Abstract
To establish possible relationships between the structure of carotid plaque and neurologic symptoms, 187 consecutive endarterectomy specimens were studied prospectively. Each specimen was examined for gross and histopathological features. Intraplaque hemorrhage, although found infrequently, was closely correlated with the presence of symptoms. Plaque ulcerations were encountered more often when lesions were symptomatic. Calcifications were more frequently associated with asymptomatic lesions. Consistency of plaque was related to its morphological features (stenosis or ulceration) and symptoms. Soft plaques with predominant atheromatous grumous material and hemorrhage were associated more often with tightiy stenotic, ulcerated, and symptomatic lesions. Consistency of atherosclerotic carotid plaques should be assessed and considered as an important element in the therapeutic decision.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
IMPARATO A. The carotid artery bifurcation plaque: a model for the study of atherosclerosis.J Vasc Surg 1986;3:249–255.
LUSBY RJ, FERRELL LD, EHRENFELD WK, et al. Carotid plaque hemorrhage: its role in production of cerebral ischemia.Arch Surg 1982;117:1479–1488.
AMMAR AD, WILSON RL, TRAVERS H, et al. Intraplaque hemorrhage: its significance in cerebrovascular disease.Am J Surg 1984;148:840–843.
FRYER JA, MYERS PC, APPLEBERG M. Carotid intraplaque hemorrhage: the significance of neovascularity.J Vasc Surg 1987;6:341–349.
IMPARATO AM, RILES TS, MINTZER R, et al. The importance of hemorrhage in the relationship between gross morphologic characteristics and cerebral symptoms in 376 carotid artery plaques.Ann Surg 1983;197:195–205.
IMPARATO AM, RILES TS, GORSTEIN F. The carotid bifurcator plaque: pathologic findings associated with cerebral ischemia.Stroke 1979;10:238–245.
PERSON AV. Intraplaque hemorrhage.Surg Clin North Am 1986;66:415–420.
FISHER CM, OJEMANN RG. A clinico-pathologic study of carotid endarterectomy plaques.Rev Neurol 1986;142:573–589.
O'HOLLERAN LW, KENNELLY MM, MC CLURKEN M, et al. Natural history of asymptomatic carotid plaque: five year follow-up study.Am J Surg 1987;154:659–665.
LANGSFELD M, GRAY-WEALE A, LUSBY RJ. The role of plaque morphology and diameter reduction in the development of new symptoms in asymptomatic carotid arteries.J Vasc Surg 1989;9:548–557.
REILLY LM, LUSBY RJ, HUGUES L, et al. Carotid plaque histology using real time ultrasonography: clinical and therapeutic implications.Am J Surg 1983;146:188–193.
DURWARD QJ, FERGUSON FGG, BARR HWK. The natural history of asymptomatic carotid bifurcation plaques.Stroke 1982;13:459–464.
ROEDERER GO, LANGLOIS YE, JAGER KA, et al. The natural history of carotid arterial disease in asymptomatic patients with cervical bruits.Stroke 1984;15:605–613.
GLAGOV S, ZARINS CB. What are the determinants of plaque instability and its consequences?J Vasc Surg 1989;9:389–390.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
About this article
Cite this article
Avril, G., Batt, M., Guidoin, R. et al. Carotid endarterectomy plaques: Correlations of clinical and anatomic findings. Annals of Vascular Surgery 5, 50–54 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02021778
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02021778