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Yu M, Yang D, Zhang R, Jiang Y, Qiao H, Zhao X, Liu G, Wang Y. Carotid atherosclerotic plaque predicts progression of intracranial artery atherosclerosis: A MR imaging-based community cohort study. Eur J Radiol 2024; 172:111300. [PMID: 38281437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2024.111300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intracranial artery atherosclerosis (ICAS) progression is associated with stroke. However, the association of carotid plaque with ICAS progression among stroke-free participants is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between carotid plaque and ICAS progression in stroke-free participants. METHOD Stroke-free participants were recruited from a community-based cohort study. All participants underwent questionnaire interviews, blood tests, and high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at baseline and follow-up for around three years. The atherosclerotic plaque was defined as eccentric wall thickening on MR imaging. The presence, location, total number, and burden (maximum wall thickness, length, and stenosis) of carotid and intracranial plaque were evaluated. ICAS progression was defined as the number increased or plaque burden (maximum wall thickness, length, or stenosis increase) increased by ≥ 20 %. The association between carotid plaque and ICAS progression was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Of the 312 participants (mean age at baseline: 59.85 ± 13.04 years; 136 males) who completed baseline and follow-up studies with a mean time interval of 3.15 ± 0.59 years, 85 (27.24 %) had progression of ICAS during follow-up. At least one carotid plaque was detected at baseline in 167 (53.53 %) participants. In the multivariable logistic analysis, carotid plaque was a significant predictor for the progression of ICAS (odds ratio, 2.04; 95 % confidence interval, 1.06-3.92; P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS Carotid plaque is associated with intracranial artery atherosclerosis progression in stroke-free population. Our findings suggest that carotid plaque may be an effective predictor for intracranial artery atherosclerosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoxin Yu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing 100095, China
| | - Runhua Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Beijing Office for Cerebrovascular Disease Prevention and Control, Beijng Tiantan Hospital, Beijing 100070, China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Huiyu Qiao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Gaifen Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Beijing Office for Cerebrovascular Disease Prevention and Control, Beijng Tiantan Hospital, Beijing 100070, China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100070, China.
| | - Yongjun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100070, China; Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
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Yan L, Ruan Q, Ye X, Xu R, Fu L. The Value of Multimodal Ultrasonic Scoring System in the Diagnosis of Carotid Vulnerable Plaque: A Comparative Study With Pathology. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2023; 42:2135-2142. [PMID: 37087753 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Vulnerable plaques are closely related to ischemic stroke. To investigate the diagnostic value of multimodal plaque vulnerability ultrasound scoring system (PV-USS) using histopathology as the gold standard. METHODS A total of 45 subjects who would be underwent carotid endarterectomy were recruited. The postoperative specimens were examined by histopathology. All responsible plaques were scanned dynamically in multiple sections by carotid ultrasound to measure maximum thickness and lumen stenotic degree, as well as, the echo, homogeneity, surface morphology, and echo type were observed. The above two-dimensional (2D) ultrasonic features were systematically scored, that is, PV-USS2D . Combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), neovascularization grade in plaque was scored, which is PV-USS2D+CEUS . RESULTS According to the pathological results, 45 subjects were divided into vulnerable plaque group (27 cases, 60%) and non-vulnerable plaque group (18 cases, 40%). PV-USS2D and PV-USS2D+CEUS in vulnerable plaque group were higher than those in non-vulnerable plaque group (PV-USS2D : 9.44 ± 2.10 vs 7.22 ± 1.73; PV-USS2D+CEUS: 12.37 ± 2.10 vs 8.28 ± 1.81, P < .001). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of PV-USS2D and PV-USSCEUS was 0.783 and 0.929, respectively (P < .001). The best cutoff values of PV-USS2D and PV-USS2D+CEUS were, respectively, 9.5 (the maximum Youden index was 0.425, the sensitivity was 48.1%, the specificity was 94.4%) and 10.5 (the maximum Youden index was 0.667, the sensitivity was 77.8%, the specificity was 88.9%). CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound scoring system may be used as an effective method to evaluate the vulnerability of plaque. The diagnostic efficiency of PV-USS2D+CEUS is more higher than PV-USS2D .
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yan
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Ultrasound, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qinyun Ruan
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Ultrasound, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaojian Ye
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Ultrasound, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Rongquan Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Ultrasound, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liyun Fu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Ultrasound, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Shao S, Shi H, Wang G, Li R, Sun Q, Yao B, Watase H, Hippe DS, Yuan C, Zhao X. Differences in left and right carotid plaque vulnerability in patients with bilateral carotid plaques: a CARE-II study. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2023; 8:284-291. [PMID: 36596656 PMCID: PMC10512039 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2022-001937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Atherosclerosis is a very complex process influenced by various systemic and local factors. Therefore, in patients with bilateral carotid plaques (BCPs), there may be differences in carotid plaque vulnerability between the sides. We aimed to investigate the differences in BCP characteristics in patients with BCPs using magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (MR-VWI). METHODS Participants with BCPs were selected for subanalysis from a multicentre study of Chinese Atherosclerosis Risk Evaluation II. We measured carotid plaque burden, identified each plaque component and measured their volume or area bilaterally on MR-VWI. Paired comparisons of the burden and components of BCPs were performed. RESULTS In all, 540 patients with BCPs were eligible for analysis. Compared with the right carotid artery (CA), larger mean lumen area (p<0.001), larger mean wall area (p=0.025), larger mean total vessel area (p<0.001) and smaller normalised wall index (p=0.006) were found in the left CA. Regarding plaque components, only the prevalence of lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) in the left CA was higher (p=0.026). For patients with a vulnerable plaque component coexisting on both sides, only the intraplaque haemorrhage (IPH) volume (p=0.011) was significantly greater in the left CA than in the right CA. CONCLUSIONS There were asymmetries in plaque growth and evolution between BCPs. The left carotid plaques were more likely to have larger plaque burden, higher prevalence of LRNC and greater IPH volume, which may contribute to the lateralisation of ischaemic stroke in the cerebral hemispheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Shao
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Honglu Shi
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Guangbin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Rui Li
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qinjian Sun
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Yao
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hiroko Watase
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Daniel S Hippe
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
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Li Y, Chen F, Yang B, Xie S, Wang C, Guo R, Zhang X, Liu Z. Effect of Mid-Basilar Artery Angle and Plaque Characteristics on Pontine Infarction in Patients with Basilar Artery Plaque. J Atheroscler Thromb 2023; 30:182-191. [PMID: 35418542 PMCID: PMC9925201 DOI: 10.5551/jat.63520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The basilar artery (BA) geometry and plaque characteristics may play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. This study was performed to explore the relationship between the mid-BA angle and plaque characteristics and its effect on pontine infarction using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography. METHODS In total, 77 patients with BA plaques were included in this study. According to the presence of acute pontine infarction on diffusion-weighted imaging, the patients were divided into a pontine infarction group and pontine non-infarction group. The mid-BA angle, plaque burden, stenosis ratio, positive remodeling, and intraplaque hemorrhage were evaluated to investigate their effects on stroke. RESULTS The pontine infarction group had a greater plaque burden, stenosis ratio, positive remodeling, and mid-BA angle than the pontine non-infarction group. The correlation between the plaque burden and mid-BA angle was the highest (r=0.441, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the plaque burden (odds ratio, 1.164; 95% confidence interval, 1.093-1.241; P<0.001) was an independent risk factor for pontine infarction. CONCLUSION The mid-BA angle may increase the incidence of pontine infarction by increasing the plaque burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangchen Li
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China,Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fengxin Chen
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Sheng Xie
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China,Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ce Wang
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Runcai Guo
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuebing Zhang
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zunjing Liu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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Han N, Ma Y, Li Y, Zheng Y, Wu C, Gan T, Li M, Ma L, Zhang J. Imaging and Hemodynamic Characteristics of Vulnerable Carotid Plaques and Artificial Intelligence Applications in Plaque Classification and Segmentation. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13010143. [PMID: 36672124 PMCID: PMC9856903 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13010143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a massive public health problem. The rupture of vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic plaques is the most common cause of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) across the world. Currently, vessel wall high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (VW-HRMRI) is the most appropriate and cost-effective imaging technique to characterize carotid plaque vulnerability and plays an important role in promoting early diagnosis and guiding aggressive clinical therapy to reduce the risk of plaque rupture and AIS. In recent years, great progress has been made in imaging research on vulnerable carotid plaques. This review summarizes developments in the imaging and hemodynamic characteristics of vulnerable carotid plaques on the basis of VW-HRMRI and four-dimensional (4D) flow MRI, and it discusses the relationship between these characteristics and ischemic stroke. In addition, the applications of artificial intelligence in plaque classification and segmentation are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Han
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yurong Ma
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yu Zheng
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Chuang Wu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Tiejun Gan
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Laiyang Ma
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-139-1999-2479
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Baylam Geleri D, Watase H, Chu B, Chen L, Zhao H, Zhao X, Hatsukami TS, Yuan C. Detection of Advanced Lesions of Atherosclerosis in Carotid Arteries Using 3-Dimensional Motion-Sensitized Driven-Equilibrium Prepared Rapid Gradient Echo (3D-MERGE) Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Screening Tool. Stroke 2021; 53:194-200. [PMID: 34587796 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.032505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Two-dimensional high-resolution multicontrast magnetic resonance imaging (2D-MC MRI) is currently the most reliable and reproducible noninvasive carotid vessel wall imaging technique. However, the long scan time required for 2D-MC MRI restricts its practical clinical application. Alternatively, 3-dimensional motion-sensitized driven-equilibrium prepared rapid gradient echo (3D-MERGE) vessel wall MRI can provide high isotropic resolution with extensive coverage in two minutes. In this study, we sought to prove that 3D-MERGE alone can serve as a screening tool to identify advanced carotid lesions. METHODS Two hundred twenty-seven subjects suspected of recent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were imaged using 2D-MC MRI with an imaging time of 30 minutes, then with 3D-MERGE with an imaging time of 2 minutes, on 3T-MRI scanners. Two experienced reviewers interpreted plaque components using 2D-MC MRI as the reference standard and categorized plaques using a modified American Heart Association lesion classification for MRI. Plaques of American Heart Association type IV and above were classified as advanced. Arteries of American Heart Association types I to II and III were categorized as normal or with early lesions, respectively. One radiologist independently reviewed only 3D-MERGE and labeled the plaques as advanced if they had a wall thickness of >2 mm with high or low signal intensity compared with the adjacent sternocleidomastoid muscle. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for 3D-MERGE were calculated. RESULTS Four hundred forty-nine arteries from 227 participants (mean age 61.2 years old, 64% male) were included in the analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for identification of advanced lesions on 3D-MERGE were 95.0% (95% CI, 91.8-97.2), 86.9% (95% CI, 81.4-92.0), 93.8% (95% CI, 91.1-95.8), respectively. CONCLUSIONS 3D-MERGE can accurately identify advanced carotid atherosclerotic plaques in patients suspected of stroke or transient ischemic attack. It has a more extensive coverage and higher sensitivity and specificity for advanced plaque detection with a much shorter acquisition time than 2D-MC MRI. REGISTRATION URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02017756.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duygu Baylam Geleri
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (D.B.G, B.C., C.Y.)
| | - Hiroko Watase
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (H.W., T.S.H.)
| | - Baocheng Chu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (D.B.G, B.C., C.Y.).,BioMolecular Imaging Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (B.C., C.Y.)
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (L.C.)
| | - Huilin Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai, China (H.Z.)
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (X.Z.)
| | - Thomas S Hatsukami
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (H.W., T.S.H.)
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (D.B.G, B.C., C.Y.).,BioMolecular Imaging Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (B.C., C.Y.)
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Cai Y, Liu X, Zhang L, Guo H, Gong Q, Lv F. Prevalence and characteristics of atherosclerotic plaque: Left compared with right arteries and anterior compared with posterior circulation stroke. Eur J Radiol 2021; 142:109862. [PMID: 34298390 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.109862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate atherosclerotic plaque prevalence and characteristics between left and right cervicocephalic arteries and between anterior and posterior circulation stroke (ACS and PCS). METHODS This retrospective study included 284 patients with acute ischemic stroke (199 ACS and 85 PCS) involving large-artery atherosclerosis or small-artery occlusion. We assessed atherosclerotic plaque prevalence and characteristics (plaque type, plaque surface morphology, plaque distribution, location of calcified nodules and plaque thickness) in each segment and their comparisons between left and right arteries and between ACS and PCS. RESULTS The left subclavian artery (L-SA), common carotid artery (L-CCA) and intracranial vertebral artery (L-IVA) had significantly higher prevalence of atherosclerotic plaque than the right (R) corresponding arteries (70.1% versus 59.5%, P = 0.008), (48.1% versus 28.9%, P < 0.001), (23.9% versus 16%, P = 0.018), respectively. L-SA had a higher prevalence of mixed plaque (non-calcified > calcified) (19.6% versus 16.4%) and noncalcified plaque (51.9% versus 31.7%), and a lower prevalence of calcified plaque (8.9% versus 23.3%) and mixed plaque (calcified > non-calcified) (19.6% versus 28.6%) than R-SA, P < 0.001. The distribution of plaque type in the SA and extracranial vertebral artery (EVA) were significantly different between ACS and PCS. The soft plaque thickness of SA in PCS was significantly greater than that in ACS (3.85 ± 1.27 versus 3.51 ± 1.04, P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS Atherosclerotic plaque prevalence and characteristics vary in different segments, sides and between ACS and PCS. These differences should be noted during plaque diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cai
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Rd, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 40016, China.
| | - Xiaoshuang Liu
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Rd, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 40016, China.
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Rd, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 40016, China.
| | - Haoming Guo
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Rd, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 40016, China.
| | - Qihui Gong
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Rd, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 40016, China.
| | - Fajin Lv
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Rd, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 40016, China.
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Xin R, Yang D, Xu H, Han H, Li J, Miao Y, Du Z, Ding Q, Deng S, Ning Z, Shen R, Li R, Li C, Yuan C, Zhao X. Comparing Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis in Patients With Bilateral Carotid Vulnerable Plaques Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Angiology 2021; 73:104-111. [PMID: 34018407 DOI: 10.1177/00033197211012531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We compared plaque characteristics between symptomatic and asymptomatic sides in patients with bilateral carotid vulnerable plaques using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Participants (n = 67; mean age: 65.8 ± 7.7 years, 61 males) with bilateral carotid vulnerable plaques were included. Vulnerable plaques were characterized by intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), large lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), or fibrous cap rupture (FCR) on MRI. Symptomatic vulnerable plaques showed greater plaque burden, LRNC volume (median: 221.4 vs 134.8 mm3, P = .003), IPH volume (median: 32.2 vs 22.5 mm3, P = .030), maximum percentage (Max%) LRNC (median: 51.3% vs 41.8%, P = .002), Max%IPH (median: 13.4% vs 9.5%, P = .022), cumulative slices of LRNC (median: 10 vs 8, P = .005), and more juxtaluminal IPH and/or thrombus (29.9% vs 6.0%, P = .001) and FCR (37.3% vs 16.4%, P = .007) than asymptomatic ones. After adjusting for plaque burden, differences in juxtaluminal IPH and/or thrombus (odds ratio [OR]: 5.49, 95% CI: 1.61-18.75, P = .007) and FCR (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.16-7.24, P = .022) between bilateral sides remained statistically significant. For patients with bilateral carotid vulnerable plaques, symptomatic plaques had greater burden, more juxtaluminal IPH and/or thrombus, and FCR compared with asymptomatic ones. The differences in juxtaluminal IPH and/or thrombus and FCR between bilateral sides were independent of plaque burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijing Xin
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Center for Brain Disorders Research, Capital Medical University and Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 118223Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Xu
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hualu Han
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 118223Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingyu Miao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziwei Du
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Ding
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shasha Deng
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zihan Ning
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 118223Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Shen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 118223Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Li
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 118223Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, 7284University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 118223Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
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Cui B, Yang D, Zheng W, Wu Y, Yang Q, Wang Z, Zhao X. Plaque enhancement in multi-cerebrovascular beds associates with acute cerebral infarction. Acta Radiol 2021; 62:102-112. [PMID: 32316744 DOI: 10.1177/0284185120915604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is valuable to explore the relationship between plaque characteristics and stroke by using three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the vessel wall. PURPOSE To investigate the association between plaque enhancement score (PES) of co-existing intracranial and extracranial carotid plaques and ischemic stroke using 3D MRI. MATERIAL AND METHODS Symptomatic patients were recruited and underwent cerebrovascular 3D MRI of the vessel wall. The number, enhancement degree, and stenosis of plaques in intracranial and extracranial carotid arteries were evaluated. The PES calculated by summing enhancement degree of all detected plaques was compared between patients with and without acute cerebral infarction (ACI) and its association with ACI was determined. RESULTS Of 157 recruited patients, 118 (75.2%) had co-existing plaques. Patients with ACI had significantly greater PES of co-existing plaques compared with those without ACI (9, interquartile range [IQR] 5-11 vs. 5, IQR 2-7, P<0.001). The odds ratio for PES of co-existing plaques in discriminating ACI was 1.410 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.146-1.735, P = 0.001) after adjustment for stenosis, intraplaque hemorrhage, and traditional risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that, in discriminating ACI, PES had higher area under the curve (AUC 0.693-0.764) than plaque number (AUC 0.625-0.683) and enhancement degree (AUC 0.570-0.706) alone in any vascular bed. The AUC of PES of co-existing plaques combined with stenosis, NIHSS scores, intraplaque hemorrhage, hyperlipidemia, and blood pressure reached 0.847. CONCLUSION Cerebrovascular plaque enhancement score combining plaque number and enhancement degree is independently associated with ACI. The enhancement score of co-existing plaques has higher strength in discriminating ACI compared with plaques in a single vascular bed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Cui
- Department of Radiology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University and Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing, PR China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Weimin Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ye Wu
- Department of Radiology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhiqun Wang
- Department of Radiology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, PR China
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10
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Huo R, Xu H, Yang D, Qiao H, Li J, Han H, Liu Y, Wang T, Yuan H, Zhao X. Associations Between Carotid Plaque Characteristics and Improvement of Cerebral Blood Perfusion in Patients With Moderate to Severe Carotid Stenosis Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy. J Magn Reson Imaging 2020; 53:613-625. [PMID: 33037860 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between plaque characteristics and their predictive value for perioperative cerebral blood flow (CBF) are unknown. PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between carotid plaque characteristics and perioperative CBF utilizing MRI. STUDY TYPE Prospective. POPULATION In all, 131 patients with carotid moderate-to-severe stenosis referred for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3T, black-blood T1 - and T2 -weighted, 3D time-of-flight, and simultaneous noncontrast angiography intraplaque hemorrhage. ASSESSMENT The relative CBF (rCBF = CBFindex-hemisphere /CBFcontralateral-hemisphere ) and the CBF difference ratio (DRCBF = [CBFpost-CEA - CBFpre-CEA ]/CBFpre-CEA ) in the middle cerebral artery territory were measured. The pre- and post-CEA CTP data were used as the assessment standard for CBF change. Carotid lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), intraplaque hemorrhage, calcification, fibrous cap rupture, maximum wall thickness, normalized wall index (NWI), and stenosis were determined. STATISTICAL TESTS Pearson or Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney U-test, and linear regression. RESULTS Patients with LRNC had higher rCBFpre-CEA than those without (1.0 ± 0.1 vs. 0.9 ± 0.1, P < 0.05). NWI was weakly correlated with rCBFpre-CEA (r = -0.213, P < 0.05) and DRCBF (r = 0.185, P < 0.05) and marginally correlated with rCBFpost-CEA (r = 0.166, P = 0.057). LRNC was weakly correlated with rCBFpre-CEA (r = 0.179, P < 0.05). NWI was associated with rCBFpre-CEA (β = -0.035; 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.064, -0.006]; P < 0.05), rCBFpost-CEA (β = 0.042; 95% CI [0.002, 0.081]; P < 0.05) and DRCBF (β = 0.105; 95% CI [0.026, 0.185]; P < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, associations of NWI with rCBFpost-CEA (β = 0.059; 95% CI [0.016, 0.103]; P < 0.05) and DRCBF (β = 0.110; 95% CI [0.021, 0.199]; P < 0.05) remained statistically significant, while the association between NWI and rCBFpre-CEA was no longer significant (β = -0.026; 95% CI [-0.058, 0.006]; P = 0.112).The associations of LRNC with rCBFpre-CEA (β = 0.057; 95% CI [-0.0006, 0.114]; P = 0.052) and DRCBF (β = -0.157; 95% CI [-0.314, 0.001]; P = 0.051) were close to statistical significance. After adjusting for confounding factors, these associations were statistically significant (of LRNC vs. rCBFpre-CEA : β = 0.060; 95% CI [0.003, 0.118]; P < 0.05; LRNC vs. DRCBF : β = -0.205; 95% CI [-0.375, -0.036]; P < 0.05). DATA CONCLUSION Carotid plaque burden and components, particularly LRNC, might be effective indicators for CBF change following CEA. Level of Evidence 1 Technical Efficacy Stage 5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Huo
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Xu
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Center for Brain Disorders Research, Capital Medical University and Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China.,Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiyu Qiao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hualu Han
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huishu Yuan
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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11
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Shi H, Shao S, Wang G, Zhao X, Li R, Yao B, Sun Q, Watase H, Hippe DS, Yuan C. Bilaterally Asymmetric Associations Between Extracranial Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis and Ipsilateral Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis in Symptomatic Patients: A CARE-II Study. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:2965-2974. [PMID: 33028099 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.315288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the bilaterally asymmetrical associations between extracranial carotid artery atherosclerosis and ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis in symptomatic patients using magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging. Approach and Results: Patients with symptomatic carotid artery atherosclerosis were recruited from the Chinese Atherosclerosis Risk Evaluation, a multicenter study. All subjects underwent intracranial magnetic resonance angiography and extracranial carotid artery magnetic resonance imaging. Severe stenosis (stenosis ≥50%) of MCA, carotid moderate-to-severe stenosis (stenosis ≥50%), plaque compositions, and high-risk plaque on symptomatic side were evaluated in all subjects. Associations between ipsilateral MCA stenosis and extracranial carotid plaque features were evaluated. A total of 363 patients (mean age: 61.2±10.4 years old; 254 males) were included. In the left symptomatic cerebrovascular group (n=186), carotid moderate-to-severe stenosis (odds ratio [OR], 3.00 [95% CI, 1.03-8.79]; P=0.045), intraplaque hemorrhage (OR, 3.68 [95% CI, 1.21-11.19]; P=0.021), fibrous cap rupture (OR, 5.70 [95% CI, 1.60-20.31]; P=0.007), and high-risk plaque (OR, 2.95 [95% CI, 1.19-7.35]; P=0.020) were significantly associated with ipsilateral severe MCA stenosis, after adjusting for confounding factors. In the right symptomatic cerebrovascular group (n=177), severe MCA stenosis was significantly associated with ipsilateral carotid moderate-to-severe stenosis (OR, 3.98 [95% CI, 1.54-10.32]; P=0.004) but not with other extracranial carotid plaque features (all P>0.05), after adjusting for confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS In the symptomatic arteries, vulnerable plaque features are independently associated with ipsilateral severe MCA stenosis on the left side, but this association is not found on the right side, indicating the associations of atherosclerotic disease between intracranial and extracranial carotid arteries are asymmetrical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglu Shi
- Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University (H.S., S.S., G.W.), Jinan, China
| | - Sai Shao
- Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University (H.S., S.S., G.W.), Jinan, China
| | - Guangbin Wang
- Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University (H.S., S.S., G.W.), Jinan, China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (X.Z., R.L.)
| | - Rui Li
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (X.Z., R.L.)
| | - Bin Yao
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China (B.Y.)
| | - Qinjian Sun
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University (Q.S.), Jinan, China
| | - Hiroko Watase
- Department of Surgery (H.W.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Daniel S Hippe
- Department of Radiology (D.S.H., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology (D.S.H., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
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12
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Kassem M, Florea A, Mottaghy FM, van Oostenbrugge R, Kooi ME. Magnetic resonance imaging of carotid plaques: current status and clinical perspectives. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1266. [PMID: 33178798 PMCID: PMC7607136 DOI: 10.21037/atm-2020-cass-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Rupture of a vulnerable carotid plaque is one of the leading causes of stroke. Carotid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is able to visualize all the main hallmarks of plaque vulnerability. Various MRI sequences have been developed in the last two decades to quantify carotid plaque burden and composition. Often, a combination of multiple sequences is used. These MRI techniques have been extensively validated with histological analysis of carotid endarterectomy specimens. High agreement between the MRI and histological measures of plaque burden, intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), fibrous cap (FC) status, inflammation and neovascularization has been demonstrated. Novel MRI sequences allow to generate three-dimensional isotropic images with a large longitudinal coverage. Other new sequences can acquire multiple contrasts using a single sequence leading to a tremendous reduction in scan time. IPH can be easily identified as a hyperintense signal in the bulk of the plaque on strongly T1-weighted images, such as magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo images, acquired within a few minutes with a standard neurovascular coil. Carotid MRI can also be used to evaluate treatment effects. Several meta-analyses have demonstrated a strong predictive value of IPH, LRNC, thinning or rupture of the FC for ischemic cerebrovascular events. Recently, in a large meta-analysis based on individual patient data of asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals with carotid artery stenosis, it was shown that IPH on MRI is an independent risk predictor for stroke, stronger than any known clinical risk parameter. Expert recommendations on carotid plaque MRI protocols have recently been described in a white paper. The present review provides an overview of the current status and applications of carotid plaque MR imaging and its future potential in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Kassem
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandru Florea
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Felix M Mottaghy
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Robert van Oostenbrugge
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, MUMC+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M Eline Kooi
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
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13
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Qiao H, Cai Y, Huang M, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Huang L, Chen H, Yuan C, Zhao X. Quantitative assessment of carotid artery atherosclerosis by three-dimensional magnetic resonance and two-dimensional ultrasound imaging: a comparison study. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2020; 10:1021-1032. [PMID: 32489926 DOI: 10.21037/qims-19-818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Background It has been proven that magnetic resonance (MR) and ultrasound imaging are useful tools in the quantification of carotid atherosclerotic plaques. However, there are only a few pieces of evidence to illustrate the links of quantitative measurements of carotid plaques between MR and ultrasound imaging. This study looked to compare the quantitative measurements of carotid plaques and investigate their relationship between three-dimensional (3D) MR vessel wall imaging and two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound imaging. Methods Seventy-five asymptomatic elderly subjects (mean age: 73.3±5.7 years; 45 males) with carotid atherosclerotic plaques diagnosed by both ultrasound and MR imaging were included in this study. The plaque size, including the maximum wall thickness (Max WT), plaque length, and plaque area, was measured by 3D MR and ultrasound imaging on longitudinal and cross-sectional views. The quantitative assessments of carotid plaque size were compared and correlated between 3D MR and 2D ultrasound imaging. Results In total, the quantitative measurements of 101 plaques on longitudinal views or 44 plaques on cross-sectional views of both MR and ultrasound imaging were compared. The Max WT of the plaques (longitudinal: 2.9±0.8 vs. 2.4±0.9 mm; cross-sectional: 3.2±1.1 vs. 2.6±0.7 mm) and plaque areas (longitudinal: 24.3±13.4 vs. 17.0±12.7 mm2; cross-sectional: 24.9±24.6 vs. 16.8±13.3 mm2) measured by MR imaging were found to be significantly higher than those measured by ultrasound imaging (all P<0.001). Moderate to strong correlations were found in Max WT, plaque area, plaque length between 3D MR and ultrasound imaging. Conclusions The quantitative measurements of carotid plaques using 3D MR and 2D ultrasound are significantly correlated. The plaque area and Max WT measured by 3D MR imaging are more significant than these parameters measured by 2D ultrasound imaging, which might be explained by the resolution of MR imaging and the workflow of measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyu Qiao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ying Cai
- Department of Radiology, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou 225400, China
| | - Manwei Huang
- Department of Ultrasound, China Meitan General Hospital, Beijing 100028, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing 100084, China
| | | | - Huijun Chen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing 100084, China
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14
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Jia L, Zhang N, Kukun H, Ren L, Zhang L, Lyu J, Liang D, Li Y, Zheng H, Jia W, Liu X. Three-dimensional intra- and extracranial arterial vessel wall joint imaging in patients with cerebrovascular disease. Eur J Radiol 2020; 126:108921. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2020.108921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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15
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Yang D, Liu Y, Han Y, Li D, Wang W, Li R, Yuan C, Zhao X. Signal of Carotid Intraplaque Hemorrhage on MR T1-Weighted Imaging: Association with Acute Cerebral Infarct. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2020; 41:836-843. [PMID: 32273265 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Identifying the mere presence of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage would be insufficient to accurately discriminate the presence of acute cerebral infarct. We aimed to investigate the association between signal intensity ratios of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage on T1-weighted MR imaging and acute cerebral infarct in patients with hemorrhagic carotid plaques using MR vessel wall imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Symptomatic patients with carotid intraplaque hemorrhage were included. The signal intensity ratios of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage against muscle on T1-weighted, TOF, and MPRAGE images were measured. The acute cerebral infarct was determined on the hemisphere ipsilateral to the carotid intraplaque hemorrhage. The association between signal intensity ratios of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage and acute cerebral infarct was analyzed. RESULTS Of 109 included patients (mean, 66.8 ± 9.9 years of age; 96 men), 40 (36.7%) had acute cerebral infarct. Patients with acute cerebral infarct had significantly higher signal intensity ratios of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage on T1-weighted images than those without (Median, 1.44; 25-75 Percentiles, 1.14-1.82 versus Median, 1.27; 25-75 Percentiles, 1.06-1.55, P = .022). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the signal intensity ratio of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage on T1-weighted images was significantly associated with acute cerebral infarct before (OR, 4.08; 95% CI, 1.34-12.40; P = .013) and after (OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.08-10.31; P = .036) adjustment for clinical confounding factors. However, this association was not significant when further adjusted for occlusion of the carotid artery (P = .058) and volumes of intraplaque hemorrhage and lipid-rich necrotic core (P = .458). CONCLUSIONS The signal intensity ratio of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage on T1-weighted images is associated with acute cerebral infarct in symptomatic patients with carotid hemorrhagic plaques. This association is independent of traditional risk factors but not of the size of plaque composition. The possibility of applying T1 signals of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage to predict subsequent cerebrovascular ischemic events needs to be prospectively verified.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Yang
- From the Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders (D.Y., Y.H., D.L.), Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering (D.Y., Y.H., D.L., R.L., X.Z.), Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Y Liu
- Department of Radiology (Y.L., W.W.), The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Y Han
- From the Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders (D.Y., Y.H., D.L.), Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering (D.Y., Y.H., D.L., R.L., X.Z.), Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - D Li
- From the Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders (D.Y., Y.H., D.L.), Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering (D.Y., Y.H., D.L., R.L., X.Z.), Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - W Wang
- Department of Radiology (Y.L., W.W.), The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - R Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (D.Y., Y.H., D.L., R.L., X.Z.), Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - C Yuan
- Department of Radiology (C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - X Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (D.Y., Y.H., D.L., R.L., X.Z.), Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
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Gao X, Song J, Watase H, Hippe DS, Zhao X, Canton G, Tian F, Du R, Ji S, Yuan C. Differences in Carotid Plaques Between Symptomatic Patients With and Without Diabetes Mellitus. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 39:1234-1239. [PMID: 31070472 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.118.312092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Objective- Diabetes mellitus is associated with high-risk atherosclerotic plaques. This study aimed to compare characteristics of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in symptomatic Chinese diabetic and nondiabetic patients using vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging. Approach and Results- Patients with cerebral ischemic symptoms in the anterior circulation and carotid atherosclerotic plaque determined by ultrasound were recruited from a cross-sectional, observational, multicenter study of CARE-II (Chinese Atherosclerosis Risk Evaluation). All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging for carotid arteries. The morphological and compositional characteristics of carotid plaques were compared between diabetic and nondiabetic patients using linear (continuous variables) and logistic regression (binary variables). In a total of 584 recruited patients, 182 (31.2%) had diabetes mellitus. From the univariate analysis, diabetic patients had significantly greater mean wall area (33.7 versus 31.1 mm2; P=0.002), maximum wall thickness (3.2 versus 2.8 mm; P<0.001), and mean normalized wall index (43.8% versus 41.0%; P<0.001) and had significantly higher prevalence of calcification (51.6% versus 36.6%; P=0.001), lipid-rich necrotic core (77.5% versus 58.5%; P<0.001), and high-risk plaque (29.7% versus 19.9%; P=0.011) than nondiabetic patients. After adjusting for clinical characteristics, the differences in presence of calcification ( P=0.018) and lipid-rich necrotic core ( P=0.001) remained statistically significant. Conclusions- Symptomatic Chinese diabetic patients are more likely to have carotid plaques with calcification and lipid-rich necrotic core than nondiabetic patients, suggesting that diabetic patients may develop more severe atherosclerotic disease that should be accounted for in their clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Gao
- From the Department of Radiology (X.G., J.S., R.D., S.J.), Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, China
| | - Jinyu Song
- From the Department of Radiology (X.G., J.S., R.D., S.J.), Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, China
| | - Hiroko Watase
- Department of Surgery (H.W.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Daniel S Hippe
- Department of Radiology (D.S.H., G.C., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (X.Z., C.Y.)
| | - Gador Canton
- Department of Radiology (D.S.H., G.C., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Fengshi Tian
- Department of Cardiology (F.T.), Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, China
| | - Ran Du
- From the Department of Radiology (X.G., J.S., R.D., S.J.), Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, China
| | - Shengzhang Ji
- From the Department of Radiology (X.G., J.S., R.D., S.J.), Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, China
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology (D.S.H., G.C., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (X.Z., C.Y.)
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Liu L, Huo C, Sun H, Yang H, Zhang R, Wang L, Xia Z. Vascular Morphology has No Direct Relationship with Atherosclerotic Plaque Burden in Patients with Symptomatic Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis. Curr Neurovasc Res 2019; 16:224-231. [PMID: 31258086 DOI: 10.2174/1567202616666190618122746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vascular morphology and the characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) have not been fully studied with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI). OBJECTIVE HR-MRI was applied to investigate vascular morphology and atherosclerotic plaque in patients with symptomatic MCA stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 343 patients with symptomatic MCA stenosis were enrolled in this study. All the patients were examined by HR-MRI to analyze the morphology of MCA and the M1 segment (MCA-M1), the characteristics and the location of the plaques. RESULTS The proportion of L-shaped MCA-M1 decreased, while the proportion of S-shaped MCAM1 increased with age. The anterior plaques were the most common in all the patients. The superior plaques were relatively common in patients with L-shaped and U-shaped MCA-M1, while the inferior plaques were relatively common in patients with inverted U-shaped and S-shaped MCAM1. Among all the plaques, the majority were isointense or heterogeneous. The MCA-M1 morphology had no direct relationship with the common risk factors of atherosclerosis and the clinical outcomes of the patients after 12 months of follow up. CONCLUSION The morphology of MCA-M1 is not directly related to the plaque burden or the degree of stenosis in patients with symptomatic MCA stenosis. The morphology of MCA-M1 is not associated with the risk factors of atherosclerosis, or the clinical outcomes of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Taishan Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, China
| | - Chengju Huo
- Department of Neurology, The Third People's Hospital of Liaocheng, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Taishan Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Third People's Hospital of Liaocheng, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Taishan Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, China
| | - Lexin Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Zhangyong Xia
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Taishan Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, China
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Chen L, Sun J, Hippe DS, Balu N, Yuan Q, Yuan I, Zhao X, Li R, He L, Hatsukami TS, Hwang JN, Yuan C. Quantitative assessment of the intracranial vasculature in an older adult population using iCafe. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 79:59-65. [PMID: 31026623 PMCID: PMC6591051 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Comprehensive quantification of intracranial artery features may help us assess and understand variations of blood supply during brain development and aging. We analyzed vasculature features of 163 participants (age 56-85 years, mean of 71) from a community study to investigate if any of the features varied with age. Three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography images of these participants were processed in IntraCranial artery feature extraction technique (a recently developed technique to obtain quantitative features of arteries) to divide intracranial vasculatures into anatomical segments and generate 8 morphometry and intensity features for each segment. Overall, increase in age was found negatively associated with number of branches and average order of intracranial arteries while positively associated with tortuosity, which remained after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. The associations with number of branches and average order were consistently found between 3 main intracranial artery regions, whereas the association with tortuosity appeared to be present only in middle cerebral artery/distal arteries. The combination of time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography and IntraCranial artery feature extraction technique may provide an effective way to study vascular conditions and changes in the aging brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel S Hippe
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Niranjan Balu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Quan Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Xihai Zhao
- Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Li
- Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Le He
- Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jenq-Neng Hwang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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19
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Saba L, Saam T, Jäger HR, Yuan C, Hatsukami TS, Saloner D, Wasserman BA, Bonati LH, Wintermark M. Imaging biomarkers of vulnerable carotid plaques for stroke risk prediction and their potential clinical implications. Lancet Neurol 2019; 18:559-572. [PMID: 30954372 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(19)30035-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Stroke represents a massive public health problem. Carotid atherosclerosis plays a fundamental part in the occurence of ischaemic stroke. European and US guidelines for prevention of stroke in patients with carotid plaques are based on quantification of the percentage reduction in luminal diameter due to the atherosclerotic process to select the best therapeutic approach. However, better strategies for prevention of stroke are needed because some subtypes of carotid plaques (eg, vulnerable plaques) can predict the occurrence of stroke independent of the degree of stenosis. Advances in imaging techniques have enabled routine characterisation and detection of the features of carotid plaque vulnerability. Intraplaque haemorrhage is accepted by neurologists and radiologists as one of the features of vulnerable plaques, but other characteristics-eg, plaque volume, neovascularisation, and inflammation-are promising as biomarkers of carotid plaque vulnerability. These biomarkers could change current management strategies based merely on the degree of stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Saba
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Tobias Saam
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany; Radiologisches Zentrum Rosenheim, Rosenheim, Germany
| | - H Rolf Jäger
- Neuroradiological Academic Unit, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - David Saloner
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bruce A Wasserman
- The Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leo H Bonati
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Max Wintermark
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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20
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Imaging Spectrum of TIPIC Syndrome : Validation of a new Entity with Vessel Wall Imaging. Clin Neuroradiol 2018; 30:145-157. [PMID: 30470848 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-018-0746-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Acute neck pain can have non-vascular and vascular causes. Some patients present with distinct vascular and perivascular changes on imaging at the site of tenderness. This study aimed to evaluate the imaging findings of transient perivascular inflammation of the carotid artery (TIPIC) syndrome with an emphasis on vessel wall imaging using 3‑Tesla (3-T) high-resolution (HR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS Clinical data along with diagnostic and follow-up imaging of patients presenting to these hospitals with acute neck pain/tenderness and at least 1 imaging study using color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) and/or MRI including vessel wall imaging from September 2013 through September 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. A total of 15 patients with no other underlying cause of pain, findings meeting the imaging criteria for TIPIC syndrome and clinical recovery (spontaneous or with treatment) were included in the study. RESULTS The mean patient age was 43.2 years. With CDU and precontrast MRI, perivascular inflammation (PVI) of the involved artery segment was evident in all patients. Contrast enhancement of the adventitia and PVI were noted on postcontrast HR vessel wall MRI in all patients. Of the patients five had co-existing plaques at the site of tenderness. Follow-up imaging demonstrated pronounced regression or complete resolution of the findings. CONCLUSION Imaging is useful for the establishment of TIPIC syndrome diagnosis and to rule out other conditions. The use of CDU is usually sufficient for diagnosis and follow-up but in clinically doubtful and complicated cases, vessel wall imaging with HR-MRI is very valuable. Thorough knowledge of this entity among radiologists enables a prompt diagnosis, which accelerates the clinical management.
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21
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Chen X, Wang J, Liu Y, Yang Y, Zhou F, Li X, Zhang B, Zhao X. Proximal internal carotid artery stenosis associates with diffuse wall thickening in petrous arterial segment of moyamoya disease patients: a three-dimensional magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging study. Neuroradiology 2018; 61:29-36. [PMID: 30402746 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-018-2124-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the association between proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) luminal narrowing and diffuse wall thickening (DWT) in ipsilateral petrous ICA in moyamoya disease (MMD) patients. METHODS Forty-one MMD (mean age 42.8 ± 11.0 years, 19 males) and 36 atherosclerotic patients (mean age 61.5 ± 7.1 years, 31 males) and 41 healthy controls were recruited and underwent carotid MR vessel wall imaging. The luminal narrowing of proximal ICA was evaluated by the diameter ratio of ICA to common carotid artery (DRICA/CCA). The wall thickness of petrous ICA was measured on T1-VISTA images. The enhancement degree of petrous ICA was recorded and graded into four grades (none to marked) on the CE-T1-VISTA images. The correlation between wall thickness in petrous ICA and DRICA/CCA was analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 81 arteries of MMD patients and 64 arteries of atherosclerotic patients were included for analysis. The DRICA/CCA was significantly correlated with the wall thickness in petrous ICA in MMD (r = - 0.434, P < 0.001) and atherosclerotic groups (r = - 0.604, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that odds ratio (OR) of DRICA/CCA was 4.433 (95% CI 1.980-9.925, P < 0.001) and 2.212 (95% CI 1.253-3.905, P = 0.006) in MMD and atherosclerotic groups in discriminating petrous ICA DWT after adjusting for confounding factors. An increasing trend was found in prevalence of DWT and wall thickness with enhancement grades in petrous ICA in MMD (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01) and atherosclerotic groups (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The proximal ICA luminal narrowing is significantly associated with wall thickness and diffuse wall thickening in ipsilateral petrous ICA in patients with carotid steno-occlusive diseases regardless of MMD or atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Chen
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China.,Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First People's Hospital of Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yongbo Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Fei Zhou
- Department of Radiology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xueping Li
- Department of Radiology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Department of Radiology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
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22
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Li D, Dai W, Cai Y, Han Y, Yao G, Chen H, Yuan C, Xiao L, Zhao X. Atherosclerosis in stroke-related vascular beds and stroke risk: A 3-D MR vessel wall imaging study. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2018; 5:1599-1610. [PMID: 30564625 PMCID: PMC6292191 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To investigate the characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques in stroke-related vascular beds and their relationship with stroke using three-dimensional magnetic resonance (MR) vessel wall imaging. Methods Fifty-two symptomatic patients (mean age: 56.3 ± 13.4 years; 38 males) were enrolled and underwent MR vessel wall imaging for stroke-related vascular beds including intracranial and extracranial carotid arteries and aortic arch and routine MR imaging for brain. The maximum wall thickness (Max WT) and luminal stenosis of each plaque were measured. The presence/absence of atherosclerotic plaque, intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), and severe stenosis (stenosis >50%) at each vascular bed and acute ischemic lesion (AIL) were determined. The correlation between Max WT of each vascular bed and AIL was analyzed. Results Of 52 patients, 24 (46.2%) had AILs, and 30 (57.7%), 34 (65.4%), and 11 (21.2%) had plaques in intracranial artery, extracranial carotid artery, and aortic arch, respectively. The prevalence of IPH and severe stenosis was 25% and 26.9% for intracranial arteries, 13.5% and 9.6% for extracranial carotid artery, and 3.8% and 0% for aortic arch, respectively. In discriminating AIL, Max WT of intracranial artery had the highest area-under-the-curve (AUC = 0.84), followed by extracranial carotid artery (AUC = 0.83) and aortic arch (AUC = 0.78) after adjusted for confounding factors. The AUC of Max WT combined three stroked-related vascular beds reached 0.87. Conclusion Extracranial carotid arteries have the highest prevalence of plaques and intraplaque hemorrhage and severe stenosis are most frequently seen in intracranial arteries in Asian symptomatic patients. The Max WT combined three stroke-related vascular beds show stronger predictive value for AIL than each vascular bed alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongye Li
- Center for Brain Disorders Research Capital Medical University and Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders Beijing China.,Center for Biomedical Imaging Research Department of Biomedical Engineering Tsinghua University School of Medicine Beijing China
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Neurology The First Affiliated Hospital of the PLA General Hospital Beijing China
| | - Ying Cai
- Department of Radiology Taizhou People's Hospital Taizhou China
| | - Yongjun Han
- Center for Brain Disorders Research Capital Medical University and Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders Beijing China
| | - Guoen Yao
- Department of Neurology The First Affiliated Hospital of the PLA General Hospital Beijing China
| | - Huijun Chen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research Department of Biomedical Engineering Tsinghua University School of Medicine Beijing China
| | - Chun Yuan
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research Department of Biomedical Engineering Tsinghua University School of Medicine Beijing China.,Department of Radiology University of Washington Seattle Washington
| | - Lei Xiao
- Department of Neurology Beijing Fengtai Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine Beijing China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research Department of Biomedical Engineering Tsinghua University School of Medicine Beijing China.,Center of Stroke Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders Beijing China
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23
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Han Y, Guan M, Zhu Z, Li D, Chen H, Yuan C, Li C, Wang W, Zhao X. Assessment of longitudinal distribution of subclinical atherosclerosis in femoral arteries by three-dimensional cardiovascular magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2018; 20:60. [PMID: 30173671 PMCID: PMC6120082 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-018-0482-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower extremity peripheral artery disease has become a significant health burden worldwide. Since the treatment strategies can be different if atherosclerotic disease involves different femoral artery segments, it is important to assess plaque distribution among different segments of femoral arteries. We sought to investigate the longitudinal distribution of subclinical femoral artery atherosclerosis in asymptomatic elderly adults using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) vessel wall imaging. METHODS Asymptomatic elderly subjects underwent three-dimensional (3D) CMR vessel wall imaging for femoral arteries. The 3D motion sensitized-driven equilibrium prepared rapid gradient-echo (3D-MERGE) sequence was acquired from the common femoral artery to the popliteal artery. The femoral artery was divided into 4 segments: common femoral artery (CFA), proximal superficial femoral artery (pSFA), adductor canal (AC) segment of femoral artery, and popliteal artery (PA). The morphological characteristics including lumen area, wall area, maximum and minimum wall thickness, normalized wall index (NWI = wall area / [lumen area + wall area] × 100%), and eccentricity index ([maximum wall thickness - minimum wall thickness] / maximum wall thickness), luminal stenosis, and presence of atherosclerotic plaque were evaluated and compared between bilateral sides and among different femoral artery segments in each side of femoral artery. The associations between ankle-brachial index (ABI) and cardiovascular risk factors and femoral artery plaque characteristics were also determined. RESULTS Of 107 recruited subjects (71.9 ± 5.6 years; 48 males), 70 (65.4%) were found to have femoral artery plaques. The atherosclerotic plaques were most frequently found in PA (41.1%) and CFA (40.2%) segments, followed by pSFA (31.8%) and AC (23.4%) segments (p = 0.002). Similarly, PA and CFA segments showed significantly greater maximum wall thickness and eccentricity index compared with pSFA and AC segments (all p < 0.001). Significant differences can be found in NWI among four segments of femoral arteries (p < 0.001) and PA showed the highest NWI (54.8%), followed by AC (54.3%), pSFA (52.4%) and CFA (45.9%) segments. Compared with right femoral artery, left femoral artery had significant smaller lumen area and greater NWI in most of segments (p < 0.002). There were no significant differences in ABI between subjects with and without atherosclerotic plaques (p = 0.161). The presence of subclinical atherosclerotic plaque in femoral arteries was significantly associated with cardiovascular risk factors including age (odds ratio [OR], 1.133; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.048-1.224, p = 0.002), male gender (OR, 3.914; 95% CI, 1.612-9.501, p = 0.003), and hypertension (OR, 4.000; 95% CI, 1.700-9.411, p = 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Subclinical femoral artery atherosclerosis is prevalent in the elderly population, particularly in the left femoral artery and segments of CFA and PA, and is associated with age, male gender and hypertension. Our findings suggest that, for screening subclinical atherosclerosis, more attention needs to be paid to the specific side and segments of femoral arteries, particularly older individuals and those with these cardiovascular disease risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Han
- Center for Brain Disorders Research, Capital Medical University and Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Maobin Guan
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dongye Li
- Center for Brain Disorders Research, Capital Medical University and Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Huijun Chen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chun Yuan
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
- Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
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