N Engl J Med

Tiny plastic particles in carotid artery plaques linked to increased CVD risks

March 13, 2024

Patients in whom MNPs were detected in carotid artery plaque had a higher risk of the composite of MI, stroke, or all-cause mortality at 34 months of follow-up compared with those in whom MNPs weren’t detected.

• This prospective, multicenter, observational study included patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid artery disease. Carotid plaque specimens were analyzed for the presence of MNPs. Primary end point was a composite of MI, stroke, or death from any cause among patients with evidence of MNPs in plaque vs. those with plaque without evidence of MNPs.
• Of 304 patients enrolled, 257 completed a mean follow-up of 33.7 months. Polyethylene was detected in carotid artery plaque of 150 patients (58.4%), with a mean level of 21.7 μg/mg of plaque; 31 patients (12.1%) also had measurable amounts of polyvinyl chloride, with a mean level of 5.2 μg/mg of plaque. Electron microscopy showed jagged-edged foreign particles among plaque macrophages and scattered in the external debris. Some of these particles included chlorine, per radiographic exam. Risk for a primary end-point event was higher among patients who had MNPs detected within the atheroma than those who didn’t (hazard ratio, 4.53; 95% confidence interval, 2.00-10.27; P<0.001).

Source:

Marfella R, et al. (2024, March 7). N Engl J Med. Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38446676/