Carotid plaque echogenicity predicts cerebrovascular symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Many reports have shown an association between hypoechoic (echolucent) carotid atherosclerotic plaques and unstable features. In this meta-analysis our aim was to determine the role of carotid plaque echogenicity in predicting future cerebrovascular (CV) symptoms. METHODS: Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Center Register) up to September 2015 were systematically searched. Studies with ultrasound-based characterization of carotid artery plaque echogenicity and its association with focal neurological symptoms of vascular origin were eligible for analysis. In the meta-analysis, heterogeneity was measured using I(2) statistics and publication bias was evaluated using the Begg-Mazumdar test. In addition several comparisons between subgroups were performed. RESULTS: Of 1387 identified reports, eight studies with asymptomatic patients and three studies with symptomatic patients were meta-analyzed. Pooled analysis showed an association between echolucent carotid plaques and future CV events in asymptomatic patients [relative risk 2.72 (95% confidence interval 1.86-3.96)] and recurrent symptoms in symptomatic patients [relative risk 2.97 (95% confidence interval 1.85-4.78)]. The association was preserved for all stenosis degrees in asymptomatic patients, whilst patients with echolucent plaques and severe stenosis were at higher risk of future events. Also, computer-assisted methods for assessment of carotid plaque echogenicity and studies analyzing ultrasound data collected after the year 2000 showed better prediction. CONCLUSIONS: In asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, analysis of carotid plaque echogenicity could identify those at high risk of CV events.

Left and right ventricular diastolic functions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis without clinically evident cardiovascular disease.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle (LV) and of the right ventricle in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without clinically evident cardiovascular manifestations and to estimate whether there is a correlation between the duration of RA and the degree of LV diastolic dysfunction. The study included 81 patients (61 females and 20 males) with RA without clinically evident heart disease (group 1) and 40 healthy subjects (29 females and 11 males) who served as a control group (group 2). Both groups were matched for age and sex. Echocardiographic and Doppler studies were conducted in all patients with RA and control subjects. There were significant differences between patients with RA vs. control group with regard to early diastolic flow velocity (E), atrial flow velocity (A) and the E/A ratio (0.68 +/- 0.19 m/s vs. 0.84 +/- 0.14 m/s, p < 0.001; 0.73 +/- 0.15 m/s vs. 0.66 +/- 0.13 cm/s, p = 0.01; and 0.97 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.32 +/- 0.37, p < 0.001, respectively). There was significant difference between groups regarding the right ventricular early diastolic (Er)/atrial (Ar) flow velocities (Er/Ar ratio) (1.07 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.26 +/- 0.3, p = 0.002). There was a weak correlation between transmitral E/A ratio and the duration of RA (r = - 0.22, p = 0.001). Myocardial performance index (MPI) appeared to differ little in patients with RA as compared with control group (0.51 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.52 +/- 0.2, p = NS). In patients with RA without clinically evident cardiovascular disease, the left ventricular diastolic function and the right ventricular diastolic function are reduced. Left ventricular wall thickness, dimensions, systolic function and MPI were found to be normal. LV diastolic function had a weak correlation with the duration of RA.