ABSTRACT
This study was designed to investigate the relation between plasma von Willebrand factor [VWF] or endothelin-1 [ET-1] and post-carotid artery stenting [CAS] restenosis. Plasma levels of VWF and ET-1 were measured in 61 patients [36 males, mean age 64.4 +/- 6.8 years] before and after CAS. The mean follow-up time was 13.8 +/- 1.7 months [range, 6-63]. In-stent restenosis was defined as a >10% narrowing of the vascular lumen with or without ischemic symptoms following CAS. In-stent restenosis was identified in 14 [23%] patients, including 3 with >50% restenosis. In the restenosis group, mean VWF and ET-1 levels at 2 weeks, 1 and 6 months after CAS were higher than the baseline levels [p < 0.05 or p < 0.01]. Mean levels of VWF and ET-1 in the restenosis group were higher than in the non-restenosis group within 6 months after CAS [p < 0.05 or p < 0.01]. Persistent elevation in plasma VWF and ET-1 within the first 6 months of CAS was found in patients with in-stent restenosis