Objective
The role of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) after carotid artery stenting (CAS) is not well known with respect to stented-territory infarction (STI) and in-stent restenosis (ISR). We hypothesized that LDL-C levels after CAS might be independently associated with STI and ISR.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study for patients with significant extracranial carotid stenosis who were subjected to CAS between September 2013 and May 2021. LDL-C levels were measured after 6 and 12 months following CAS. The association between STI and ISR, and LDL-C was explored using Cox proportional-hazard model.
Results
Of 244 patients enrolled, STI and ISR were observed in 11 (4.5%) and 10 (4.1%) patients, respectively. In multivariable analysis, higher white blood cell count (hazard ratio [HR], 1.408 per 10
3
/mm
3
; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.085–1.828;
p
=0.010), higher LDL-C levels after 12 months (HR, 1.037 per 1 mg/dL; 95% CI, 1.011–1.063;
p
=0.005), and ISR (HR, 13.526; 95% CI, 3.405–53.725;
p
<0.001) were independent predictors of STI. Diabetes (HR, 4.746; 95% CI, 1.026–21.948;
p
=0.046), smaller stent diameter (HR, 0.725 per 1 mm; 95% CI, 0.537–0.980;
p
=0.036), and higher LDL-C levels after 12 months (HR, 1.031 per 1 mg/dL; 95% CI, 1.007–1.055;
p
=0.011) were independent predictors of ISR.
Conclusion
We showed that LDL-C levels after 12 months independently predict STI and ISR after CAS. It is necessary to investigate the optimal target LDL-C level for STI prevention through well designed research in the future.