In the SATURN trial, intravascular ultrasonography was used to compare the effects of atorvastatin versus rosuvastatin on regression of coronary atherosclerosis. Both statins led to regression in two thirds of patients, with no significant difference between their effects. Statins reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes and slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in proportion to their ability… Read More…
In this week’s NEJM, tablets once again trump technology in the treatment of obstructive atherosclerosis; this time in the brain. Many of the advances in the treatment of ischemic stroke have followed on the heels of similar advances in the treatment of ischemic coronary disease. From thrombolysis in acute stroke, to stenting for symptomatic extracranial… Read More…
In the Original Article, A Prospective Natural-History Study of Coronary Atherosclerosis, by Stone et al. report that 697 patients with acute coronary syndromes underwent three-vessel coronary angiography and imaging after PCI. Of 132 subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events, approximately half occurred at the site of the previous culprit lesion. In a prospective study, 697 patients… Read More…
Carotid-artery atherosclerosis is an important cause of ischemic stroke. Carotid endarterectomy has been established as effective treatment for both symptomatic patients and asymptomatic patients. Carotid-artery stenting is another option for treatment. In a randomized comparison by Brott et al. of stenting and endarterectomy as treatment for carotid-artery stenosis, no significant difference was found in the… Read More…
