Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society
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To compare characteristics and outcome of patients with re-stenoses after prior carotid artery stenting (CAS) treated with repeat carotid interventions (Re-CI) with CAS for de novo lesions. ⋯ Patients treated with Re-CI for repeat stenoses after prior CAS represent 2.5% of current CAS patients. Although representing a subgroup with more concomitant diseases, Re-CI seems to be associated with lower event rates as compared to CAS for de novo lesions.
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A recent study shows that ADAMTS4 is expressed in macrophage-rich areas of human atherosclerotic carotid plaques and coronary unstable plaques, suggesting a pathogenic role of ADAMTS4 in the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We investigated (a) whether the expression level of ADAMTS4 in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells was affected; and (b) whether there was a relationship with hs-CRP level and the stability of coronary atherosclerotic plaque in patients with ACS. ⋯ Patients with ACS showed increased ADAMTS4 expression, which may aggravate the development of atherosclerosis and instability of atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, the ADAMTS4 expression may be a valuable marker for predicting the severity of ACS.