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Updated: May 25, 2026

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis
09:36

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

Published on: August 12, 2025

Influence of plaque volume on hemodynamic response and stress hormone release in patients undergoing carotid artery

M Husmann1, C Thalhammer, S Spring

  • 1Clinic for Angiology, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland.

International Angiology : a Journal of the International Union of Angiology
|February 15, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) can cause bradycardia related to plaque size. This study found no significant stress hormone release during CAS, suggesting the procedure isn't a major stressor.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Carotid artery stenting (CAS) can induce bradycardia and hypotension via barostimulation.
  • The influence of periprocedural hypotension on CAS outcomes is debated.
  • The relationship between carotid plaque characteristics, stress hormone release, and hemodynamic changes during CAS is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if carotid artery plaque characteristics predict stress hormone release.
  • To determine if plaque characteristics predict postprocedural hemodynamic instability.
  • To assess the association between plaque volume, morphology, and hemodynamic responses during CAS.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 26 patients undergoing CAS.
  • Carotid plaque volume and morphology assessed using 2D/3D Duplex sonography.
  • Plasma catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline) and renin measured pre- and post-stent placement; ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure monitored.

Main Results:

  • Increasing carotid plaque volume correlated with the degree of bradycardia post-stent deployment (r=0.57; P=0.01).
  • Plaque size did not predict postprocedural hypotension.
  • Plaque echogenicity showed no correlation with changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or catecholamine levels.

Conclusions:

  • CAS-induced bradycardia is associated with carotid plaque size.
  • The procedure did not significantly increase catecholamine release, indicating a lack of a substantial stress response.
  • Carotid plaque characteristics may influence hemodynamic responses during CAS, specifically bradycardia.
Abstract

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