Evaluation of the Correlation Between Distribution Location and Vulnerability of Carotid Plaque in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack.

Purpose: To analyze the relationship among distribution location, characteristics, and vulnerability of carotid plaque using CTA and provide more information on the risk factors of carotid atherosclerotic plaque. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the CTA images of the head and neck of 93 patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis was developed in 148 carotid arteries. The plaques were divided into a high-risk plaque group and a low-risk plaque group according to whether the plaques had high-risk characteristics. The maximum cross-sectional area of carotid artery bifurcation plaque on the axial image was selected, and the cross-sectional lumen was equally divided into four 90-degree sectors, ventral side wall, dorsal side wall, inner side wall, and outer side wall. The differences in the characteristics and distribution locations of the plaques in the two groups were analyzed. The characteristic parameters of the cross-sectional plaques at the bifurcation of the carotid artery. The logistic regression analysis was used to further analyze the risk factors associated with plaque vulnerability. Results: Among 148 carotid arteries,80 were classified as high-risk and 68 as low-risk groups. There were significant differences between the two groups concerning the thickness, length, maximum cross-sectional area, burden, and cross-sectional distribution of the plaques (P < 0.05). The plaque distribution on the dorsal side wall of the carotid bifurcation was higher in the high-risk group than that in the low-risk group (P < 0.05), dorsal side wall plaque-independent risk factors for the development of vulnerability of plaques in transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients (95% CI:1.522~6.991, P<0.05). Conclusion: High-risk plaques tend to occur on the dorsal side wall of the carotid bifurcation, whereas low-risk plaques tend to occur on the outer side wall of the carotid bifurcation.

The site-specific distribution of atheromatous plaques in the coronary arteries.

The etiology of atherosclerosis is still unknown, but there are several hypotheses trying to explain this complex disease. Most consider atherosclerosis as a cholesterol storage disease. However, hypercholesterolemia is not a cause but a risk factor. Besides, like other well-known systemic risk factors, it does not explain the uneven distribution of atheromatous plaques in the vasculature. Atherosclerotic lesions develop mainly at vulnerable "risk points" of the arterial wall such as curvatures and near side branches, and predominantly in the left anterior descending (LAD), while the left circumflex (LCx) artery is relatively spared. Furthermore, atheromatous plaques are present mainly in the proximal segments in the LAD and LCx, in contrast to the right coronary artery (RCA), where plaques are more evenly distributed. The hemodynamic theory explains to some extent the distribution of atherosclerotic lesions and considers atherosclerosis as a reactive biological response of endothelial cells to wall shear stress. In this review, we discuss the interplay of concentration of low-density lipoproteins at the luminal surface and local hemodynamic forces (disturbed flow) that reduce wall shear stress in the process of plaque formation. Moreover, we present the distribution of atheromatous plaques in the coronary arteries in autopsy studies and imaging methods such as cardiac computed tomography angiography and invasive coronary angiography.

Basilar artery plaque distribution is associated with pontine infarction and vertebrobasilar artery geometry.

Background: Basilar artery (BA) atherosclerosis is a common cause of posterior-circulation ischemic stroke. In this study, we investigate the relationship between BA plaque distribution and pontine infarction (PI), further, explore the influence of vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) geometries on BA plaque distribution. Materials and methods: 303 patients were performed with MRI in this study, patients were divided into three groups: no cerebral infarction (NCI), anterior circulation cerebral infarction (ACCI), and posterior circulation cerebral infarction (PCCI), the VBA geometry was classified into four configurations: Walking, Tuning Fork, Lambda, and No Confluence. The AP-Mid-BA, Lateral-Mid-BA, and VA-BA angles were measured on three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography. Patients underwent high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the BA plaque distribution (either anterior, posterior, or lateral wall). Acute and subacute cerebral infarction [including pontine infarction (PI)] were identified by T2 weighted imaging-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted imaging. Results: The presence of BA plaque (P < 0.001) were associated with PCCI. Eighty-six patients all with BA plaque were further analyzed, compared with patients without pontine infarction, patients with pontine infarction were more likely to have plaque distributed at the posterior wall (P = 0.009) and have larger VA-BA anger (38.72° ± 26.01° vs. 26.59° ± 17.33°, P = 0.035). BA plaques in patients with pontine infarction were more frequently located at the posterior wall (50.00%) than at the anterior (10.00%) and lateral (37.50%) walls (P = 0.028). In Walking, Lambda and No Confluence geometry, BA plaques were prone to located at the lateral wall than at the anterior and posterior walls (all P ≤ 0.05). In the Tuning Fork group, BA plaques were evenly distributed. Conclusion: BA plaque was related to PCCI, BA plaque distribution was associated with PI, and VBA configuration strongly influences BA plaque distribution.

Vessel-specific plaque features on coronary computed tomography angiography among patients of varying atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk.

AIMS: The relationship between AtheroSclerotic CardioVascular Disease (ASCVD) risk and vessel-specific plaque evaluation using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), focusing on plaque extent and composition, has not been examined. To evaluate differences in quantified plaque characteristics (using CCTA) between the three major coronary arteries [left anterior descending (LAD), right coronary (RCA), and left circumflex (LCx)] among subgroups of patients with varying ASCVD risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients were included from a prospective, international registry of consecutive patients who underwent CCTA for evaluation of coronary artery disease. ASCVD risk groups were <7.5% (low), 7.5-20% (intermediate), and ≥20% (high). Among the ASCVD risk groups, the three coronary arteries were compared regarding quantified plaque volume and composition. Whole-heart plaque quantification was performed in 1340 patients (age 60 ± 9 years, 58% men). Across low, intermediate, and high ASCVD risk patients, the volume of plaque increased proportionally but was least in the LCx (7.4, 9.0, and 25.3 mm3, respectively) as compared with the RCA (19.3, 32.6, and 67.0 mm3, respectively, all P ≤ 0.006) and LAD (39.9, 60.8, and 93.3 mm3, respectively, all P < 0.001). In each ASCVD risk group, the composition of plaque in the LCx exhibited the least necrotic core and fibrofatty plaque (P < 0.05 vs. LAD and RCA). CONCLUSION: Among patients with varying risk of ASCVD, plaque in the LCx is decidedly less and is comprised of less non-calcified plaque supporting prior evidence of the lower rates of acute coronary events in this vessel.

Research on the distribution spectrum of atherosclerotic plaques in patients with suspected coronary artery disease and the noninvasive screening model for coronary atherosclerosis burden.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to establish a non-invasive and simple screening model of coronary atherosclerosis burden based on the associations between multiple blood parameters and total plaque score (TPS), segment-stenosis score (SSS), coronary artery disease severity (CADS) in coronary artery disease (CAD) and thus reduce unnecessary coronary angiography (CAG). METHODS: A total of 1,366 patients with suspected CAD who underwent CAG were included in this study. The clinical risk factors [age, gender, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and glycated hemoglobin (GHB)] were collected. The presence of plaques and lumen stenosis was assessed based on CAG imaging. The TPS, SSS, and CADS were calculated, and the distribution spectrum of atherosclerotic plaques was described. Kruskal-Wallis test for multiple comparison tests was performed to analyze the differences in groups of different risk factors. The selected independent predictors were put into a multivariate logistic model, and the variables were further screened by stepwise regression to establish a screening model. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the selected model's discriminant effect. RESULTS: The distributions of TPS and SSS scores were both right-skewed. Among males, both TPS and SSS scores were higher than in females (χ2=46.7659, P<0.0001, χ2=51.6603, P<0.0001). Both TPS and SSS scores increased with age (χ2=123.4456, P<0.0001, χ2=123.4456, P<0.0001). For TPS, the most common position was proximal left anterior descending artery (P-LAD, 51.39%). In SSS, the P-LAD plaque was highest: 0: 48.61%, 1: 10.32%, 2: 9.15%, and 3: 31.92%. The TPS score >5, SSS score >5, and CAD >0 were valuable indicators for SBP, FPG, TG, HDL, and GHB. In the model, TPS score >5, SSS score >5, and CADS >0, the area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.753 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.713 to 0.789], 0.728 (95% CI: 0.687 to 0.766), and 0.756 (95% CI: 0.717 to 0.793), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The most common site of lesions was P-LAD. These models can be used as non-invasive and simple initial screening tools without CAG.

Plaque Distribution of Basilar Artery Fenestration by 3D High-Resolution MR Vessel Wall Imaging.

The association between fenestrations and neurovascular pathology is not well defined. The morphology of vessel wall plays an important role in the development of neurovascular pathology. We sought to explore the plaque distribution around basilar artery fenestration (BAF) by three-dimensional high-resolution MR vessel wall imaging (3D HRMRI). Patients with BAF on 3D HRMRI images were enrolled. All cross-sectional slices of basilar arteries were assessed and categorized based on the location of fenestration as proximal segment, in-bifurcation segment, and distal segment. Furthermore, plaques in the in-bifurcation segment were classified according to their orientation being centered on the lateral, interior, dorsal, or ventral wall of the vessel. In all, 12 cases with BAF involving 661 cross-sectional image slices in entire basilar arteries were included. Plaques were found in 190 image slices, with the distribution of 41 slices in the proximal segment, 144 slices in the in-bifurcation segment and 67 slices in the distal segment. Plaques were found more frequently in the proximal and in-bifurcation segments than in the distal segment (P < 0.001), but there was no statistical difference between the proximal and in-bifurcation segment (P = 0.11). In the in-bifurcation segment, plaques were more frequently located at the lateral (50.0%) than other interior (16.0%), dorsal (21.0%), and ventral (13.0%) wall (P < 0.001).Plaques of BAF tend to locate in the proximal and in-bifurcation segments, especially at the lateral wall of the in-bifurcation segment.

Aortic Plaque Distribution, and Association between Aortic Plaque and Atherosclerotic Risk Factors: An Aortic Angioscopy Study.

AIM: Knowledge of subclinical plaque morphology and plaque distribution in the aorta in vivo remains unclear. This study aimed to increase the body of knowledge in this area. METHODS: We enrolled 37 consecutive patients with stable angina pectoris patients who underwent non-obstructive angioscopy for both the coronary artery and aorta immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention. We evaluated the presence of aortic plaques and the distribution of plaque instability. Patients were allocated into two groups according to the number of vulnerable plaques in whole aorta (a low [0-11] and high [≥ 12] group). We evaluated the relationships between the two groups in terms of cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Aortic plaques were identified using non-obstructive angioscopy in all patients, and the greatest number of plaques was found at the infrarenal abdominal aorta (IAA) (the aortic arch, the descending thoracic aorta, the suprarenal abdominal aorta, the IAA, and common iliac artery; 65%, 76%, 65%, 95%, and 49%, respectively; p＜0.001). The maximum yellow grade, and the number of intense yellow plaques, ruptured plaques, and thrombi were highest at the IAA (p＜0.001). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and peripheral arterial disease was higher in the high vulnerable plaque group (83.3% vs. 40.0%, p=0.010, 50.0% vs. 8.0%, p=0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Aortic atherosclerosis was the most severe at the IAA, and aortic plaque vulnerability and distribution were associated with the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and peripheral artery disease in patients with stable angina pectoris. Non-obstructive angioscopy may identify patients at high risk of future aortic events.

The severity and degree of hypomineralisation in teeth and its influence on oral hygiene and caries prevalence in children.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the severity of hypomineralised teeth, plaque accumulation, hypersensitivity, associated caries risk, and oral health-related quality of life limitations of affected children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 250 children (mean age 9.0 years) presenting with at least one hypomineralised molar or incisor were included in the study. The hypersensitivity of the teeth was evaluated using the Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale and the Wong-Baker Faces Scale. Furthermore, the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index was documented, the Quigley Hein Index was obtained, and personal questioning was used to document the patients' limitations with intake of food. These data were analysed using general linear models that control influencing factors such as age and sex. RESULTS: The Quigley Hein Index increased with the severity of the hypomineralised teeth (1.64 in the unaffected, 2.77 in the moderately, and 3.63 in the severely affected teeth). Problems with intake of food were only observed in subjects with severe hypomineralisation. There was no immediate effect on dental caries. CONCLUSION: Increased severity of tooth hypomineralisation leads to increased hypersensitivity, which resulted in inadequate oral hygiene among children and limitations to their daily life.

Geographical predisposition influences on the distribution and tissue characterisation of eccentric coronary plaques in non-branching coronary arteries: cross-sectional study of coronary plaques analysed by intravascular ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the influence of geographical predisposition on the spatial distribution and composition of coronary plaques. METHODS: Thirty coronary arteries were evaluated. A total of 1441 cross-sections were collected from intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and radio-frequency signal-based virtual histology (VH-IVUS) imaging. To exclude complex geographical effects of side branches and to localise the plaque distribution, we analysed only eccentric plaques in non-branching regions. The spatial distribution of eccentric plaques in the coronary artery was classified into myocardial, lateral, and epicardial regions. The composition of eccentric plaques was analysed using VH-IVUS. RESULTS: The plaque was concentric in 723 sections (50.2%) and eccentric in 718 (49.9%). Eccentric plaques were more frequently distributed towards the myocardial side than towards the epicardial side (46.7 ± 7.5% vs. 12.5 ± 4.2%, p = 0.003). No significant difference was observed between the myocardial and lateral sides (46.7 ± 7.5% vs. 20.8 ± 5.0%) or between the lateral and epicardial sides. Eccentric thin-capped fibroatheromas were more frequently distributed towards the myocardial side than towards the lateral side (p = 0.024) or epicardial side (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Geographical predisposition is associated with distribution, tissue characterisation, and vulnerability of plaques in non-branching coronary arteries.

Evaluation of basilar artery atherosclerotic plaque distribution by 3D MR vessel wall imaging.

PURPOSE: Basilar artery (BA) atherosclerosis is an important cause of perforator stroke in the brainstem due to plaque involvement of the perforator ostia in BA dorsal or lateral walls. Therefore, to acquire information on plaque distribution is important to better understand and prevent the perforator stroke. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate BA plaque distribution with 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) vessel wall imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with cerebrovascular symptoms and stenosis or irregular luminal surface of BA were recruited and underwent BA 3D proton density-weighted volume isotropic turbo spin echo acquisition (VISTA) imaging at 3T. The cross-sectional and longitudinal distribution of BA plaque were analyzed with a custom-developed tool. RESULTS: In all, 85 BA plaques were detected in 61 recruited patients. For cross-sectional distribution, the prevalence of plaque involvement in the ventral, left, dorsal, and right quadrant of BA wall was 74.1%, 70.6%, 67.1%, and 62.4%, respectively. Of the 85 plaques, 17.7% involved one quadrant and 82.3% involved two or more quadrants. The most severe plaque region was more commonly situated at lateral walls (66.1%) as compared to ventral (23.2%, P < 0.001) and dorsal walls (10.6%, P < 0.001). Longitudinally, plaques were more frequently found to occur at BA segment distal than proximal to anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) (63.5% vs. 36.5%). CONCLUSION: Taking advantage of 3D MR vessel wall imaging, BA plaques were found to more likely affect lateral walls and form in BA distal to AICA, where most perforators originate, suggesting that it might be useful to characterize BA plaque distribution before aggressive treatment for prevention of perforator stroke. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1592-1599.

Study of abdominal visceral arteries atherosclerotic plaque distribution detected by MSCTA / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To analyze the plaque distribution of abdominal aorta and its branches by multislice spiral CT angiography (MSCTA).Methods 145 patients recommended to abdominal enhanced CT were randomly selected in this investigation,and divided into three groups according to their age,i.e.,young,middle and old-aged group.CTA was performed with the use of multiple planar reconstruction(MPR),volume rendering (VR)and vessel probe(VP)technology.Results 124 patients with atherosclerotic plaques of abdominal aorta and all its branch-vessels,the incidences of the three groups were 9.7%(14 cases),30.3%(44 cases)and 45.5%(66 cases)respectively(P <0.005).It showed that calcified plaques were detected in a total of 1 50 in 302 plaques of all the branch-vessels.230 plaques(76.2%)were detected in abdominal branch-vessels of grade 1,of which,the incidences of superior mesenteric artery plaques was the highest(32.4%).Of the 54 plaques(1 7.9%)detected in abdominal branch-vessels of grade 2,the incidence of splenic artery plaques was the highest(13.8%).In abdominal branch-vessels of grade 3,the plaques were mainly distributed in splen-ic lobial artery.The splenic artery plaques mainly spreaded in the middle segment,while other plaques were mostly in peristome and proximal segment of vessels.The incidences of plaques in the three branches were 47.6%(69 cases),1 5.2%(22 cases),and 9.0%(13 cases)respectively(P <0.005).Conclusion The incidences of atherosclerotic plaques are higher in the middle and aged people. The plaques of the three abdominal branch-vessels mainly distribute in the peristome and proximal segment,and are much likely to be detected in abdominal branch-vessels of grade 1.