The Relationship Between Achilles Tendon Thickness and Instent Restenosis in Patients with Carotid Stents

Abstract

Objective: Considering that atherosclerosis and Achilles tendon thickening share common mechanisms, the aim of this study to reveal the relationship between Achilles tendon thickness (ATT) and carotid in-stent restenosis (ISR). Methods: In this study, 89 patients who had carotid stenting for carotid artery disease at our institute between 2016 and 2020 were included. Subjects were divided into two groups as restenosis (+) and restenosis (-) based on the ultrasonographic and/or angiographic findings. The development of 50% or more restenosis in the carotid stent was defined as ISR. Bilateral ATT was measured for all patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Results: In our study, 16 (17.9%) patients constituted the restenosis group and 73 (82%) the no-restenosis group. ATT values were similar between groups (4.90.8 vs 4.70.6, p=.27). However, in the marginal effect graphic, it has been demonstrated that the probability of carotid stent restenosis increases with the increase in the mean ATT. The probability of restenosis was 14% when the mean ATT value was 4.16 mm (mean -1 SD) and the probability of restenosis was 22% when the mean ATT value was 5.36 mm (mean +1 SD). Conclusion: No significant difference was found in ATT between the restenosis and no-restenosis group, however, the probability of restenosis increased with increasing ATT. In addition, ultrasonographic measurement of ATT is an easy, inexpensive and safe method that can be used to identify patients at high risk for carotid stent restenosis.