Nicholas Grubic1,2, Kayla N Colledanchise1, Kiera Liblik1, Amer M Johri3. 1. Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, CINQ, Queen's University, 76 Stuart Street, FAPC 3, Kingston, ON, K7L 2V7, Canada. 2. Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. 3. Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, CINQ, Queen's University, 76 Stuart Street, FAPC 3, Kingston, ON, K7L 2V7, Canada. amerschedule@gmail.com.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: With limitations of cardiovascular disease risk stratification by traditional risk factors, the role of noninvasive imaging techniques, such as vascular ultrasound, has emerged as a prominent utility for decision-making in coronary artery disease. A review of current guidelines and contemporary approaches for carotid and femoral plaque assessment is needed to better inform the diagnosis, management, and treatment of atherosclerosis in clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS: The recent consensus-based guidelines for carotid plaque assessment in coronary artery disease have been established, supported by some outcomes-based research. Currently, there is a gap of evidence on the use of femoral ultrasound to detect atherosclerosis, as well as predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The quantification and characterization of individualized plaque burden are important to stratify risk in asymptomatic or symptomatic atherosclerosis patients. Standardized quantification guidelines, supported by further outcomes-based research, are required to assess disease severity and progression.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: With limitations of cardiovascular disease risk stratification by traditional risk factors, the role of noninvasive imaging techniques, such as vascular ultrasound, has emerged as a prominent utility for decision-making in coronary artery disease. A review of current guidelines and contemporary approaches for carotid and femoral plaque assessment is needed to better inform the diagnosis, management, and treatment of atherosclerosis in clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS: The recent consensus-based guidelines for carotid plaque assessment in coronary artery disease have been established, supported by some outcomes-based research. Currently, there is a gap of evidence on the use of femoral ultrasound to detect atherosclerosis, as well as predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The quantification and characterization of individualized plaque burden are important to stratify risk in asymptomatic or symptomatic atherosclerosispatients. Standardized quantification guidelines, supported by further outcomes-based research, are required to assess disease severity and progression.
Authors: Amer M Johri; Katherine A Lajkosz; Nicholas Grubic; Saadul Islam; Terry Y Li; Christopher S Simpson; Paul Ewart; Jasjit S Suri; Marie-France Hétu Journal: Int J Cardiovasc Imaging Date: 2021-01-27 Impact factor: 2.357