-
Stroke Oct 2015Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) is associated with higher risk of periprocedural stroke and death when compared with carotid endarterectomy (CEA). By contrast,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) is associated with higher risk of periprocedural stroke and death when compared with carotid endarterectomy (CEA). By contrast, the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) was higher after CEA than after CAS in randomized trials. However, numbers were small, and risk factors are unknown.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis of studies published from January 1980 to June 2014 and collected unpublished data. We extracted data on 9 predefined risk factors (age, contralateral carotid occlusion, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, sex, hypertension, peripheral artery disease, type stenosis, and clinical presentation). We selected studies with data available on MI in at least 1 subgroup, calculated absolute and relative risks, and identified differential effects on risks of MI.
RESULTS
The 30-day absolute risk of MI was 0.87% (95% confidence interval, 0.69-1.07) after CEA and 0.70% (95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.88) after CAS (Pint=0.38). After CAS, patients with symptomatic stenosis and restenosis were at higher risk of MI, whereas men were at lower risk. After CEA, age, history of coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and restenosis increased the risk of MI. Only the effect of sex differed between CAS and CEA with men being at lower risk of MI than women after CAS, whereas there was no difference between after CEA (Pint=0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
The risk of MI after CEA and CAS did not significantly differ. Risk factors for MI are overall similar in both techniques except that men are at lower risk of MI after CAS but not after CEA.
Topics: Angioplasty; Carotid Stenosis; Endarterectomy, Carotid; Female; Humans; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Male; Myocardial Infarction; Postoperative Complications; Stents; Stroke
PubMed: 26286540
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.115.010052 -
Stroke Feb 2023Over the last decades, several individual studies on sex differences in carotid atherosclerosis have been performed covering a wide range of plaque characteristics and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Over the last decades, several individual studies on sex differences in carotid atherosclerosis have been performed covering a wide range of plaque characteristics and including different populations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarize previously reported results on sex differences in carotid atherosclerosis and present a roadmap explaining next steps needed for implementing this knowledge in clinical practice.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar for eligible studies including both male and female participants reporting prevalence of imaging characteristics of carotid atherosclerosis and meta-analyzed these studies. Studies had to report at least the following: (1) calcifications; (2) lipid-rich necrotic core; (3) intraplaque hemorrhage; (4) thin-or-ruptured fibrous cap; (5) plaque ulceration; (6) degree of stenosis; (7) plaque size; or (8) plaque inflammation. We prespecified which imaging modalities had to be used per plaque characteristic and excluded ultrasonography.
RESULTS
We included 42 articles in our meta-analyses (ranging from 2 through 23 articles per plaque characteristic). Men had more frequently a larger plaque compared to women and, moreover, had more often plaques with calcifications (odds ratio=1.57 [95% CI, 1.23-2.02]), lipid-rich necrotic core (odds ratio=1.87 [95% CI, 1.36-2.57]), and intraplaque hemorrhage (odds ratio=2.52 [95% CI, 1.74-3.66]), or an ulcerated plaque (1.81 [95% CI, 1.30-2.51]). Furthermore, we found more pronounced sex differences for lipid-rich necrotic core in symptomatic opposed to asymptomatic participants.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we demonstrate convincing evidence for sex differences in carotid atherosclerosis. All kinds of plaque features-plaque size, composition, and morphology-were more common or larger in men compared to women. Our results highlight that sex is an important variable to include in both study design and clinical-decision making. Further investigation of sex-specific stroke risks with regard to plaque composition is warranted.
Topics: Female; Male; Humans; Carotid Stenosis; Sex Characteristics; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Carotid Artery Diseases; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Hemorrhage; Calcinosis; Necrosis; Lipids; Carotid Arteries; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36444718
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.122.041046 -
Translational Stroke Research Oct 2022Intracranial artery atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is one of the most common causes of stroke. Endovascular therapy including balloon angioplasty alone (BA),... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Intracranial artery atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is one of the most common causes of stroke. Endovascular therapy including balloon angioplasty alone (BA), balloon-mounted stent (BMS), or self-expanding stent (SES) was an important alternative to treat symptomatic ICAS refractory to medical treatment, while none of the three subtypes has been established to be the primary option. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to determine both the safety and efficacy and establish a hierarchy of different endovascular therapies on symptomatic ICAS. Major databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies comparing outcomes of three different endovascular approaches and other comparable non-endovascular therapies for symptomatic ICAS patients published from 1 January 2000 to 1 November 2021. Primary outcomes included short-term mortality or stroke rate (peri-procedural, or mean follow-up ≤ 3 months), and long-term mortality or stroke rate (mean follow-up ≥ 6 months). Pairwise and network meta-analyses based on the above systematic review were conducted. A total of 19 eligible studies involving 3386 patients treated with 4 different approaches (BA, SES, BMS, and medical treatment) were analyzed. For primary outcome, BA had the highest ranking (SUCRA value 78), followed by BMS (SUCRA value 21.5) and SES (SUCRA value 13.1). The short-term mortality or stroke rate was significantly lower in the BA group compared to SES (OR = 2.50; 95% CI 1.12 to 5.57; p = 0.026) or BMS (OR = 0.43; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.96; p = 0.038). Other primary and secondary outcomes were no different among all three types of endovascular therapy. Overall, the studies were of good methodological quality and the consistency was acceptable across all network meta-analyses. BA offers the highest level of safety outcomes in terms of short-term mortality or stroke in treating symptomatic patients with intracranial artery stenosis, compared to SES and BMS, which needs to be confirmed in future studies. Trial registration in PROSPERO database: CRD42018084055.
Topics: Arteries; Constriction, Pathologic; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Stents; Stroke; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35150413
DOI: 10.1007/s12975-022-00996-8 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Sep 2023Sex differences regarding the safety and efficacy of carotid revascularization in carotid artery stenosis have been addressed in several studies with conflicting... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Sex differences regarding the safety and efficacy of carotid revascularization in carotid artery stenosis have been addressed in several studies with conflicting results. Moreover, women are underrepresented in clinical trials, leading to limited conclusions regarding the safety and efficacy of acute stroke treatments.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by literature search including four databases from January 1985 to December 2021. Sex differences in the efficacy and safety of revascularization procedures, including carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS), for symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenoses were analyzed.
RESULTS
Regarding CEA in symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, the stroke risk in men (3.6%) and women (3.9%) based on 99,495 patients (30 studies) did not differ (P = .16). There was also no difference in the stroke risk by different time frames up to 10 years. Compared with men, women treated with CEA had a significantly higher stroke or death rate at 4 months (2 studies, 2565 patients; 7.2% vs 5.0%; odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.12; I = 0%; P = .03), and a significantly higher rate of restenosis (1 study, 615; 17.2% vs 6.7%; OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.66-4.75; P = .0001). For CAS in symptomatic artery stenosis, data showed a non-significant tendency toward higher peri-procedural stroke in women, whereas for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis, data based on 332,344 patients showed that women (compared with men) after CEA had similar rates of stroke, stroke or death, and the composite outcome stroke/death/myocardial infarction. The rate of restenosis at 1 year was significantly higher in women compared with men (1 study, 372 patients; 10.8% vs 3.2%; OR, 3.71; 95% CI, 1.49-9.2; P = .005). Furthermore, CAS in asymptomatic patients was associated with low risk of a postprocedural stroke in both sexes, but a significantly higher risk of in-hospital myocardial infarction in women than men (8445 patients, 1.2% vs 0.6%; OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.23-3.28; I = 0%; P = .005).
CONCLUSIONS
A few sex-differences in short-term outcomes after carotid revascularization for symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis were found, although there were no significant differences in the overall stroke. This indicates a need for larger multicenter prospective studies to evaluate these sex-specific differences. More women, including those aged over 80 years, need to be enrolled in randomized controlled trials, to better understand if sex differences exist and to tailor carotid revascularization accordingly.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Aged, 80 and over; Carotid Stenosis; Sex Characteristics; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Stents; Endarterectomy, Carotid; Carotid Arteries; Stroke; Myocardial Infarction; Constriction, Pathologic; Risk Factors; Risk Assessment; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37055001
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2023.03.502 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2021Carotid endarterectomy may significantly reduce the risk of stroke in people with recently symptomatic, severe carotid artery stenosis. However, there are significant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Carotid endarterectomy may significantly reduce the risk of stroke in people with recently symptomatic, severe carotid artery stenosis. However, there are significant perioperative risks that may be minimised by performing the operation under local rather than general anaesthetics. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 1996, and previously updated in 2004, 2008, and 2013.
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether carotid endarterectomy under local anaesthetic: 1) reduces the risk of perioperative stroke and death compared with general anaesthetic; 2) reduces the complication rate (other than stroke) following carotid endarterectomy; and 3) is acceptable to individuals and surgeons.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and two trials registers (to February 2021). We also reviewed reference lists of articles identified.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of local anaesthetics to general anaesthetics for people having carotid endarterectomy were eligible.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Three review authors independently extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and evaluated quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) tool. We calculated a pooled Peto odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for the following outcomes that occurred within 30 days of surgery: stroke, death, ipsilateral stroke, stroke or death, myocardial infarction, local haemorrhage, and arteries shunted.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 16 RCTs involving 4839 participants, of which 3526 were obtained from the single largest trial (GALA). The main findings from our meta-analysis showed that, within 30 days of operation, neither incidence of stroke nor death were significantly different between local and general anaesthesia. Of these, the incidence of stroke in the local and general anaesthesia groups was 3.2% and 3.5%, respectively (Peto odds ratio (OR) 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66 to 1.26; P = 0.58; 13 studies, 4663 participants; low-quality evidence). The rate of ipsilateral stroke under both types of anaesthesia was 3.1% (Peto OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.48; P = 0.89; 2 studies, 3733 participants; low-quality evidence). The incidence of stroke or death in the local anaesthesia group was 3.5%, while stroke or death incidence was 4.1% in the general anaesthesia group (Peto OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.16; P = 0.31; 11 studies, 4391 participants; low-quality evidence). A lower rate of death was observed in the local anaesthetic group but evidence was of low quality (Peto OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.06; P = 0.08; 12 studies, 4421 participants).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of stroke and death were not convincingly different between local and general anaesthesia for people undergoing carotid endarterectomy. The current evidence supports the choice of either approach. Further high-quality studies are still needed as the evidence is of limited reliability.
Topics: Anesthesia, General; Anesthesia, Local; Carotid Stenosis; Endarterectomy, Carotid; Humans; Stroke
PubMed: 34642940
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000126.pub5 -
Clinical Neuroradiology Mar 2024There is a growing interest in performing coronary artery and neurovascular interventions via the radial artery; however, few studies have examined the outcomes of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
There is a growing interest in performing coronary artery and neurovascular interventions via the radial artery; however, few studies have examined the outcomes of transradial carotid stenting. Therefore, our study aimed to compare cerebrovascular outcomes and crossover rates in carotid stenting between transradial and traditional transfemoral approaches.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed by searching three electronic databases from inception to June 2022 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. In addition, random effect meta-analysis was used to pool the odds ratios (ORs) for stroke, transient ischemic attack, major adverse cardiac events, death, major vascular access site complications, and procedure crossover rates between the transradial and transfemoral approaches.
RESULTS
A total of 6 studies were included involving a total of n = 567 transradial and n = 6176 transfemoral procedures. The ORs for stroke, transient ischemic attack, and major adverse cardiac events were 1.43 (95% confidence interval, CI 0.72-2.86, I = 0), 0.51 (95% CI 0.17-1.54, I = 0), and 1.08 (95% CI 0.62-1.86, I = 0), respectively. Neither the major vascular access site complication rate (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.32-3.87, I = 0) nor crossover rate (OR 3.94, 95% CI 0.62-25.11, I = 57%) showed statistically significant differences between the two approaches.
CONCLUSION
The modest quality of the data suggested comparable procedural outcomes between the transradial and transfemoral approaches when performing carotid stenting; however, high level evidence regarding postoperative brain images and risk of stroke in transradial carotid stenting are lacking. Therefore, it is reasonable for interventionists to weigh up the risks of neurological events and potential benefits, including fewer access site complications, before choosing the radial or femoral arteries as access sites. Future large-scale randomized controlled trials are imperative.
Topics: Humans; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Stroke; Femoral Artery; Carotid Stenosis; Treatment Outcome; Stents; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37401948
DOI: 10.1007/s00062-023-01315-w -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Double-outlet left ventricle (DOLV) is an abnormal ventriculo-arterial connection characterized by the origin of both great arteries from the morphological left... (Review)
Review
Double-outlet left ventricle (DOLV) is an abnormal ventriculo-arterial connection characterized by the origin of both great arteries from the morphological left ventricle. The aim of our paper is to describe the morphological and imaging features of DOLV and to assess the prevalence of the associated malformations and their surgical outcomes. METHODS From 2011 to 2022, we retrospectively reviewed the electronic case records of patients diagnosed with DOLV at the Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital. A systematic search was developed in MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases to identify reports assessing the morphology and outcomes of DOLV between 1975 and 2023. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 9.9 years (IQR 7.8-11.7 y), four cases of DOLV were identified at our institution. Two patients were diagnosed with (S,D,D) DOLV subaortic VSD and pulmonary stenosis (PS): one patient had (S,D,D) DOLV with doubly committed VSD and hypoplastic right ventricle, and another patient had (S,D,L) DOLV with subaortic VSD and PS (malposition type). Pulmonary stenosis was the most commonly associated lesion (75%). LITERATURE REVIEW: After systematic evaluation, a total of 12 reports fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in our analysis. PS or right ventricular outflow tract obstruction was the most commonly associated lesion (69%, 95% CI 62-76%). The most common locations of VSD were subaortic (pooled prevalence: 75%, 95% CI 68-81), subpulmonary (15%, 95% CI 10-21), and doubly committed (7%, 95% CI 4-12). The position of the great arteries showed that d-transposition of the aorta was present in 128 cases (59% 95% CI 42-74), and l-transposition was present in 77 cases (35%, 95% CI 29-43).
PubMed: 37891996
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13203175 -
Stroke Jan 2015Ultrasonographic plaque echolucency has been studied as a stroke risk marker in carotid atherosclerotic disease. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Ultrasonographic plaque echolucency has been studied as a stroke risk marker in carotid atherosclerotic disease. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the association between ultrasound-determined carotid plaque echolucency and future ipsilateral stroke risk.
METHODS
We searched the medical literature for studies evaluating the association between carotid plaque echolucency and future stroke in asymptomatic patients. We included prospective observational studies with stroke outcome ascertainment after baseline carotid plaque echolucency assessment. We performed a meta-analysis and assessed study heterogeneity and publication bias. We also performed subgroup analyses limited to patients with stenosis ≥50%, studies in which plaque echolucency was determined via subjective visual interpretation, studies with a relatively lower risk of bias, and studies published after the year 2000.
RESULTS
We analyzed data from 7 studies on 7557 subjects with a mean follow-up of 37.2 months. We found a significant positive relationship between predominantly echolucent (compared with predominantly echogenic) plaques and the risk of future ipsilateral stroke across all stenosis severities (0% to 99%; relative risk, 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.58-3.39; P<0.001) and in subjects with ≥50% stenosis (relative risk, 2.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.47-4.63; P=0.001). A statistically significant increased relative risk for future stroke was preserved in all additional subgroup analyses. No statistically significant heterogeneity or publication bias was present in any of the meta-analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
The presence of ultrasound-determined carotid plaque echolucency provides predictive information in asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis beyond luminal stenosis. However, the magnitude of the increased risk is not sufficient on its own to iden tify patients likely to benefit from surgical revascularization.
Topics: Asymptomatic Diseases; Carotid Artery Diseases; Carotid Stenosis; Humans; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Risk Assessment; Stroke; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 25406150
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.114.006091 -
VASA. Zeitschrift Fur Gefasskrankheiten Jan 2016This overview analyses gender differences in prevalence, epidemiology, risk factors and therapy in patients with carotid stenosis in a systematic review. Ischemic stroke... (Review)
Review
This overview analyses gender differences in prevalence, epidemiology, risk factors and therapy in patients with carotid stenosis in a systematic review. Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death in Western society, where about 20% of cases are triggered by a carotid stenosis or occlusion, which occurs more frequently in men than in women. The stroke-protective effect of carotid endarterectomy is greater in men. Men have lower peri-procedural stroke and death rates. Particularly men with carotid stenosis and a life expectancy of at least 5 years benefit from surgical treatment. Also, the recurrence rate of ipsilateral stroke 5 years after initial surgery is lower in men than in women. It is not yet fully clarified whether there are significant gender differences regarding the outcome after endovascular versus surgical treatment. Gender differences in the outcome of carotid artery repair may be caused by biological, anatomical (smaller vessel diameter in women) or hormonal differences as well as a protracted development of atherosclerotic changes in women and different plaque morphology. Moreover, women are on average older at the time of surgery and their surgical treatment is often delayed. To reduce the risk of stroke and to improve treatment outcome especially for women, further research on gender differences and their causes is mandatory and promising.
Topics: Angioplasty; Asymptomatic Diseases; Carotid Stenosis; Endarterectomy, Carotid; Female; Health Status Disparities; Healthcare Disparities; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Recurrence; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Stroke; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26986705
DOI: 10.1024/0301-1526/a000490 -
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Apr 2022The study aimed to review the use of synthetic grafts (SGs) and autologous vein grafts (AVGs) in visceral arterial reconstruction (VAR) in chronic visceral ischaemia....
The study aimed to review the use of synthetic grafts (SGs) and autologous vein grafts (AVGs) in visceral arterial reconstruction (VAR) in chronic visceral ischaemia. Systematic review methodology was employed. Six studies were included (218 patients and 281 vessels). Two studies had data about AVG only, 3 had data about SG only and 1 had both AVG and SG data. Three studies reported outcomes for AVG (117 patients and 132 vessels revascularized). One-year primary patency was 87% (95% CI 71%, 97%). Graft thrombosis rate was 6% (95% CI 0%, 16%). Pooled stenosis rate at one-year was 11% (95% CI 1%, 28%). The 30-day (n = 96), one-year (n = 72) and 5-year mortality (n = 30) were 0%, 0% and 12%, respectively. Four studies reported outcomes for SGs (106 patients and 147 vessels). The pooled primary patency at one year was 100% (95% CI 99%, 100%). Pooled primary 5-year patency rate was 88% (95% CI 69%, 100%). There was no graft infection in 2 of the 3 studies. Overall pooled percentage of graft thrombosis and stenosis at one year was 0%. Jimenez et al. (2002) reported one graft thrombosis at 20 months and graft stenosis in 2 patients at 46 and 49 months. Illuminati et al (2017) reported graft thrombosis in 2/24 patients at 22 and 52 months. Thirty days, one-year and 5-year mortality was 1% (95% CI 0%, 6), 7% (95% CI 0%, 20%) and 39% (95% CI 11%), respectively. Patency was better with SG compared with AVG. Mortality was higher in the SG group. Graft dilatation does occur with vein grafts, but in this review no intervention was found necessary. Poorly designed studies, incomplete reporting and absence of morbidity and mortality indices preclude emphatic conclusions.
Topics: Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Graft Occlusion, Vascular; Humans; Ischemia; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Patency; Vascular Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 35129404
DOI: 10.1177/15385744211029112