| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Bajraktari, Gani, et al.
(författare)
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Comparison of drug-eluting balloon versus drug-eluting stent treatment of drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis : A meta-analysis of available evidence
- 2016
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 218, s. 126-135
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: In-stent restenosis (ISR) remains an important concern despite the recent advances in the drug-eluting stent (DES) technology. The introduction of drug-eluting balloons (DEB) offers a good solution to such problem.OBJECTIVES: We performed a meta-analysis to assess the clinical efficiency and safety of DEB compared with DES in patients with DES-ISR.METHODS: A systematic search was conducted and all randomized and observational studies which compared DEB with DES in patients with DES-ISR were included. The primary outcome measure-major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)-as well as individual events as target lesion revascularization (TLR), stent thrombosis (ST), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac death (CD) and all-cause mortality, were analyzed.RESULTS: Three randomized and 4 observational studies were included with a total of 2052 patients. MACE (relative risk [RR]=1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 1.46, P=0.99), TLR (RR=1.15 [CI 0.79 to 1.68], P=0.44), ST (RR=0.37[0.10 to 1.34], P=0.13), MI (RR=0.97 [0.49 to 1.91], P=0.93) and CD (RR=0.73 [0.22 to 2.45], P=0.61) were not different between patients treated with DEB and with DES. However, all-cause mortality was lower in patients treated with DEB (RR=0.45 [0.23 to 0.87, P=0.019) and in particular when compared to only first generation DES (RR 0.33 [0.15-0.74], P=0.007). There was no statistical evidence for publication bias.CONCLUSIONS: The results of this meta-analysis showed that DEB and DES have similar efficacy and safety for the treatment of DES-ISR.
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| 3. |
- Bajraktari, Gani, et al.
(författare)
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Complete revascularization for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary artery disease : a meta-analysis of randomized trials
- 2018
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Ingår i: Coronary Artery Disease. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 0954-6928 .- 1473-5830. ; 29:3, s. 204-215
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Despite the recent findings in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with limited sample sizes and the updates in clinical guidelines, the current available data for the complete revascularization (CR) in hemodynamically stable patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are still contradictory.Aim: The aim of this meta-analysis of the existing RCTs was to assess the efficacy of the CR versus revascularization of infarct-related artery (IRA) only during primary PCI in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease (MVD).Patients and methods: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases aiming to find RCTs for patients with STEMI and MVD which compared CR with IRA-only. Random effect risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for efficacy and safety outcomes.Results: Ten RCTs with 3291 patients were included. The median follow-up duration was 17.5 months. Major adverse cardiac events (RR=0.57; 0.43-0.76; P<0.0001), cardiac mortality (RR=0.52; 0.31-0.87; P=0.014), and repeat revascularization (RR=0.50; 0.30-0.84; P=0.009) were lower in CR compared with IRA-only strategies. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of all-cause mortality, recurrent nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, major bleeding events, and contrast-induced nephropathy.Conclusion: For patients with STEMI and MVD undergoing primary PCI, the current evidence suggests that the risk of major adverse cardiac events, repeat revascularization, and cardiac death is reduced by CR. However, the risk for all-cause mortality and PCI-related complications is not different from the isolated culprit lesion-only treatment. Although these findings support the cardiac mortality and safety benefit of CR in stable STEMI, further large trials are required to provide better guidance for optimum management of such patients.
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| 4. |
- Jashari, Haki, et al.
(författare)
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Normal ranges of left ventricular strain in children : a meta-analysis
- 2015
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Ingår i: Cardiovascular Ultrasound. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-7120. ; 13
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims: The definition of normal values of two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography derived left ventricular (LV) deformation parameters, is of critical importance for the routine application of this modality in children. The objectives of this study were to perform a meta-analysis of normal ranges for longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain/strain rate values and to identify confounders that may contribute to differences in reported measures. Methods and Results: A systematic search was conducted. Studies describing normal healthy subjects and observational studies that used control groups as a comparison were included. Data were combined using a random-effect model. Effects of demographic, clinical and equipment variables were assessed through meta-regression. The search identified 1,192 subjects form 28 articles. Longitudinal strain (LS) normal mean values varied from -12.9 to -26.5 (mean, -20.5; 95 % CI, -20.0 to -21.0). Normal mean values of circumferential strain (CS) varied from -10.5 to -27.0 (mean, -22.06; 95 % CI, -21.5 to -22.5). Radial strain (RS) normal mean values varied from 24.9 to 62.1 (mean, 45.4; 95 % CI, 43.0 to 47.8). Meta-regression showed LV end diastolic diameter as a significant determinant of variation for LS. Longitudinal systolic strain rate (LSRs) was significantly determined by the age and RS by the type of vendor used. Conclusion: Variations among different normal ranges were dependent on the vendor used, LV end-diastolic diameter and age. Vendor-independent software for analyzing myocardial deformation in children, using images from different vendors would be the ideal solution for strain measurements or else using the same system for patient's follow up.
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| 5. |
- Bajraktari, Gani, et al.
(författare)
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Combined electrical and global markers of dyssynchrony predict clinical response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
- 2014
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1401-7431 .- 1651-2006. ; 48:5, s. 304-310
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIM: To assess potential additional value of global left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony markers in predicting cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response in heart failure (HF) patients. METHODS: We included 103 HF patients (mean age 67 +/- 12 years, 83% male) who fulfilled the guidelines criteria for CRT treatment. All patients had undergone full clinical assessment, NT-proBNP and echocardiographic examination. Global LV dyssynchrony was assessed using total isovolumic time (t-IVT) and Tei index. On the basis of reduction in the NYHA class after CRT, patients were divided into responders and non-responders. RESULTS: Prolonged t-IVT [0.878 (range, 0.802-0.962), p = 0.005], long QRS duration [0.978 (range, 0.960-0.996), p = 0.02] and high tricuspid regurgitation pressure drop [1.047 (range, 1.001-1.096), p = 0.046] independently predicted response to CRT. A t-IVT >= 11.6 s/min was 67% sensitive and 62% specifi c (AUC 0.69, p = 0.001) in predicting CRT response. Respective values for a QRS >= 151 ms were 66% and 62% (AUC 0.65, p = 0.01). Combining the two variables had higher specifi city (88%) in predicting CRT response. In atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, only prolonged t-IVT [0.690 (range, 0.509 -0.937), p = 0.03] independently predicted CRT response. CONCLUSION: Combining prolonged t-IVT and the conventionally used broad QRS duration has a significantly higher specifi city in identifying patients likely to respond to CRT. Moreover, in AF patients, only prolonged t-IVT independently predicted CRT response.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Bajraktari, Gani, et al.
(författare)
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Gender related predictors of limited exercise capacity in heart failure
- 2013
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Ingår i: IJC Heart & Vessels. - : Elsevier. - 2214-7632. ; 1, s. 11-16
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of gender on the prediction of limited exercise capacity in heart failure (HF) patients assessed by 6 minute walk test (6-MWT).Methods In 147 HF patients (mean age 61 ± 11 years, 50.3% male), a 6-MWT and a Doppler echocardiographic study were performed in the same day. Conventional cardiac measurements were obtained and global LV dyssynchrony was indirectly assessed using total isovolumic time − t-IVT [in s/min; calculated as: 60 − (total ejection time − total filling time)] and Tei index (t-IVT/ejection time). Patients were divided into two groups according to gender, which were again divided into two subgroups based on the 6-MWT distance (Group I: ≤ 300 m, and Group II: > 300 m).Results Female patients were younger (p = 0.02), and had higher left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction — EF (p = 0.007) but with similar 6-MWT distance to male patients (p = 68). Group I male patients had lower hemoglobin level (p = 0.02) and lower EF (p = 0.03), compared with Group II, but none of the clinical or echocardiographic variables differed between groups in female patients. In multivariate analysis, only t-IVT [0.699 (0.552–0.886), p = 0.003], and LV EF [0.908 (0.835–0.987), p = 0.02] in males, and NYHA functional class [4.439 (2.213–16.24), p = 0.02] in females independently predicted poor 6-MWT distance (< 300 m).Conclusion Despite similar limited exercise capacity, gender determines the pattern of underlying cardiac disturbances; ventricular dysfunction in males and subjective NYHA class in female heart failure patients.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
- Batalli-Këpuska, Arbnora, et al.
(författare)
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Abnormal systolic and diastolic myocardial function in obese asymptomatic adolescents
- 2013
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 168:3, s. 2347-2351
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Structural and functional cardiac changes are known in obese adults. We aimed to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cardiac function in overweight and obese asymptomatic adolescents. Ninety three healthy adolescents, aged 12.6±1.2years, received weight, height, BMI, waist, hips, waist/hips ratio assessment, hematology and biochemistry tests and an echocardiogram. Based on BMI, subjects were divided into: lean (L, n=32), overweight (Ov, n=33) and obese (Ob, n=32). Interventricular septal and LV posterior wall thickness were increased parallel to the BMI (L: 0.84±0.1cm, Ov: 0.88±0.1cm, Ob: 0.96±0.1cm, p<0.001, and L: 0.78±0.1cm, Ov: 0.8±0.1cm, Ob: 0.94±0.1cm, p<0.001, respectively) as were relative wall thickness (RWT) and mass index (LVMI) (L: 0.34±0.05, Ov: 0.34±0.05, Ob: 0.40±0.04, p<0.001, and L: 47.7±8.4g/m(2), Ov: 51.9±8.3g/m(2), Ob: 65.2±13.3g/m(2), p=0<001, respectively). LV early diastolic (E') lateral and septal velocities (L: 15.3±3.9cm/s, Ov: 13.6±4cm/s, Ob: 10.5±3.4cm/s, p<0.001, and L: 12.2±2.3cm/s, Ov: 11.1±2.4cm/s, Ob: 9.8±3.1cm/s, p=0.003, respectively), and systolic (S') velocities (L: 9.2±1.4cm/s, Ov: 9.3±2.3cm/s, Ob: 8.04±1.5cm/s, p=0.018, and L: 9.05±2.3cm/s, Ov: 9±2.4cm/s, Ob: 7.6±1.1cm/s, p=0.014, respectively) were all reduced, only in obese adolescents. LV lateral E' (r=-0.44, p<0.001) and S' (r=-0.29, p=0.005) correlated with BMI. In asymptomatic adolescents, LV wall is thicker and diastolic function impaired and correlate with BMI. These findings demonstrate early cardiac functional disturbances which might explain the known obesity risk for cardiac disease.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Ibrahimi, Pranvera, et al.
(författare)
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Common carotid intima-media features determine distal disease phenotype and vulnerability in asymptomatic patients
- 2015
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 196, s. 22-28
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: There is a growing awareness of the importance of carotid plaque features evaluation in stroke prediction. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and recently its echogenicity were used for stroke prediction, although their clinical relevance was not well determined. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between common carotid artery (CCA) ultrasound markers of atherosclerosis and distal, bifurcation and internal carotid artery (ICA), plaque features. Methods: We analyzed 137 carotid arteries in 87 asymptomatic patients with known carotid disease (mean age 69 +/- 6 year, 34.5% females). Intima media thickness (IMT) and its gray scale median (IM-GSM) were measured at the CCA. Plaque textural features including gray scale median (GSM), juxtaluminal black area (JBA-mm(2)) without a visible cap, and plaque coarseness, at bifurcation and ICA were also determined. CCA measurements were correlated with those of the distal plaques. Results: An increased IMT in CCA correlated with plaque irregularities in the bifurcation and ICA (r = 0.53, p < 0.001), while IM-GSM was closely related to plaque echogenicity (GSM) (r = 0.76, p < 0.001), and other textural plaque features. Both, IMT and IM-GSM correlated weakly with stenosis severity (r = 0.27, p = 0.001 and r = -0.18, p = 0.026) respectively. Conclusion: In asymptomatic patients, measurements of CCA reflect distal, bifurcation and ICA disease, with IMT reflecting plaque irregularities and IM-GSM as markers of textural plaque abnormalities. Integrating measurements of both IMT and IM-GSM in a model could be used as a better marker of disease vulnerability over and above each measure individually.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Ibrahimi, Pranvera, et al.
(författare)
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Coronary and carotid atherosclerosis : how useful is the imaging?
- 2013
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Ingår i: Atherosclerosis. - : Elsevier. - 0021-9150 .- 1879-1484. ; 231:2, s. 323-333
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The recent advancement of imaging modalities has made possible visualization of atherosclerosis disease in all phases of its development. Markers of subclinical atherosclerosis or even the most advanced plaque features are acquired by invasive (IVUS, OCT) and non-invasive imaging modalities (US, MRI, CTA). Determining plaques prone to rupture (vulnerable plaques) might help to identify patients at risk for myocardial infarction or stroke. The most accepted features of plaque vulnerability include: thin cap fibroatheroma, large lipid core, intimal spotty calcification, positive remodeling and intraplaque neovascularizations. Today, research is focusing on finding imaging techniques that are less invasive, less radiation and can detect most of the vulnerable plaque features. While, carotid atherosclerosis can be visualized using noninvasive imaging, such as US, MRI and CT, imaging plaque feature in coronary arteries needs invasive imaging modalities. However, atherosclerosis is a systemic disease with plaque development simultaneously in different arteries and data acquisition in carotid arteries can add useful information for prediction of coronary events.
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| 16. |
- Ibrahimi, Pranvera, et al.
(författare)
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Predictors of exercise capacity in heart failure : combined right ventricular dysfunction and raised left ventricular filling pressures predict limited exercise capacity in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)
- 2013
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Ingår i: International Cardiovascular Forum Journal. - : Barcaray International Publishing. - 2410-2636 .- 2409-3424. ; 1:1, s. 37-42
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and Aim: Compromised exercise capacity is a major symptom in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF). Six-minute walk test (6-MWT) is popular for the objective assessment of exercise capacity in these patients but is largely confined to major heart centres. The aim of this study was to prospectively examine functional parameters that predict 6-MWT in patients with HF and reduced LVEF.Methods: In 111 HF patients (mean age 60±12 years, 56% male), a 6-MWT and an echo-Doppler study were performed in the same day. In addition to conventional ventricular function measurements, global LV dyssynchrony was indirectly assessed by total isovolumic time - t-IVT [in s/min; calculated as: 60 – (total ejection time – total filling time)], and Tei index (t-IVT/ejection time). Also, LV and right ventricular function were assessed by mitral and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE and TAPSE, respectively). Based on the 6-MWT distance, patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I: ≤300m and Group II: >300m.Results: The 6-MWT distance correlated with t-IVT and Tei index (r=-0.37, p<0.001, for both), lateral and septal e' velocities (r=0.41, p<0.001, and r=0.46, p<0.001, respectively), E/e' ratio (r=-0.37, p<0.001) and TAPSE (r=0.45, p<0.001), but not with the other clinical or echo parameters. Group I patients had longer t-IVT, lower E/e' ratio, TAPSE and lateral e' (p<0.001 for all) compared with Group II. In multivariate analysis, TAPSE [0.076 (0.017-0.335), p=0.001], E/e' [1.165 (1.017-1.334), p=0.027], t-IVT [1.178 (1.014-1.370), p=0.033] independently predicted poor 6-MWT performance (<300m). Sensitivity and specificity for TAPSE ≤1.9 cm were 66% and 77%, (AUC 0.78, p<0.001); E/e' ≥10.7 were 66% and 62% (AUC 0.67, p=0.002) and t-IVT ≥13 s/min were 64% and 60% (AUC 0.68, p=0.002) in predicting poor 6-MWT. Combined TAPSE and E/e' had a sensitivity of 68% but specificity of 92% in predicting 6-MWT. Respective values for combined TAPSE and t-IVT were 71% and 85%.Conclusion: In patients with HF, the limited exercise capacity assessed by 6-MWT, is multifactorial being related both to the severity of right ventricular systolic dysfunction as well as to raised LV filling pressures and global dyssynchrony.
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| 17. |
- Ibrahimi, Pranvera, et al.
(författare)
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Ultrasound assessment of carotid plaque echogenicity response to statin therapy : a systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2015
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Ingår i: International Journal of Molecular Sciences. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-6596 .- 1422-0067. ; 16:5, s. 10734-10747
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in a systematic review and meta-analysis model the effect of statin therapy on carotid plaque echogenicity assessed by ultrasound.METHODS: We have systematically searched electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Center Register) up to April, 2015, for studies evaluating the effect of statins on plaque echogenicity. Two researchers independently determined the eligibility of studies evaluating the effect of statin therapy on carotid plaque echogenicity that used ultrasound and grey scale median (GSM) or integrated back scatter (IBS).RESULTS: Nine out of 580 identified studies including 566 patients' carotid artery data were meta-analyzed for a mean follow up of 7.2 months. A consistent increase in the echogenicity of carotid artery plaques, after statin therapy, was reported. Pooled weighted mean difference % (WMD) on plaque echogenicity after statin therapy was 29% (95% CI 22%-36%), p < 0.001, I2 = 92.1%. In a meta-regression analysis using % mean changes of LDL, HDL and hsCRP as moderators, it was shown that the effects of statins on plaque echogenicity were related to changes in hsCRP, but not to LDL and HDL changes from the baseline. The effect of statins on the plaque was progressive; it showed significance after the first month of treatment, and the echogenicity continued to increase in the following six and 12 months.CONCLUSIONS: Statin therapy is associated with a favorable increase of carotid plaque echogenicity. This effect seems to be dependent on the period of treatment and hsCRP change from the baseline, independent of changes in LDL and HDL.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Ibrahimi, Pranvera, et al.
(författare)
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Vulnerable plaques in the contralateral carotid arteries in symptomatic patients : a detailed ultrasound analysis
- 2014
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Ingår i: Atherosclerosis. - : Elsevier. - 0021-9150 .- 1879-1484. ; 235:2, s. 526-531
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND AIM: Carotid plaques may represent a generalized atherosclerotic syndrome or a localized disease. The aim of this study was to assess the morphological and textural features of carotid plaques located contralateral to the symptomatic side and compare them with the symptomatic side and with plaques from asymptomatic patients. METHODS: We studied 66 arteries in 39 patients (mean age 70 ± 7 year, 33% females). Arterial plaques were classified as either symptomatic (n = 30), contralateral to symptomatic (n = 25) or asymptomatic (n = 11). We compared several plaque features between these groups including the mean values of the grey scale median (GSM), entropy, juxtaluminal black area (JBA) without visible echogenic cap, GSM of the JBA and surface irregularity. RESULTS: The plaques contralateral to symptomatic arteries had similar morphological and textural features to those in the symptomatic arteries. In contrast, they had more vulnerable morphological and textural features than those in asymptomatic arteries: less smooth plaques (12% vs. 55%) and instead more often mildly irregular (60% vs 36%) or markedly irregular (28% vs. 9%; p = 0.03), lower GSM (26.2 ± 8 vs. 49.4 ± 14, p < 0.001) and lower GSM of the JBA (5.0 ± 3.6 vs. 11.4 ± 2.1, p = 0.008). The frequency of entropy and plaque calcification was similar in all groups. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic patients with carotid artery disease seem to have similar morphological and textural features of vulnerability in the symptomatic and the contralateral carotid arteries, which are profound compared with asymptomatic carotid arteries. These findings support the concept of generalized carotid atherosclerotic pathology rather than incidental unilateral disease, and also emphasize a need for aggressive measures for plaque stabilization, particularly in symptomatic patients.
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| 20. |
- Jashari, Fisnik, et al.
(författare)
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Arterial calcification and cerebral disease : stroke and dementia
- 2022. - 1
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Ingår i: Cardiovascular calcification. - Cham : Springer. - 9783030815158 - 9783030815141 ; , s. 237-258
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Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Atherosclerosis is an important cause of stroke and accumulating evidence suggests the existence of a possible shared pathophysiological process that may drive aging-related disease such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and dementia. The increased intimal permeability represents the substrate on which initial intimal thickening can promote the development of advanced atherosclerotic lesion. Traditional risk factors of cardiovascular disease (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking and atrial fibrillation) have been associated with increased risk of development of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Atherosclerotic plaques are composed of different elements including collagen, necrotic core, inflammatory cells and calcification. Recent advancement of imaging modalities, such as ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can identify atherosclerosis at different stages of its development and differentiate plaque composition. Calcium can be easily identified using different imaging techniques and its amount is increased with advancing age. Atherosclerotic calcification in the coronary, carotid and intracranial arteries have been strongly associated with microstructural brain changes on brain MRI, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Subclinical arterial calcification in carotid and cerebral vessels could be present in asymptomatic patients and its presence could be used as a clue to initiate neuropsychological testing for dementia and also to initiate preventative and therapeutic strategies, because mid-life vascular risk factors control can prevent late-life dementia and stroke.
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| 21. |
- Jashari, Fisnik, et al.
(författare)
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Atherosclerotic Calcification Detection : A Comparative Study of Carotid Ultrasound and Cone Beam CT
- 2015
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Ingår i: International Journal of Molecular Sciences. - : MDPI. - 1661-6596 .- 1422-0067. ; 16:8, s. 19978-19988
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND AIM: Arterial calcification is often detected on ultrasound examination but its diagnostic accuracy is not well validated. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of carotid ultrasound B mode findings in detecting atherosclerotic calcification quantified by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).METHODS: We analyzed 94 carotid arteries, from 88 patients (mean age 70 ± 7 years, 33% females), who underwent pre-endarterectomy ultrasound examination. Plaques with high echogenic nodules and posterior shadowing were considered calcified. After surgery, the excised plaques were examined using CBCT, from which the calcification volume (mm3) was calculated. In cases with multiple calcifications the largest calcification nodule volume was used to represent the plaque. Carotid artery calcification by the two imaging techniques was compared using conventional correlations.RESULTS: Carotid ultrasound was highly accurate in detecting the presence of calcification; with a sensitivity of 88.2%. Based on the quartile ranges of calcification volumes measured by CBCT we have divided plaque calcification into four groups: <8; 8-35; 36-70 and >70 mm3. Calcification volumes ≥8 were accurately detectable by ultrasound with a sensitivity of 96%. Of the 21 plaques with <8 mm3 calcification volume; only 13 were detected by ultrasound; resulting in a sensitivity of 62%. There was no difference in the volume of calcification between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.CONCLUSION: Carotid ultrasound is highly accurate in detecting the presence of calcified atherosclerotic lesions of volume ≥8 mm3; but less accurate in detecting smaller volume calcified plaques. Further development of ultrasound techniques should allow better detection of early arterial calcification.
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| 22. |
- Jashari, Fisnik, 1985-
(författare)
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Carotid artery disease : plaque features and vulnerability
- 2015
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Atherosclerosis is an important cause of stroke. Ultrasound offers the convenience of real-time and detailed assessment of carotid plaque features as well as arterial wall thickening and composition. Evaluation of these features is important for determining patients’ risk of suffering vascular events and also contributes to selecting the best treatment strategy.Methods: Using ultrasound data analysis we have determined plaque features in the bifurcation and internal carotid artery (ICA), including: surface plaque irregularities, calcification, echogenicity (grey scale median-GSM) and other textural plaque features (Juxtaluminal black area, entropy, coarseness). In addition, intima media thickens (IMT) and its grey scale median (IM-GSM) was measured in common carotid artery (CCA). Using Cone Beam CT (CBCT) we have quantified calcification volume of the carotid plaques extracted after carotid endarterectomy procedure. For the meta-analysis we have used comprehensive meta-analysis software version 3. Study I: We have included 39 patients and we compared carotid plaque features of the contralateral arteries with those located ipsilateral to symptomatic side and arteries of asymptomatic patients.Study II: The accuracy of US to detect atherosclerosis calcification was assessed against CBCT in 88 patients. Study III: Based on the previous vascular events in coronary, carotid and lower extremity arterial system, 87 patients were divided into three groups: asymptomatic, symptoms in one vascular system and symptoms in more that one vascular system. IMT, IM-GSM and plaque features were compared between groups.Study IV: We have meta-analyzed ten cohort prospective studies evaluating carotid plaque echogenicity for cerebrovascular symptoms prediction. Results: Study I. Plaques of the contralateral to symptomatic arteries had similar features to those in symptomatic and more vulnerable than asymptomatic arteries.Study II. Carotid ultrasound was accurate in detecting calcification volumes of ≥8mm3 with very high sensitivity but it was less accurate in detecting lower calcification volumes (<8mm3). Carotid calcification was not different between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Study III. Echogenicity of the intima-media complex (IM-GSM), but not its thickness (IMT), was significantly decreased with increasing number of arterial systems affected by atherosclerosis. IM-GSM was lower in patients with prior myocardial infarction and stroke.Study IV. Carotid plaque echogenicity evaluated by US could predict future cerebrovascular events in patients with asymptomatic, relative risk RR 2.72 (95% CI, 1.86 to 3.96), and recurrent symptoms in symptomatic patients, RR 2.97 (95% CI, 1.85-4.78). Conclusion: Plaques located in the contralateral to symptomatic arteries have similar features assymptomatic side and more vulnerable than asymptomatic arteries. Carotid ultrasound could accurately detect larger but not smaller carotid plaque calcification volumes (<8 mm3). Low IM- GSM could identify patients with multi-system atherosclerosis disease, suggesting a better marker for determining systemic atherosclerosis disease burden compared to conventional IMT. Finally, carotid plaque echogenicity predicts future cerebrovascular events in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis.
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| 23. |
- Jashari, Fisnik, et al.
(författare)
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Carotid IM-GSM is better than IMT for identifying patients with multiple arterial disease
- 2018
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 1401-7431 .- 1651-2006. ; 52:2, s. 93-99
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. Atherosclerosis is a systemic inflammatory disease that can affect more than one arterial bed simultaneously. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between ultrasound markers of atherosclerosis and multiple arterial disease. Design. We have included 87 currently asymptomatic carotid disease patients (mean age 69 +/- 6 year, 34% females) in this study. Intima media thickness (IMT) and intima media-grey scale median (IM-GSM) were measured in the common carotid artery (CCA), and correlated with previous and/or current atherosclerotic vascular disease in the coronary, carotid and lower extremities. Patients were divided into three groups: (1) asymptomatic, (2) previous symptoms in one arterial territory and (3) previous symptoms in multiple arterial territories. Results. Patients with previous disease in the coronary arteries had higher IMT (p=.034) and lower IM-GSM (p<.001), and those with prior stroke had lower IM-GSM (p=.007). Neither IMT nor IM-GSM was different between patients with and without previous lower extremity vascular disease. IM-GSM was significantly different between groups, it decreased significantly with increasing number of arterial territories affected (37.7 +/- 15.4 vs. 29.3 +/- 16.4 vs. 20.7 +/- 12.9) p<.001, for asymptomatic, symptoms in one and in multiple arterial systems, respectively. Conventional IMT was not significantly different between groups p=.49. Conclusion. Carotid IMT was higher and IM-GSM lower in patients with symptomatic nearby arterial territories but not in those with peripheral disease. In contrast to conventional IMT, IM-GSM can differentiate between numbers of arterial territories affected by atherosclerosis, suggesting that it is a better surrogate for monitoring multiple arterial territory disease.
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- Jashari, Fisnik, et al.
(författare)
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Carotid plaque echogenicity predicts cerebrovascular symptoms : a systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2016
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Ingår i: European Journal of Neurology. - : Wiley. - 1351-5101 .- 1468-1331. ; 23:7, s. 1241-1247
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and purpose: Many reports have shown an association between hypoechoic (echolucent) carotid atherosclerotic plaques and unstable features. In this meta-analysis our aim was to determine the role of carotid plaque echogenicity in predicting future cerebrovascular (CV) symptoms.Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Center Register) up to September 2015 were systematically searched. Studies with ultrasound-based characterization of carotid artery plaque echogenicity and its association with focal neurological symptoms of vascular origin were eligible for analysis. In the meta-analysis, heterogeneity was measured usingI2 statistics and publication bias was evaluated using the Begg–Mazumdar test. In addition several comparisons between subgroups were performed.Results: Of 1387 identified reports, eight studies with asymptomatic patients and three studies with symptomatic patients were meta-analyzed. Pooled analysis showed an association between echolucent carotid plaques and future CV events in asymptomatic patients [relative risk 2.72 (95% confidence interval 1.86–3.96)] and recurrent symptoms in symptomatic patients [relative risk 2.97 (95% confidence interval 1.85–4.78)]. The association was preserved for all stenosis degrees in asymptomatic patients, whilst patients with echolucent plaques and severe stenosis were at higher risk of future events. Also, computer-assisted methods for assessment of carotid plaque echogenicity and studies analyzing ultrasound data collected after the year 2000 showed better prediction.Conclusions: In asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, analysis of carotid plaque echogenicity could identify those at high risk of CV events.
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- Jashari, Fisnik, et al.
(författare)
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Coronary and carotid atherosclerosis : similarities and differences
- 2013
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Ingår i: Atherosclerosis. - : Elsevier. - 0021-9150 .- 1879-1484. ; 227:2, s. 193-200
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Although a relationship is commonly accepted between coronary and carotid arterial disease, suggesting that atherosclerosis is a systemic condition, the extent of this association and correspondence has not been fully elucidated. This review discusses recent research in this field and highlights areas for future study. The prevalence of severe carotid stenosis increases with prevalence of coronary stenosis, with the latter being found in a significant number of stroke patients, while those with carotid stenosis may be at higher risk of myocardial infarction than stroke. There also appear to be common risk factors (age, diabetes, hypertension, smoking and dyslipidemia), although the effects in both vascular systems may not be identical. Furthermore, while the degree of stenosis in the coronary artery has little ability to predict acute coronary syndrome, which is caused by local thrombosis from a ruptured or eroded plaque, severe carotid stenosis causing hypoperfusion is highly predictive of stroke, although this effect may be time-limited. This apparent difference in event mechanism in the two arteries is interesting as is the difference in the rate of development of collaterals. Overall, the evidence shows that a clear relationship exists between disease in the coronary and carotid arteries, since conventional risk factors and the extent of stenosis and/or previous events emanating from one artery have a strong bearing on the prevalence of events in the other artery. Nevertheless, the exact correspondence between the two arteries is unclear, with sometimes contradictory study results. More research is needed to identify the full extent of risk factors for severe stenosis and cardio- or cerebral vascular events, among which, inflammatory biomarkers such as hs-CRP and prior vascular events are likely to play a key role.
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- Kukaj, Vera, et al.
(författare)
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Hypoglycemia-Induced Hemiparesis in a Diabetic Woman after Childbirth
- 2015
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Ingår i: Case Reports in Neurological Medicine. - : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. - 2090-6668 .- 2090-6676.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A 24-year-old female with type 1 diabetes mellitus presented with hemiparesis induced by hypoglycemia. She was hospitalized because she has noticed a weakness of her right hand and leg three days after childbirth. On physical examination she had an expressive dysphasia and right side hemiparesis with facial drop. Hypoglycemia is rarely associated with hemiparesis and it is often overlooked, especially when it happens in patients at higher risk of other diseases frequently associated with hemiparesis. Although sporadical cases of hypoglycemia-induced hemiparesis were reported, the clear pathophysiology behind this is not well determined. However, any individual case is important in order to increase the awareness of hypoglycemia as an important etiology of this condition.
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- Shala, Argjend, et al.
(författare)
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Posterior circulation lesions are more frequently associated with early seizures after a stroke
- 2024
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Ingår i: Italian Journal of Medicine. - : Page Press. - 1877-9344 .- 1877-9352. ; 18:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Early seizures (ES) following stroke are prevalent among the elderly population, representing the most common type of acquired seizures. This study aimed to determine the incidence of ES and investigate potential associations with various clinical and radiological factors. 260 stroke patients (mean age 72±13.2, 48.5% females) were prospectively enrolled and followed. Baseline demographic data, clinical data, stroke subtype, ES occurrence, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECT) were collected and analyzed. ES was observed in 11.6% of patients with ischemic stroke compared to 7.1% among patients with hemorrhagic stroke. ES occurred more frequently in those with posterior circulation stroke (18.5% vs. 7.1%, P=0.008) and those with NIHSS >15 (19.4% vs. 8.4%, P=0.04). In a logistic regression analysis that adjusted for vascular risk factors and NIHSS, posterior circulation stroke remained significantly associated with ES, with an odds ratio of 3.14 (95% CI 1.20 to 7.73, P=0.012). This study revealed that ES following stroke is more common in patients with posterior circulation lesions. These findings emphasize the need for further investigation into additional factors that may influence ES occurrence and its impact on stroke management and patient outcomes.
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