Geometric distribution of plaque calcification is associated with postprocedural hypotension after carotid artery stenting.

Abstract

Background: Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between the geometric distribution of plaque calcification and the occurrence of postprocedural hypotension following carotid artery stenting (CAS).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from CAS patients between April 2018 and February 2023. Plaque calcification was evaluated using cross-sectional images obtained from multiplanar reconstructions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the internal carotid artery (ICA). The cross-sectional image of the most stenotic ICA was segmented into four quadrants: interior, exterior, ventral, and dorsal. We innovatively defined the geometric classification of plaque calcification based on physiological anatomy as modified calcification location. Postprocedural hypotension was defined as persistent systolic blood pressure at <90 mmHg, requiring intravenous vasopressor infusions that lasted more than 1 hour.

Results: A total of 477 patients were included in the final analysis. Among them, 41 (8.6%) patients experienced postprocedural hypotension after CAS. For the modified geometric method, plaque calcification was found significantly more frequently in the hypotension group compared with the non-hypotension group in the dorsal quadrant. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that modified calcification location on the dorsal side (OR 3.520, 95% CI 1.497 to 8.274, p=0.004) were independently associated with postprocedural hypotension after CAS.

Conclusions: The presence of plaque calcification on the dorsal side, using the modified geometric method, was found to be associated with a three-fold increased risk of postprocedural hypotension after CAS. These findings may have implications for patient screening, procedure planning, and hospitalization duration expectations.