title: Changes of atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries due to severe familial hypercholesterolemia following long-term plasmapheresis, assessed by duplex scan.
abstract: Three males, aged 15, 22, and 25 years, have been followed for Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) from 1968 and 1976 onward, being treated by plasmapheresis for 2 to 5 years continuously, at 1- to 2-week intervals. Whereas two patients have been continuously treated to date, the third discontinued plasma exchange after 4 years and has been reevaluated 6 years later. Discontinuation of plasma exchange led to progression of atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries documented by duplex scan, whereas one patient exhibited marked regression of former impressive soft plaque-formation and one patient showed no significant change. Two-dimensional computer-analysis suggested a reduction of plaque mass of up to 45% in one patient.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000473:pathology*; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000473:pathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006938:Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000097:blood; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL