Key result
Calcified carotid plaques were 21 times less likely to be associated with ischemic symptoms than noncalcified plaques (OR 0.048; 95% CI 0.003-0.749; p=0.030).
Why the study?
Is calcified carotid atherosclerotic plaque associated with fewer ischemic symptoms compared to noncalcified plaque in patients with >60% carotid stenosis?
Observational (n=31)
Blinded review
Is calcified carotid atherosclerotic plaque associated with fewer ischemic symptoms compared to noncalcified plaque in patients with >60% carotid stenosis?
Odds Ratio: 0.048 (95% CI 0.003–0.749)
p-value: p=0.030
Calcified carotid plaques on MDCT are significantly less likely to be associated with ischemic symptoms than noncalcified plaques, suggesting they represent a more stable plaque phenotype.
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Calcified plaques may indicate lower symptom risk in >60% stenosis; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective validation before practice change.
Nandalur et al. (2005) conducted an observational in Extracranial carotid artery stenosis (n=31). Calcified plaque vs. Noncalcified plaque was evaluated on Ischemic symptoms (OR 0.048, 95% CI 0.003-0.749, p=0.030). Calcified carotid plaques were 21 times less likely to be associated with ischemic symptoms than noncalcified plaques (OR 0.048; 95% CI 0.003-0.749; p=0.030).