Left ventricular geometry as a predictor of carotid artery stenosis severity in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting

Abstract

Background and Aim Cerebrovascular diseases are the second most common cause of death worldwide. Moderate and severe carotid artery stenosis causes nearly 10% of all strokes. LV geometry is a familiar prognostic and diagnostic factor in several populations; yet, data on its role in carotid artery stenosis are unknown. In our study, we investigated the prognostic value of LV geometry in predicting carotid artery stenosis severity in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting. Methods Patients who underwent carotid artery stenting between January 2012 and January 2016 at our tertiary care center were evaluated retrospectively. Two hundred fifty-five patients who underwent carotid artery stenting were included in the study. Accessible echocardiographic documentation of ninety-eight patients was accessed and evaluated. Results LV normal geometry was detected in 37 (37.7%) of the 98 carotid artery stenting (CAS) patients, concentric hypertrophy in 13 (13.2%), eccentric hypertrophy in 9 (9.1%), and concentric remodeling in 39 (39.7%). By a majority, distal filter was used in normal geometry and eccentric hypertrophy groups (82.9% vs 100%, P: .017). Considering the relationship between carotid artery stenosis severity and LV geometry, we determined that the stenosis severity was statistically significantly higher in the concentric hypertrophy group (p:0.012). However, although no complications were detected in the concentric hypertrophy group, it did not reach statistical significance between the groups (P: .058). LVMi and as expected, Doppler velocity showed a significant correlation with stenosis severity (r = .23 vs .54; P: .021, <.001, respectively). Conclusion Echocardiographic evaluation of LV geometry provided prognostic information in the development of carotid artery stenosis. Abnormal LV geometry is an independent predictor in detecting the severity of carotid artery stenosis undergoing carotid artery stenting.