 samples of the CEA group compared to the CAS group. Significantly lower TIMP-1 levels were measured in both groups at T2 than at T1 in both groups. MMP-9/TIMP-1 at T3 was significantly higher than that at T1 in the CEA group compared to both T1 and the CAS group.Conclusions: CAS triggers smaller changes in the MMP-9-TIMP-1 system during the perioperative period, which may correlate with a lower incidence of central nervous system complications. Additional studies as well as cognitive and functional surveys are warranted to determine the clinical relevance of our findings.Trial Registration: NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine, Clinicaltrials.gov,NCT03410576, 24.01.2018, Retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]