The impact of carotid plaque presence and morphology on mortality outcome in cardiological patients

28Citations
Citations of this article
27Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Background: Carotid plaque severity and morphology can affect cardiovascular prognosis. We evaluate both the importance of echographically assessed carotid artery plaque geometry and morphology as predictors of death in hospitalised cardiological patients. Methods: 541 hospitalised patients admitted in a cardiological division (age = 66 ± 11 years, 411 men), have been studied through ultrasound Duplex carotid scan and successively followed-up for a median of 34 months. Echo evaluation assessed plaque severity and morphology (presence of heterogeneity and profile). Results: 361 patients showed carotid stenosis (67% with <50% stenosis, 18% with 50-69% stenosis, 9% with >70% stenosis, 4% with near occlusion and 2% with total occlusion). During the follow-up period, there were 83 all-cause deaths (15% of the total population). Using Cox's proportional hazard model, age (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.09, p = 0.000), ejection fraction > 50% (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.4-0.96, p = 0.03), treatment with statins (RR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.29-0.95, p = 0.34) and the presence of a heterogeneous plaque (RR 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.14, p = 0.002) were independent predictors of death. Kaplan - Meier survival estimates have shown the best outcome in patients without plaque, intermediate in patients with homogeneous plaques and the worst outcome in patients with heterogeneous plaques (90% vs 79% vs 73%, p = 0.0001). Conclusion: In hospitalised cardiological patients, carotid plaque presence and morphology assessed by ultrasound are independent predictors of death. © 2006Petersen et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Petersen, C., Peçanha, P. B., Venneri, L., Pasanisi, E., Pratali, L., & Picano, E. (2006). The impact of carotid plaque presence and morphology on mortality outcome in cardiological patients. Cardiovascular Ultrasound, 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-7120-4-16

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free