Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus
06:43

Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus

Published on: December 7, 2013

The topography of aortic atherosclerosis enhances its precision as a predictor of stroke

Jan van der Linden1, Per Bergman, Leonidas Hadjinikolaou

  • 1Karolinska Institute, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Anesthesiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. janvan@ki.se

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|May 29, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Atherosclerosis in the ascending aorta, particularly its distal part, predicts stroke after heart surgery. Identifying these aortic plaques improves patient risk assessment for stroke prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Neurology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Thoracic aortic atherosclerosis is a known stroke risk after cardiac surgery.
  • The topographical distribution of aortic atherosclerosis has not been previously studied in relation to stroke risk.
  • This study investigates the link between aortic plaque topography and stroke incidence in coronary surgery patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if the topography of atherosclerosis in the thoracic aorta influences stroke risk after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
  • To assess the relationship between the extent and location of ascending aorta atherosclerosis and early and late stroke events.
  • To identify specific topographical features of aortic atherosclerosis that predict stroke post-cardiac surgery.

Main Methods:

  • Intraoperative assessment of ascending aorta and arch atherosclerosis using epiaortic ultrasound and transesophageal echocardiography in 611 patients.
  • Prospective follow-up of patients for a mean of 5.5 years (3,358 patient-years) to record stroke events.
  • Statistical analysis to correlate atherosclerosis topography with stroke incidence and survival rates.

Main Results:

  • Patients with ascending aorta atherosclerosis had a significantly higher incidence of early stroke (6.4%) compared to those without (1.5%).
  • Five-year stroke-free survival was markedly reduced in patients with >50% ascending aorta involvement (65.0%) compared to those with <50% (91.8%) or no disease (95.3%).
  • Atherosclerosis in the distal ascending aorta and along the lesser curvature was particularly associated with increased stroke risk.

Conclusions:

  • Atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta is a significant predictor of late stroke following coronary surgery.
  • The topographical characteristics of atheromas, specifically in the distal ascending aorta and lesser curvature, are critical determinants of stroke risk.
  • Targeting these specific atherosclerotic areas may be crucial for stroke prevention strategies in cardiac surgery patients.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression13:07

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression

Published on: January 15, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management01:23

Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...