Imaging of functional and structural alterations of large arteries after acute ischaemic atherothrombotic stroke or acute coronary syndromes

Summary Background Non-invasive methods allow the evaluation of structural and functional arterial abnormalities. So far, no study has focused on the comparison of vascular parameters by type of cardiovascular event. Methods In this pilot study, cardiovascular risk factors, carotid parameters, carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), brachial flow-mediated dilation and ambulatory blood pressure were assessed in patients who presented with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) or ischaemic atherothrombotic stroke (IAS). Groups were matched for age and gender. Results Prevalences of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia and heredity, smoking and body mass index were similar in the ACS ( n  = 50) and IAS ( n  = 50) groups. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and PWV were significantly higher in the IAS vs. ACS group (769 ± 180 vs. 701 ± 136 μm; P  = 0.039 and 12.5 ± 3.5 vs. 10.7 ± 2.4 m/s; P  = 0.006). Carotid distensibility was significantly lower in the IAS vs. ACS group (16.2 ± 3.2 vs. 18.9 ± 7.6 10 −3 /kPa; P  = 0.02). These differences persisted after adjustment for blood pressure for carotid distensibility but not for PWV. The prevalences of endothelial dysfunction and carotid plaques were not significantly different in the ACS and IAS groups (86% and 74%; 80% and 78%). In a multivariable model, carotid distensibility remained associated with ACS (odds ratio 1.19; 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.38; P  = 0.016). Conclusions Stiffness and carotid wall thickness were higher in IAS than in ACS patients. These differences may support the interest in new therapeutic targets for cardiovascular secondary prevention. NCT No NCT00926874 .