Clinical Research Directory

Atherosclerotic Plaque Characteristics Associated With a Progression Rate of the Plaque in Carotids and a Risk of Stroke

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of stroke. The aims of the project are to compare the visual and digital analysis of sonographic images of atherosclerotic plaque in carotids in vivo, in vitro and with a histological composition of the plaque obtained from patients indicated to carotid endarterectomy, to compare the characteristics of symptomatic and asymptomatic atherosclerotic plaques and, subsequently to verify a hypothesis that ultrasound can identify the sonographic plaque characteristics associated with an increased risk of plaque progression and of ischemic stroke (unstable plaque) in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Identifying of the sonographic characteristics of unstable plaque will allow to improve indication criteria for carotid endarterectomy or stenting and also potential changing of a drug therapy in patients with unstable plaque in the future. Cost efficiency and availability of duplex ultrasound equipment may enable to improve diagnosis of unstable plaque using this new plaque characteristics evaluation in the majority of patients with carotid plaques. Secondary aim is to evaluate prevalence of carotid web and risk of stroke in patients with atherosclerotic plaque in carotid arteries and healthy population.

Familial Form of Carotid Web: a Doppler Ultrasound Study

There is no evidence of familial forms of carotid web. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of carotid web among relatives of patient with carotid web using carotid doppler ultrasound.

Prevalence of Carotid Web in Youth

A carotid web (CaW) is a shelf-like, thin, triangular endoluminal projection typically arising from the posterior wall of the internal carotid artery (ICA) bulb. CaW is considered by many to be an intimal variant of fibromuscular dysplasia and is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in otherwise low-risk, younger patients. The CaWY study is a cross-sectional, multicenter, population-based sonographic survey with blinded central image adjudication, reported in accordance with STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies, aimed at estimating the prevalence of CaW detected by duplex sonography in the general population aged 15-25 years.