Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
Mean platelet volume predicts outcome in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery disease
Florian J Mayer1, Matthias Hoke, Martin Schillinger
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Insights
Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a significant predictor of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery disease. Higher MPV levels indicate an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Atherosclerosis Research
Background:
- Platelets are implicated in atherothrombosis and atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a potential biomarker for cardiovascular risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if MPV predicts clinical outcomes and atherosclerosis progression.
- To assess the association between MPV and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery disease.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 1006 patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis.
- Clinical follow-up for MACE (myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke, death).
- Duplex sonography used for carotid stenosis evaluation.
Main Results:
- Increased MPV levels significantly correlated with a higher risk of MACE (adjusted HR 1.22 per SD increase).
- Patients in the highest MPV quintile (>11.8 fL) had a significantly higher MACE rate (41.3% vs. 29.3%) and adjusted HR of 1.65.
- No significant association found between MPV and carotid stenosis degree or progression.
Conclusions:
- Mean platelet volume is an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
- MPV may serve as a valuable prognostic marker in patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis.
Background And Objective:
Platelets play a pivotal role in atherothrombosis and are potentially involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We investigated whether mean platelet volume (MPV) predicts clinical outcome and progression of atherosclerosis in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery disease.
Methods:
We studied 1006 of 1268 prospectively collected consecutive patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis who were evaluated by duplex sonography. Patients were followed up clinically for the occurrence of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), a composite of myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass graft, stroke and death.
Results:
During a median follow-up of 3.1 years (interquartile range, 2.5-3.5), a total of 316 (31.5%) MACEs were recorded. Increased levels of MPV were significantly associated with increased risk of the occurrence of MACEs (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] for an increase in one standard deviation [SD] of MPV 1.22, confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.35, P < 0.01). Patients with MPV levels above 11.8 femtolitre (= fifth quintile) had a significantly higher event rate (41.3% vs. 29.3%, P < 0.001) with an adjusted HR for MACEs of 1.65 (95% CI 1.26-2.16, P < 0.001) compared with patients with MPV levels in the first to fourth quintile. No significant association was found between baseline MPV levels with either baseline degree or progression during a 6-month follow-up of carotid stenosis.
Conclusion:
Mean platelet volume was independently and significantly associated with adverse cardiovascular outcome in patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT