Volume 49, Issue 2 June 2025 JVU 492-69| Arterial Leakage - An Unrecognized Cause of Erectile Dysfunction of a Vascular Origin-Volume 49, Issue 2 June 2025 JVU 492-69| Arterial Leakage An Unrecognized Cause of Erectile Dysfunction of a Vascular Origin

Volume 49, Issue 2 June 2025 JVU 492-69| Arterial Leakage An Unrecognized Cause of Erectile Dysfunction of a Vascular Origin

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The study published in the Journal for Vascular Ultrasound explores the association between clinical risk factors for stroke and the detection of microembolic signals (MES) in patients with advanced carotid atherosclerosis (CAS). Over 795,000 people in the U.S. experience strokes annually, with silent strokes being significantly more common, which increase the risk for future strokes and cognitive decline.<br /><br />The research uses transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound to detect MES, believed to originate from unstable carotid plaques in individuals with CAS. This study involved 89 participants with significant carotid artery stenosis, scheduled for carotid endarterectomy, and examined their clinical risk factors alongside MES detection.<br /><br />The study found that older age and male sex showed significant associations with the presence of MES, while other factors such as symptomatic status did not. MES were detected regardless of whether the participants had experienced stroke symptoms but showed increased prevalence in older and male participants.<br /><br />The findings suggest that both symptomatic and asymptomatic CAS can release microemboli, potentially leading to cognitive decline and strokes. Despite participants' high use of antiplatelet therapy, about 36% displayed MES. This suggests a nonthrombotic origin for MES, possibly from plaque debris.<br /><br />This work emphasizes the need for further studies to better predict which CAS patients are at higher risk for stroke by identifying specific characteristics of unstable plaques. Although the study had a limited sample size and was retrospective, it highlights notable demographic trends and the potential systemic nature of atherosclerosis.<br /><br />Overall, the study indicates that more detailed assessments of plaque behavior could inform better clinical interventions and ultimately reduce the occurrence of strokes in individuals with CAS.

Keywords

vascular ultrasound

microembolic signals

carotid atherosclerosis

stroke risk factors

transcranial Doppler

carotid endarterectomy

plaque debris

cognitive decline

antiplatelet therapy

atherosclerosis