View clinical trials related to Plaque, Atherosclerotic.
Filter by:Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of stroke. The aims of the project are to compare the visual and digital analysis of sonographic images of atherosclerotic plaque in carotids in vivo, in vitro and with a histological composition of the plaque obtained from patients indicated to carotid endarterectomy, to compare the characteristics of symptomatic and asymptomatic atherosclerotic plaques and, subsequently to verify a hypothesis that ultrasound can identify the sonographic plaque characteristics associated with an increased risk of plaque progression and of ischemic stroke (unstable plaque) in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Identifying of the sonographic characteristics of unstable plaque will allow to improve indication criteria for carotid endarterectomy or stenting and also potential changing of a drug therapy in patients with unstable plaque in the future. Cost efficiency and availability of duplex ultrasound equipment may enable to improve diagnosis of unstable plaque using this new plaque characteristics evaluation in the majority of patients with carotid plaques.
Accumulating data in the literature suggests that radiolabeled-choline (18F-choline) is a sensitive molecular tracer for PET-CT imaging that is taken up in activated cells and, as such, is able to identify active inflammatory sites.
Lipid-rich atherosclerotic plaques, or "vulnerable plaques" are prone to rupture, causing local intravascular thrombosis, with subsequent grave clinical consequences. Atherosclerotic plaques normally removed during surgery, and peripheral blood samples will be studied to achieve the following objectives: "1" Define histological features of the vulnerable plaque, analyze its physical characteristics, and investigate selected gene expression. "2" Study biomarkers of inflammation in conjunction with the presence of vulnerable plaques. "3" Explore the potential role of infection in atherogenesis.