Carotid intima-media thickness and plaques in internal carotid artery as surrogate markers of lower limb arterial lesions in Chinese patients with diabetic foot

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can impair healing of diabetic foot (DF) in patients with diabetes mellitus. To determine whether carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) can predict lower limb arterial lesions in patients with DF, this cross-sectional study enrolled patients with DF at West China Hospital (China) between January 2012 and December 2015. Ultrasonography was used to measure CIMT, assess the internal carotid arteries (ICA) for plaques, and evaluate lower limb segmental arteries for stenosis. The optimal CIMT cutoff for detecting lower limb PAD was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Factors associated with PAD were identified by logistic regression analyses. A total of 167 patients (mean age: 69.7±10.3 years; 102 men) were included. Patients with PAD were older and had higher levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein than patients without PAD (P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve was 0.747 (P<0.001). At the optimal CIMT cutoff of 0.71 mm, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 79.65, 61.11, 81.08, and 58.93%, respectively. Compared with those without PAD, more patients with PAD had CIMT ≥0.71 mm (79.65 vs 38.89%; P<0.001) and ICA plaques (66.37vs 11.11%; P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.118; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.056-1.183; P<0.001), ICA plaques (OR: 13.452; 95%CI: 4.450-40.662; P<0.001), and CIMT ≥0.71 mm (OR: 2.802; 95%CI: 1.092-7.188; P=0.032) were associated with PAD.CIMT may be a surrogate marker of PAD in patients with DF.

Internal carotid artery aneurysm mimicking normal-tension glaucoma / Aneurisma de carótida interna simulando glaucoma de pressão normal

ABSTRACT Differentiating glaucomatous from nonglaucomatous optic disc cupping remains challenging. We present a case of a 48-year-old woman with an internal carotid aneurysm of approximately 3.5 mm × 6.5 mm that mimicked normal-tension glaucoma. The patient had a 2-year history of low vision acuity in her left eye and frontal oppressive headache. Owing to the carotid aneurysm, she developed an asymmetric vertical cup-to-disc ratio above 0.2, and marked inferotemporal neuronal rim loss and pallor of the residual rim were noted in the left disc. She also developed a visual field defect with an arcuate scotoma in the left eye. The patient was referred to a neurosurgeon and underwent endovascular aneurysm occlusion. This case highlights the diagnostic importance of recognizing that many neurological defects remain underdiagnosed.

RESUMO diferenciação de escavações glaucomatosas e não glaucomatosas ainda permanece um desafio ainda nos dias de hoje. Nos descrevemos um caso de aneurisma de carótida interna medindo 3.5mm x 6.5mm que simulava um glaucoma de pressão normal. O caso é sobre uma paciente feminino de 48 anos com história de 2 anos de baixa acuidade visual no olho esquerdo e cefaléia frontal. Devido ao aneurisma de carótida a paciente desenvolveu uma assimetria de escavação vertical maior que 0.2 no olho esquerdo em relação ao direito com defeito localizado da camada de fibras nervosas temporal inferior. Ela também apresentava um defeito arqueado temporal superior a esquerda, cruzando a linha média vertical consistente. Após o diagnostico confirmado pela ressonância magnética funcional, a paciente foi enviada para o neurocirurgião para realização de uma oclusão endovascular do aneurisma. Esse caso nos alerta da importância de se lembrar que não apenas o glaucoma gera escavações suspeitas no disco óptico e que ainda muitos defeitos por causas neurológicas são subdiagnosticados.

Intima-Media Thickness in the Carotid and Femoral Arteries for Detection of Arteriosclerosis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Individuals / Espessamento Mediointimal nas Carótidas e Femorais para Detectar Aterosclerose em Pessoas que Vivem com o Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana

Abstract Background: The prevalence of atherosclerosis is higher in HIV-positive people, who also experience it earlier than the general population. Objectives: To assess and compare the prevalence of atherosclerosis evaluated by the intima-media thickness of carotid and femoral arteries, and by the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) in HIV patients treated or not treated with protease inhibitors (PIs) and controls. Methods: Eighty HIV+ subjects (40 using PIs and 40 not using PIs) and 65 controls were included in the study. Atherosclerosis was diagnosed by (carotid and femoral) ITM measurement and ABPI. Classical risk factors for atherosclerosis and HIV were compared between the groups by statistical tests. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: An IMT > P75 or the presence of plaque was higher in the HIV+ than in the control group (37.5% vs 19%, p = 0.04). Comparative analysis showed a significant difference (p=0.014) in carotid IMT between HIV+ with PIs (0.71 ± 0.28 mm), without PIs 0.63 ± 0.11 mm and, and controls (0.59 ± 0.11 mm). There was no significant difference in femoral IMT between the groups or in ABPI between HIV+ subjects and controls. However, a significant difference (p=0.015) was found between HIV+ patients not treated with PIs (1.17 [1.08 - 1.23]), and controls 1.08 [1.07 - 1.17]). Conclusion: In HIV patients, atherosclerosis is more prevalent and seems to occur earlier with particular characteristics compared with HIV-negative subjects.

Resumo Fundamento: Pessoas que vivem com o HIV (HIV +) têm maior prevalência de aterosclerose e a desenvolvem mais precocemente do que a população geral. Objetivos: Foi avaliar e comparar as prevalências de aterosclerose avaliada pela medida da espessura mediointimal (EMI) das carótidas comuns e femorais, e do índice tornozelo-braquial (ITB) nos grupos controle e HIV com e sem inibidores de protease (IPs). Métodos: Foram incluídas 80 pessoas com HIV + [40 usavam IPs e 40 não] e 65 controles. O diagnóstico de aterosclerose foi determinado pela medição da EMI (carótidas e femorais) e do ITB. Fatores de risco clássicos para aterosclerose e específicos para o HIV foram comparados entre os grupos, usando testes estatístcos. O valor de p ≤ 0,05 foi cosiderado significativo. Resultados: A EMI > P75 ou presença de placa foi mais elevada no grupo de HIV sem IP que no controle (37,5% vs 19%, p = 0,04). A análise comparativa mostrou diferença significativa (p=0,014) na EMI nas artérias carótidas entre HIV + com IPs (0,71 ± 0,28 mm), sem IPs (0,63 ± 0,11 mm) e controles (0,59 ± 0,11 mm), A EMI na femoral não teve diferença significante entre os grupos. Não houve diferença significante entre os grupos controle e de HIV + quanto ao ITB. No entanto, observou-se uma diferença significativa (p=0,015) no ITB entre os grupos HIV + sem IPs (1,17 [1,08 - 1,23]), e controles [1,08 (1,07 - 1,17)]. Conclusão: Em pacientes com HIV, a aterosclerose é mais prevalente e parece ocorrer mais precocemente, com características distintas, em comparação a indivíduos HIV-negativos.

Ankle-brachial Index, Peripheral Arterial Disease, and Diabetic Retinopathy / 예방의학회지

No abstract available.

Metaloproteinases de matriz e incorporação de colesterol na lipoproteína de alta densidade(HDL)na doença carotídea / Matrix metalloproteinases and incorporation of cholesterol in high density lipoprotein (HDL) in the carotid artery disease

As doenças cardiovasculares são a maior causa de morbimortalidade nos países emergentes, consistindo em doença arterial central, cerebral e periférica, em especial, a coronária e a carotídea. Dentre os diversos fatores e marcadores de risco que atuam no desenvolvimento e no agravo dessas doenças, encontram-se os relacionados com a aterosclerose. Este estudo avaliou a concentração sérica e a atividade de metaloproteinases de matriz (MMP-1, 2, 8, 9 e 12), a incorporação de colesterol livre na HDL, a atividade da paraoxonase e associação com outros fatores em pacientes com doença carotídea aterosclerótica. Métodos. Este estudo de corte transversal avaliou, em população de 65 indivíduos portadores (32) e não (34) de DCA (doença carotídea aterosclerótica), determinada por ecografia vascular com doppler, ambos os sexos, idade média de 51,1 (± 6,7) anos, a existência de diferenças entre de fatores associados à aterogênese, sua relação com o remodelamento do endotélio vascular e transporte reverso do colesterol. Foram padronizados e utilizados métodos com marcadores isotópicos, ELISA e zimografia por SDS-PAGE para determinação, identificação e verificação da atividade proteolítica. Resultados. Foi constatado que as amostras de soro dos pacientes portadores de DCA incorporaram menos colesterol livre triciado (CL-3H) quando comparados aos pacientes NDCA (não portadores de DCA) e, também, que os índices e demais parâmetros de avaliação do metabolismo lipídico corroboram o fenômeno (HDL-C, r=-0,330; p=0,0606, Pearson), mostrando uma tendência (HDL-C/apoA, r=0,511; p=0,0254) e relação positiva no grupo NDCA. Foram observadas correlações positivas entre MMP-1 e HDL-C (r=0,6175; p=0,002, Pearson) e MMP-1 com MMP-9 (r=0,5109; p=0,0215; Pearson) e MMP-1 com CMV-IgG (r=0,619; p=0,0012; Pearson) e correlação negativa entre MMP-9 e apoB no grupo DCA. Por ELISA foram evidenciadas, no grupo DCA, menores densidades ópticas (DO) de MMP-2 e MMP-9. Contudo, essas mesmas MMP (2 e 9) apresentaram maior atividade proteolítica no zimograma do grupo DCA. Conclusão. A menor incorporação de CL-3H no grupo DCA indica deficiência no transporte reverso do colesterol, essa alteração prejudica os mecanismos de proteção contra a aterogênese. Aliado a isso, observou-se redução das mensurações séricas das MMP no grupo DCA, a qual pressupõe a participação dessas MMP no remodelamento vascular, principalmente, nas placas e/ou lesões ateroscleróticas. As MMP e outros marcadores avaliados nos DCA mostraram que o evento não tem participação somente de moléculas relacionadas ao transporte lipídico, mas também, aquelas relacionadas à infecção por CMV (citomegalovirus), evidenciadas pela presença de correlação positiva entre MMP-1 e CMV-IgG. A menor incorporação de CL-3H, baixa DO de MMP-2 e 9, maior atividade proteolítica no zimograma e a MMP-1 associada à infecção por CMV são fatores a serem avaliados para utilização na predição de risco cardiovascular em pacientes com DCA. As menores DO de MMP-2 e 9 nos DCA em contraposição à maior atividade dessas proteinases suscita a participação de fatores reguladores (e.g. TIMP) da atividade dessas proteinases, atuando de forma distinta daquela dos NDCA.

Hipertensión arterial: el factor de riesgo más importante para grosor íntima-media carotídeo elevado y placa carotídea en adultos de Santiago / Risk factors for a high carotid intima media thickness among healthy adults

Background: Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) is a marker of cardiovascular damage that can be modified by traditional risk factors. Aim: To determine attributable risk factors for a high CIMT among healthy adults. Material ana Methods: A sample of 1270 individuáis (636 males and 634 femóles) aged 44 ±11 years, was studied. Blood pressure, weight, height, lipidprofile and blood glucose were measured in all. CIMT and thepresence of atheroscleroticplaques were determined by carotid ultrasound. Standard criteria were used to define hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes. Results: Mean CIMT in the sample studied was 0.62 ± 0.01 mm and percentile 75 was 0.67. The most important risk factor for a CIMT over percentile 75 and thepresence of atherosclerotic plaques was hypertension with attributable risks of 54 and 57 percent, respectively. Conclusions: In this sample, the main risk factor for a high CIMT was hypertension.

Exploración arterial y riesgo cardivascular en sujetos asintomáticos evaluados en el laboratorio de ultrasonido cardiovascular / Arterial exploration and cardivascular risk in asymptomatic subjects evaluated in cardiovascular ultrasound laboratory

Más de la mitad de las muertes súbitas de origen coronario suceden en sujetos previamente asintomáticos. La necesidad de ofrecerles las medidas adecuadas de prevención de eventos cardiovasculares a los pacientes de riesgo intermedio ha llevado a la realización de pruebas para la detección de ateromatosis subclínica. En el laboratorio de ultrasonido cardiovascular realizamos pruebas de vasodilatación mediada por flujo, la medición del grosor íntima-media y la determinación de las placas ateroscleróticas para evaluar el riesgo cardiovascular en sujetos asintomáticos. Cada uno de estos parámetros amerita el conocimiento de la técnica, indicaciones, interpretación y limitaciones.

More than half of sudden deaths due tocoronary diseaseoccurs in previouslyasymptomatic subjects. The need to provide appropriate measures to prevent cardiovascular events in patients with intermediate risk has led to testing for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis. At the cardiovascular ultrasound laboratory we perform: flow-mediated vasodilation test, intima media thickness measurement and determination of atherosclerotic plaques to assess cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic individuals. Each of these parameters warrants the knowledge of the technique, indications, interpretation and its limitations.

Subclinical atherosclerosis in obese adolescents with normal left ventricular function

To assess the impact of obesity on carotid intima media thickness and left ventricular [LV] mass in obese adolescents. The study included 52 obese adolescents [mean age 14.16 +/- 2.64 years] and 52 healthy adolescents who served as a control group [mean age 12 +/- 2.3 years], who were attended the outpatient clinic at Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt. The study population was submitted for medical history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations [fasting blood sugar and lipid profile], and echocardiographic examination of LV mass and dimensions. Assessment of carotid intima-media thickness was carried out by using carotid duplex. All children had normal LV function. Obese adolescents had a significant increase in total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, and low HDL-C compared to the control group. Also, there was a significant increase in blood pressure, carotid intima media thickness, LV mass, and LV mass index. There was a significant correlation between BMI and dyslipidemia, blood pressure, carotid intima/media thickness, LV mass, and posterior wall thickness. Carotid intima-media thickness had a significant correlation with increased LDL-C and low HDL-C, blood pressure, LV mass, and posterior wall thickness. Obesity in childhood and adolescents is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Although obese children had no LV dysfunction, yet there are LV structure changes

Idade e tempo em diálise são associações maiores com placas de carótida em pacientes não diabéticos em HD / Age and time on dialysis are major associations with carotid plaques in non-diabetic HD patients

Introdução: Aterosclerose acelerada é uma característica bem reconhecida da doença renal avançada, sendo um dos fatores predominantes associados com a alta morbidade e mortalidade nesta população de pacientes. Vários estudos correlacionaram a presença de placas ateroscleróticas com o estado nutricional e a inflamação nestes pacientes. Entretanto, fatores de risco tradicionais como hipertensão, tabagismo e dislipidemia devem sempre ser considerados no contexto de aspectos étnicos, geográficos e culturais de uma dada população de pacientes renais. Objetivo: Este estudo teve por objetivo a descrição da prevalência da aterosclerose avançada, segundo avaliação através da presença de placas carotídeas, e sua correlação com dados epidemiológicos, fatores de risco tradicionais e não-tradicionais em pacientes não diabéticos em hemodiálise (HD). Métodos: Trinta e nove pacientes em um programa regular de HD foram avaliados (idade média: 47,0 ± 12,8 anos, 20 homens, tempo médio em diálise: 5,2 ± 2,9 anos). A presença de aterosclerose foi investigada por Doppler de carótida e a inflamação pela proteína C-reativa (PCR). Dados acerca do estado nutricional, pressão arterial e parâmetros bioquímicos foram igualmente analisados. Resultados: A presença de placa em carótida foi um achado prevalente, observada em 64,1% dos pacientes. A idade (50,8 ± 10,6 anos) e o tempo em diálise (6 [1-15] anos) foram significativamente maiores no grupo de pacientes com placas, comparado ao grupo de pacientes sem placas (41,3 ± 14,5 e 4 [1-11], respectivamente, p < 0,05). Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos no que diz respeito à PCR, estado nutricional e parâmetros bioquímicos. Placas de carótida foram associadas com a idade acima de 38 anos (O.R.: 28.29; C.I.: 2.68-712.8; p < 0,001), e tempo em diálise acima de 4 anos (O.R.: 5.5; C.I.: 1.02-33.37; p < 0.05).Além disso, 70% dos pacientes com pressão diastólica pós HD menor do que 90 mmHg apresentaram placas de carótida.

Introduction: Accelerated atherosclerosis is a well-recognized characteristic of end stage renal disease (ESRD), as one of the leading factors associated with the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Several studies have been done correlating the presence of atherosclerotic carotid plaques with nutritional status and inflammation in this setting. Nevertheless, traditional risk factors like hypertension, smoking and dyslipidemia must always be taken into account in the context of the specific ethnic, geographic and cultural aspects of a given renal population. Aim: The present study was designed to describe the prevalence of advanced atherosclerosis, as detected by the presence of carotid plaques, and its correlation with epidemiological data, traditional and non-traditional risk factors in non-diabetic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: Thirty-nine patients on a regular HD program were evaluated (mean age: 47.0±12.8 years, 20 men, mean time on dialysis: 5.2±2.9 years). Atherosclerosis was assessed by carotid Doppler and inflammation by serum C reactive protein (CRP). Data on nutritional status, biochemical parameters, and arterial pressure (AP) were also analyzed. Results: Carotid plaque was a prevalent finding, observed in 64.1% of the patients. The age (50.8±10.6 years) and time on dialysis (6 [1-15] years) were significantly higher in the group of patients with plaques, compared to the group of patients without plaques (41.3±14.5 and 4 [1-11], respectively, P<0.05). There was no statistical difference between the groups regarding CRP, nutritional status, biochemistry parameters, and mean pre and post HD arterial, diastolic and systolic pressure. Carotid plaques were associated with age higher than 38 (OR.: 28.29; 95% CI.: 2.68-712.8; p<0.001), and time on dialysis higher than 4 years (OR.: 5.5; 95% CI.: 1.02-33.37; p<0.05). In addition, 70% of patients with post HD diastolic AP lower than 90 mmHg presented carotid plaques.

Avaliação da doença aterosclerótica da artéria carótida em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica por lesão do tronco da artéria coronária esquerda / Evaluation of Carotid Artery Atherosclerotic Disease in Patients Submitted to Myocardial Revascularization Surgery with Left Coronary Artery Lesion

Objetivo: Conhecer a prevalência e severidade da doença aterosclerótica da artéria carótida em pacientes com estenose significativa do tronco da artéria coronária esquerda (TCE) submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio.Métodos: A população estudada consistiu em 18 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio no Hospital São José de Criciúma (SC) de fevereiro de 2002 a novembro de 2006 devido à estenose no TCE. A ultra-sonografia (US) foi o exame de eleição para detectar estenose de artérias carótidas, e o cateterismo para detectar estenose do TCE. Resultados: O sexo masculino foi o mais prevalente (77,8%) e a idade média foi de 63,1 anos. O grau de estenose do TCE mais prevalente foi o de 90% em 27,8% dos pacientes. O segmento do TCE predominantemente lesado foi o terço distal em 72,2% dos casos. A US mostrou estenose em 33,3% das carótidas, independente de sua gravidade. Destes, 66,6% tinham, concomitantemente, lesão de carótida direita. Dentre os casos com aterosclerose de carótidas, metade possuía lesão bilateral e significativa (grau de estenose ≥70%). Os segmentos carotídeos mais acometidos foram o bulbo e a carótida interna em 66,6% dos casos. Conclusões: A literatura médica realça uma relação importante da doença aterosclerótica de carótidas com a lesão significativa do TCE. O rastreamento de estenose de carótidas é recomendado a todos os pacientes com aterosclerose de artérias coronárias.

Objectives: Know prevalence and severity of atherosclerotic disease of carotid artery in patients with significative stenosis of left coronary artery (LCA) submitted to myocadial revascularization surgery. Methods: The sample was composed by 18 patients submitted to myocadial evascularization surgery in São José Hospital from Criciúma, South Brazil, between February 2002 to November 2006 due to LCA stenosis. Ultrasonography (US) was the exam of choice to detect stenosis of carotid arteries and the Hearth Catheterization to detect stenosis of LCA. Results: Male sex was the most prevalent (77.8%) and the mean age was 63.1 years old. The LCA stenosis degree most prevalent was of 90% in 27.8% of patients. The LCA segment mainly lesioned was the distal third in 72.2% of the cases. US shows stenosis in 33.3% of carotids, independent of its gravity. Among this patients, 66,6% also had right carotid lesion. Between the cases with carotid atherosclerosis, half had bilateral and significative lesion (stenosis degree ≥70%). The carotid segments most affected was the bulb and internal carotid in 66.6% of the cases.Conclusions: The medical literature enhalces an important relation of carotid atherosclerotic disease with significative lesion of LCA. Screening of carotide stenosis is recommended to all patients with atherosclerosis in coronary arteries.

A practical protocol to measure common carotid artery intima-media thickness

OBJECTIVE: To describe and test a practical protocol to measure common carotid intima-media thickness that uses the combined values of two longitudinal examination angles to increase sensitivity. METHOD: Between February and September 2005, 206 patients underwent duplex scan examination of carotid vessels, and the intima-media thickness of 407 common carotids were measured in three angles: transversal, longitudinal posterolateral, and anterolateral, with three intima-media thickness measurements for each near and far wall. In addition to numbers obtained from the three angles of measurement, a fourth visual perspective was obtained by combining the intima-media thickness results of posterolateral and anterolateral longitudinal views and considering the thickest wall measurement. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy (66.3 percent) carotid arteries had an intima-media thickness thicker than 1mm. The mean intima-media thickness values achieved by the different incidences were 1.26±0.6mm (transversal), 1.17±0.54mm (longitudinal anterolateral), and 1.18±0.58mm (longitudinal posterolateral). A significant difference in intima-media thickness measurement values was observed when the three angles of examination plus the combined positive results of both longitudinal angles were compared by ANOVA (P=0.005). The LSD Post-Hoc test determined that the combined longitudinal view results were similar to the transversal views (P=0.28) and had greater intima-media thickness means than isolated anterolateral or posterolateral longitudinal views (P=0.02 and 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The protocol presented is a practical method for obtaining common carotid artery intima-media thickness measurements. The combined longitudinal posterolateral and anterolateral longitudinal views provide a more sensitive evaluation of the inner layers of the carotid walls than isolated longitudinal views.

Evaluation of calcified carotid artery atheromas detected by panoramic radiograph above 50-years-old in Isfahan

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the incidence of CCAAs detected on panoramic radiographs of above 50-years-old patient population. Further, we evaluated the relationship between CCAAs and general and oral health examinations. Calcified carotid artery atheromas or CCAAs are projected on panoramic radiographs as a radiopaque nodular mass or masses adjacent to the cervical vertebrae at or below the intervertebral space between C3 and C4. We concluded that, panoramic radiography should be evaluated not only for pathosis of teeth and jaws, but also for other incidental findings, especially in the soft tissue region of the neck. The incidental findings could provide potentially life saving informations especially for those elderly people who are at risk for stroke

Idiopathic inflammatory pseudotumor of the carotid sheath

We present a biopsy proven case of 47 years-old man with a carotid pseudotumor, clinically presented as carotidynia. CT showed a mass encasing and narrowing the common carotid artery and MRI showed hypointense signal in T2 and intense enhancement after contrast media administration. The patient was suspected to have an inflammatory process and steroids were prescribed. Eight days after the steroid treatment significant radiological and clinical improvement was observed. The patient remains free of symptoms.

Apresentamos um caso comprovado por biópsia de pseudotumor carotídeo em um homem de 47 anos, com apresentação clínica de carotidinia. A TC mostrou massa envolvendo e estenosando a artéria carótida comum direita e a RM apresentava lesão com hipossinal em T2 e importante realce com o uso de meio de contraste paramagnético. O paciente recebeu a hipótese de lesão inflamatória e um tratamento com corticosteróides foi iniciado. Após oito dias de tratamento uma melhora clínica e radiológica significativas foram observadas. O paciente permanece assintomático.

Ossification of caroticoclinoid ligament and its clinical importance in skull-based surgery

CONTEXT: The medial end of the posterior border of the sphenoid bone presents the anterior clinoid process (ACP), which is usually accessed for operations involving the clinoid space and the cavernous sinus. The ACP is often connected to the middle clinoid process (MCP) by a ligament known as the caroticoclinoid ligament (CCL), which may be ossified, forming the caroticoclinoid foramen (CCF). Variations in the ACP other than ossification are rare. The ossified CCL may have compressive effects on the internal carotid artery. Thus, anatomical and radiological knowledge of the ACP and the clinoid space is also important when operating on the internal carotid artery. Excision of the ACP may be required for many skull-based surgical procedures, and the presence of any anomalies such as ossified CCL may pose a problem for neurosurgeons. CASE REPORT: We observed the presence of ossified CCL in a skull bone. A detailed radiological study of the CCL and the CCF was conducted. Morphometric measurements were recorded and photographs were taken. The ACP was connected to the MCP and was converted into a CCF. Considering the fact that standard anatomy textbooks do not provide morphological descriptions and radiological evaluations of the CCL, the present study may be important for neurosurgeons operating in the region of the ACP.

CONTEXTO Y OBJETIVO: El extremo intermedio de la frontera posterior del hueso del sphenoid presenta el proceso anterior del clinoid (ACP), que está alcanzado generalmente para las operaciones que implican el espacio clinoidal y el sino cavernoso. El ACP es conectado a menudo con el proceso medio del clinoid (MCP) por un ligamento conocido como el ligamento del carotico-clinoid (CCL), que puede ser osificado, formando el agujero del clinoid del carotico (CCF). Las variaciones del ACP con excepción de la osificación, son raras. El CCL osificado puede tener efectos compresivos en la arteria carótida interna. El conocimiento así anatómico y radiológico del ACP y del espacio clinoidal es también importante mientras que funciona en la arteria carótida interna. La supresión del ACP se puede requerir para muchos cirugía basada cráneo y la presencia de cualquier anomalía tal como CCL osificado, puede plantear un problema para el neurocirujano. INFORME DEL CASO: Observamos la presencia de CCL osificado en un hueso del cráneo. Un estudio radiológico detallado del CCL y del CCF fue conducido. Las medidas morphometric fueron registradas y las fotografías fueron tomadas. El ACP fue conectado con el MCP y convertido en un CCF. En vista del hecho, los libros de textos de esa anatomía del estándar no proporcionan la descripción morfológica y la evaluación radiológica de CCL, el actual estudio puede ser importante para los neurocirujanos que funcionan en la región del ACP.

Intima-media Thickness and Arterial Stiffness of Carotid Artery in Korean Patients with Behcet's Disease

Behcet's disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis involving diverse sizes of arteries and veins. We performed this study to evaluate the vascular changes by assessment of the arterial stiffness and intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery in Korean patients with BD. Forty-one patients with BD and age-, and sex-matched 53 healthy subjects were recruited in this study. Carotid arterial stiffness and IMT were assessed by using high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Arterial stiffness parameters such as carotid arterial distensibility coefficient, stiffness index, and incremental elastic modulus (E(inc)) were significantly increased in BD patients compared with those in healthy subjects, but not in IMT. Positive relationship was noted between age and IMT, whereas age of onset was significantly associated with arterial stiffness in BD. This finding suggests impaired endothelial function before visible structural changes of arterial wall in BD. Age and age of onset may be an independent risk factor for carotid IMT and arterial stiffness, respectively. Further studies in more large populations are required to confirm our results.

Spontaneous carotid artery dissection as a cause of stroke in a patient with factor V Leiden mutation: a case report and review of the literature

A 36 year old male soldier underwent colour doppler ultrasound [CDU] study of carotid arteries after sudden onset of left sided weakness The investigation revealed dissection of the right internal carotid artery [ICA]. assessment of the coagulation status showed that our patient has homozygotic mutation of factor V Leiden.This observation is the third reported case of ICA dissection occurring in a patient with factor V Leiden and the first of ICA dissection in association with homozygotic mutation of factor V Leiden mutation

Evaluación de un posible modelo experimental de aterosclerosis carotídea en conejos hipercolesterolémicos / Assessment of a possible experimental model of carotid atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Se evaluó la utilidad de un procedimiento experimental para desarrollar aterosclerosis carotídea en conejos. Se estudiaron 18 animales divididos en 3 grupos, con 6 animales cada uno. Los animales fueron alimentados mediante pienso suplementado con 0,5 y 1 porciento de colesterol (grupos I y II, respectivamente), en tanto el III (control) solo con pienso. Se hicieron determinaciones bioquímicas antes de comenzar el experimento y en las semanas 4, 8 y 12, posteriores a la dieta. Se observó un aumento significativo en el peso de los animales de los grupos I y II en la semana 8 para p < 0,05, se mantuvieron sin variaciones la hemoglobina y el hematócrito. El colesterol mostró un incremento significativo para los grupos I y II a partir de la semana 4 hasta el final. El estudio morfométrico dio como resultado que en los animales del grupo II en ambas carótidas había presencia de estrías adiposas, lo que demostró la utilidad de este modelo de aterosclerosis carotídea

Comparison between the NASCET method and subjective visual impression in the evaluation of internal carotid artery stenosis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of subjective visual impression (SVI) of an experienced neuro-radiologist in the measurement of the degree of internal carotid artery (IC) stenosis evaluated by digital angiography (DGA). METHOD: Ten symptomatic patients with internal carotid stenosis greater than 70 percent in a previous duplex scan were submitted to DGA. The degree of stenosis in both sides (symptomatic and asymptomatic) were evaluated by the same neuro-radiologist who gave his SVI and applied the NASCET method immediately after. Both methods were compared using the intraclass correlation coeficient (r) and its 95 percent confidence interval (95 percent ci). For each method, the sample (20 ICs) was also divided in surgical (stenosis between 70 and 99 percent) and non surgical ICs, using kappa concordance coeficient (k) to compare the results. RESULTS: The results comparing the 20 values obtained by each method are: r = 0.90 (95 percent ci: 0.77 -- 0.96). Dividing the sample in surgical and non surgical ICs, k = 0.857, p < 0.0001; sensitivity = 100 percent (39.6 percent - 100 percent); specificity = 93.8 percent (67.7 percent - 99.7 percent); positive predictive value = 80 percent (29.9 percent - 98.9 percent); negative predictive value = 100 percent (74,7 percent - 100 percent). CONCLUSION: The SVI may be used by at least some experienced neuroradiologists as a preliminary tool to evaluate the degree of IC stenosis with DGA, but a standardised and well established method should be routinely performed

Doppler color orbitario en la enfermedad obstructiva carotídea / Color Doppler imaging of the orbit in carotid occlusive disease

Objetivo: evaluar las características hemodinámicas de las arterias oftálmica (AO), central de la retina (ACR), y ciliares posteriores (ACP) nasal y temporal, en 20 ojos de 17 pacientes con síndrome isquémico ocular (SIO) por compromiso hemodinámico significativo de la arteria carótida interna extracraneana (estenosis mayor del 70 por ciento). Material y métodos: estudio prospectivo realizado desde enero de 1996 a marzo de 2000. Se realizaron 2741 Doppler de vasos de cuello. En 153 pacientes se registró estenosis carotídea mayor del 70 por ciento. En éste grupo de pacientes se estudiaron, con Doppler Duplex Color (DDC), las velocidades sistólica e índice de resistencia (IR) de las AO, ACR y ACP. Se encontraron 17 pacientes (20 ojos) con signos Doppler de SIO. Once pacientes fueron evaluados clínicamente y por funduscopía en Oftalmología. Resultados: se demostró disminución de las velocidades de flujo sistólico y diastólico, con aumento del IR en ACR y ACP homolateral a la lesión en todos los pacientes; en 3 pacientes el hallazgo fue bilateral. La AO mostró patrón de flujo colateral, en general con flujo invertido; sólo en un paciente fue de dirección anterógrada con hipoflujo, y en dos pacientes no fue hallada (se confirmó trombosis por angiografía digital). Sólo 3 pacientes mostraron signos por funduscopía. Dos de 3 pacientes con disección carotídea tuvieron repermeabilización completa al mes y revirtieron los síntomas y signos de SIO. Conclusión: el DDC cuantifica la hemodinamia en los ojos con SIO. La desaparición de los hallazgos de SIO en pacientes con repermeabilización de disección carotídea sugiere que el tratamiento de la enfermedad obstructiva carotídea podría mejorar el estado de la circulación orbitaria. El DDC precede los hallazgos clínicos. Sugerimos realizar DDC oftálmico como complemento del DVC en pacientes con enfermedad carotídea obstructiva

Oclusäo bilateral das artérias carótidas internas, sífilis meningovascular e AIDS / Internal carotid bilateral occlusion, menigovascular syphilis and AIDS: case report

Relatamos um caso de obstrução bilateral na origem das artérias carótidas internas, apresentando como sinais/sintomas associados hemiparesia e hipoestesia superficial e profunda à direita, associada a sífilis meningovascular em paciente com SIDA. Tomografia de crânio apresentou pequenas lesões hipodensas, com predomínio à esquerda, e arteriografia evidenciou oclusão bilateral das artérias carótidas. A associação entre lues e SIDA não é infrequente, porém o quadro oligossintomático do paciente, provavelmente devido a oclusão arterial lenta e gradual chama a atenção.