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Ultrasonographic measurements of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in prediction of ischemic stroke
Author(s) -
Mathiesen E. B.,
Johnsen S. H.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2009.01210.x
Subject(s) - medicine , stroke (engine) , cardiology , subclinical infection , echogenicity , surrogate endpoint , intima media thickness , population , stroke risk , disease , carotid arteries , ischemic stroke , radiology , ultrasound , ischemia , mechanical engineering , environmental health , engineering
Carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) and plaque measurements are widely used to quantify atherosclerosis and assess the risk of future stroke, and are used as surrogate endpoints for clinical disease. In recent years, it has become clear that carotid IMT and plaque reflect biologically and genetically different aspects of the atherosclerotic process, and are differentially related to risk factors and cardiovascular disease. Plaques are focal manifestations of atherosclerosis while increased IMT represents mainly hypertensive medial hypertrophy. Several prospective studies have showed that IMT and plaque measurements, such as total plaque area and plaque number, are predictive of future stroke. Plaque echogenicity predicts future stroke independent of plaque size. The contribution of IMT and plaque measurements in individual stroke risk prediction in the general population seems to be limited, but may be useful as a tool for individual stratification of high‐risk patients.