Source of microembolic signals in patients with high-grade carotid stenosis.
OBJECTIVE
In patients with both symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenoses, the relationship between carotid plaque characteristics and transcranial Doppler (TCD)-detected microembolic signals (MES) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between macroscopically described plaque characteristics and MES in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.


METHODS
Sequential patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy underwent preoperative 30-minute TCD monitoring of the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery to detect MES. TCD signal analysis, by researchers who were blinded to patient information, was performed offline. Clinical variables of patients and macroscopic carotid plaque features seen at surgery were documented prospectively.


RESULTS
Of the 109 patients (74 male, 35 female; mean age, 68.8+/-8.7 years) enrolled, 71 had ipsilateral carotid territory symptoms. MES were detected in 27 of all patients (25%). Twenty-two of 71 symptomatic patients (31%) compared with 5 of 38 asymptomatic patients (13%) had MES (P=0.046). Also, symptomatic patients had more emboli (total MES counts) than asymptomatic patients (P=0.010). The presence or absence of MES was not associated with plaque characteristics.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data do not confirm previous reports of an association between MES and macroscopic plaque characteristics. We hypothesize that smaller platelet aggregates and fibrin clots, which are not detected macroscopically, are the most likely sources of TCD-detected MES.
Stork
Jacinda L
JL
National Stroke Research Institute, Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Australia.
Kimura
Kazumi
K
Levi
Christopher R
CR
Chambers
Brian R
BR
Abbott
Anne L
AL
Donnan
Geoffrey A
GA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D004617:Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020768:Middle Cerebral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D017585:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial