Variations in atherosclerosis and remodeling patterns in aorta and carotids

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Vascular Biology
• Medical Research

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease characterized by vascular remodeling.
• The evolution of arterial wall thickening and lumen size changes in various arteries under standard care is not well understood.
• Understanding atherosclerosis progression in different arterial beds is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate arterial remodeling and atherosclerosis progression/regression in the aorta and carotid arteries over one year.
• To assess changes in wall and lumen areas in at-risk individuals.
• To compare atherosclerosis evolution across multiple vascular locations.

Main Methods:

• 28 patients with atherosclerosis risk factors underwent serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scans of the aorta and carotids over a mean of 17.8 months.
• Clinical data and medication use were documented.
• Cross-sectional images were used to match and analyze carotid and aortic wall and lumen areas over time.

Main Results:

• Significant annual increases in wall area were observed in the carotid artery (8.67%), thoracic aorta (10.64%), and abdominal aorta (13.24%).
• The abdominal aorta lumen area increased by 4.97% annually, while carotid and thoracic aorta lumen areas showed no significant change.
• Statin therapy did not affect wall area progression but was associated with a decreased rate of change in carotid artery lumen area.

Conclusions:

• Different vascular locations demonstrate varying rates of atherosclerosis progression and remodeling.
• Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is effective in monitoring these changes.
• Findings highlight the heterogeneous nature of atherosclerosis across the aorta and carotid arteries.