Extent and characteristics of carotid plaques and brain parenchymal loss in asymptomatic patients with no indication for revascularization

Abstract Background and aims Extent of subclinical atherosclerosis has been associated with brain parenchymal loss in community-dwelling aged subjects. Identification of patient-related and plaque-related markers could identify subjects at higher risk of brain atrophy, independent of cerebrovascular accidents. Aim of the study was to investigate the relation between extent and characteristics of carotid plaques and brain atrophy in asymptomatic patients with no indication for revascularization. Methods and results Sixty-four patients (aged 69 ± 8 years, 45% females) with carotid stenosis Conclusions WM and GM have different susceptibility to processes involved in parenchymal loss. Contrary to common belief, our results show that presence of fibrocalcific plaques is associated with brain atrophy.