Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Induction of Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Mice: The "Wire-Injury" Model
05:35

Induction of Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Mice: The "Wire-Injury" Model

Published on: August 25, 2020

11.9K

Accelerated atherosclerosis in ANCA-associated vasculitis

I González-Suárez1, J J Ríos-Blanco2, J Arpa3

  • 1Neurology Department, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain.

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|June 14, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study found increased atherosclerosis in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients, linking carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) to cerebral small vessel disease. Carotid ultrasound may predict microvascular brain injury in AAV.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV).
  • AAV patients exhibit accelerated atherosclerosis beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Cerebral small vessel disease is a concern in AAV.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between atherosclerosis (measured by carotid intima-media thickness, CIMT) and cerebral small vessel disease in AAV patients.
  • To explore the relationship between CIMT and various markers of small vessel disease in the brain.
  • To determine if CIMT can serve as a predictor of microvascular brain injury in AAV.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-three AAV patients in remission underwent carotid ultrasonography (US), transcranial Doppler (TCD), brain MRI, and SPECT imaging.
  • Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured using US.
  • Cerebral small vessel disease was assessed using TCD, MRI, and SPECT.

Main Results:

  • AAV patients showed significantly higher CIMT compared to the normative population.
  • Higher CIMT was associated with increased pulsatility index in the middle cerebral artery (PI-MCA), higher white matter lesion load on MRI, and abnormal SPECT findings.
  • No association was found between higher CIMT and traditional cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes or hypertension.
  • Increased internal carotid artery pulsatility index (PI-ICA) correlated with decreased mean flow velocity in the MCA (MFV-MCA) and increased white matter lesions on MRI.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms increased atherosclerosis in AAV patients.
  • An association between CIMT and markers of cerebral small vessel disease (PI-MCA, ARWMC score, SPECT) was observed.
  • Carotid US, measuring CIMT and PI-ICA, may be a valuable tool for predicting microvascular brain injury in AAV.
Abstract

Keywords:
accelerated atherosclerosisantineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitiscerebral microangiopahtysmall vessels vasculitis

More Related Videos

Quantification of Atherosclerosis in Mice06:59

Quantification of Atherosclerosis in Mice

Published on: June 12, 2019

40.7K
Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus06:43

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

Published on: December 7, 2013

14.7K

Related Concept Videos

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...
1.6K
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)...
650
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
520
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
490
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
817
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
1.3K