Risk Factor Differences in Calcified and Non-Calcified Cervical Carotid Plaque

Background: Vascular calcification is associated with the inflammatory process. Here, we investigated the relationship of serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and traditional risk factors with carotid plaque calcification in patients with ischemic stroke (IS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods: Patients with IS or TIA were divided into the calcification (Ca) and non-calcification (nCa) groups according to the results of the CTA of carotid artery with plaque. LP-PLA2 level, demographics, vascular risk factors, and other clinical data were compared to analyze the risk factors for carotid plaque calcification. Results: A total of 260 patients were enrolled, including 134 patients in Group Ca and 126 patients in Group nCa. Multiple logistic regression showed Lp-PLA2 (p = 0.016), age (p = 0.010), and diabetes (p = 0.010) were independent risk factors of carotid artery plaque calcification. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficients showed Lp-PLA2 (r = 0.372, p = 0.000), age (r = 0.325, p = 0.000), and diabetes (r = 0.421, p = 0.000) had a positive correlation with the calcification of the carotid artery. Conclusions: Serum Lp-PLA2, age, and diabetes were associated with carotid plaque calcification in patients with cerebral infarction or TIA. The inflammatory process mediated by Lp-PLA2 and diabetes may be involved in the pathogenesis of carotid calcification.