Ultrasonic features of carotid plaque and its influencing factors in ischemic stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: We investigated ultrasonic features of carotid plaque and its influencing factors in ischemic stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Patients with ischemic stroke (n = 255) was classified into T2DM group (n = 121) and non-T2DM group (n = 134) based on whether these patients were complicated with T2DM. Ultrasonic inspection was conducted to identify intima-media thickness (IMT), plaque, location, vulnerability, echoes, numbers and size, as well as artery stenosis, degree and numbers in common carotid artery (CCA), carotid bulb (CB) and internal carotid artery (ICA). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to clarify the possible risk factors for increased IMT, carotid plaque and artery stenosis. Results: T2DM group had higher incidence of carotid plaque than non-T2DM group (76.45% vs. 58.20%, P < 0.001). Significant differences on plaque vulnerability, states and echoes in CCA, CB and ICA and plaque number in ICA were found between two groups (all P < 0.05). The percentage of vessel injuries caused by artery stenosis in T2DM group was 30.17%, higher than 11.19% in non-T2DM group (P < 0.001). The number and distribution of injured vessels in ICA was differenced (both P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that T2DM, CHD state, Hcy and FBG levels were the factors influencing IMT increasing in CCA (all P < 0.05), T2DM, CHD state, alcohol consumption and hsCRP were the factors influencing the presence of plaque (all P < 0.05), and T2DM state, tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption were the factors influencing the presence of artery stenosis (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Application of ultrasonic image of carotid plaque in ischemic stroke is recommended, which exhibits guiding significance for prediction of ischemic stroke patients with T2DM.