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Crombag G, Aizaz M, Schreuder F, Benali F, van Dam-Nolen D, Liem M, Lucci C, van der Steen A, Daemen M, Mess W, van der Lugt A, Nederkoorn P, Hendrikse J, Hofman P, van Oostenbrugge R, Wildberger J, Kooi M. Proximal Region of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Shows More Intraplaque Hemorrhage: The Plaque at Risk Study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2022; 43:265-271. [PMID: 35121587 PMCID: PMC8985675 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Intraplaque hemorrhage contributes to lipid core enlargement and plaque progression, leading to plaque destabilization and stroke. The mechanisms that contribute to the development of intraplaque hemorrhage are not completely understood. A higher incidence of intraplaque hemorrhage and thin/ruptured fibrous cap (upstream of the maximum stenosis in patients with severe [≥70%] carotid stenosis) has been reported. We aimed to noninvasively study the distribution of intraplaque hemorrhage and a thin/ruptured fibrous cap in patients with mild-to-moderate carotid stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty-eight symptomatic patients with stroke (<70% carotid stenosis included in the Plaque at Risk study) demonstrated intraplaque hemorrhage on MR imaging in the carotid artery plaque ipsilateral to the side of TIA/stroke. The intraplaque hemorrhage area percentage was calculated. A thin/ruptured fibrous cap was scored by comparing pre- and postcontrast black-blood TSE images. Differences in mean intraplaque hemorrhage percentages between the proximal and distal regions were compared using a paired-samples t test. The McNemar test was used to reveal differences in proportions of a thin/ruptured fibrous cap. RESULTS We found significantly larger areas of intraplaque hemorrhage in the proximal part of the plaque at 2, 4, and 6 mm from the maximal luminal narrowing, respectively: 14.4% versus 9.6% (P = .04), 14.7% versus 5.4% (P < .001), and 11.1% versus 2.2% (P = .001). Additionally, we found an increased proximal prevalence of a thin/ruptured fibrous cap on MR imaging at 2, 4, 6, and 8 mm from the MR imaging section with the maximal luminal narrowing, respectively: 33.7% versus 18.1%, P = .007; 36.1% versus 7.2%, P < .001; 33.7% versus 2.4%, P = .001; and 30.1% versus 3.6%, P = .022. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that intraplaque hemorrhage and a thin/ruptured fibrous cap are more prevalent on the proximal side of the plaque compared with the distal side in patients with mild-to-moderate carotid stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G.A.J.C. Crombag
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (G.A.J.C.C., M.A., F.B., P.A.M.H., J.E.W., M.E.K.),CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases (G.A.J.C.C., M.A., R.J.v.O., J.E.W., M.E.K.), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - M. Aizaz
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (G.A.J.C.C., M.A., F.B., P.A.M.H., J.E.W., M.E.K.),CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases (G.A.J.C.C., M.A., R.J.v.O., J.E.W., M.E.K.), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - F.H.B.M. Schreuder
- Department of Neurology & Donders Institute for Brain Cognition & Behaviour (F.H.B.M.S.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - F. Benali
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (G.A.J.C.C., M.A., F.B., P.A.M.H., J.E.W., M.E.K.)
| | | | - M.I. Liem
- Departments of Neurology (M.I.L., P.J.N.)
| | - C. Lucci
- Department of Radiology (C.L., J.H.), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A.F. van der Steen
- Biomedical Engineering (A.F.v.d.S.), Erasmus University Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M.J.A.P. Daemen
- Pathology (M.J.A.P.D.), Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - A. van der Lugt
- Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (D.H.K.v.D.-N., A.v.d.L.)
| | | | - J. Hendrikse
- Department of Radiology (C.L., J.H.), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - P.A.M. Hofman
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (G.A.J.C.C., M.A., F.B., P.A.M.H., J.E.W., M.E.K.)
| | - R.J. van Oostenbrugge
- Neurology (R.J.v.O.), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands,CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases (G.A.J.C.C., M.A., R.J.v.O., J.E.W., M.E.K.), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - J.E. Wildberger
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (G.A.J.C.C., M.A., F.B., P.A.M.H., J.E.W., M.E.K.),CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases (G.A.J.C.C., M.A., R.J.v.O., J.E.W., M.E.K.), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - M.E. Kooi
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (G.A.J.C.C., M.A., F.B., P.A.M.H., J.E.W., M.E.K.),CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases (G.A.J.C.C., M.A., R.J.v.O., J.E.W., M.E.K.), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Sui B, Gao P. High-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging of carotid and intracranial vessels. Acta Radiol 2019; 60:1329-1340. [PMID: 30727746 DOI: 10.1177/0284185119826538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Sui
- Radiology Department, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
- Radiology Department, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, PR China
| | - Peiyi Gao
- Radiology Department, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
- Radiology Department, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, PR China
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Crombag GAJC, Schreuder FHBM, van Hoof RHM, Truijman MTB, Wijnen NJA, Vöö SA, Nelemans PJ, Heeneman S, Nederkoorn PJ, Daemen JWH, Daemen MJAP, Mess WH, Wildberger JE, van Oostenbrugge RJ, Kooi ME. Microvasculature and intraplaque hemorrhage in atherosclerotic carotid lesions: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging study. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2019; 21:15. [PMID: 30832656 PMCID: PMC6398220 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-019-0524-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of intraplaque haemorrhage (IPH) has been related to plaque rupture, is associated with plaque progression, and predicts cerebrovascular events. However, the mechanisms leading to IPH are not fully understood. The dominant view is that IPH is caused by leakage of erythrocytes from immature microvessels. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is an association between atherosclerotic plaque microvasculature and presence of IPH in a relatively large prospective cohort study of patients with symptomatic carotid plaque. METHODS One hundred and thirty-two symptomatic patients with ≥2 mm carotid plaque underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) of the symptomatic carotid plaque for detection of IPH and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-CMR for assessment of plaque microvasculature. Ktrans, an indicator of microvascular flow, density and leakiness, was estimated using pharmacokinetic modelling in the vessel wall and adventitia. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent samples T-test and binary logistic regression, correcting for clinical risk factors. RESULTS A decreased vessel wall Ktrans was found for IPH positive patients (0.051 ± 0.011 min- 1 versus 0.058 ± 0.017 min- 1, p = 0.001). No significant difference in adventitial Ktrans was found in patients with and without IPH (0.057 ± 0.012 min- 1 and 0.057 ± 0.018 min- 1, respectively). Histological analysis in a subgroup of patients that underwent carotid endarterectomy demonstrated no significant difference in relative microvessel density between plaques without IPH (n = 8) and plaques with IPH (n = 15) (0.000333 ± 0.0000707 vs. and 0.000289 ± 0.0000439, p = 0.585). CONCLUSIONS A reduced vessel wall Ktrans is found in the presence of IPH. Thus, we did not find a positive association between plaque microvasculature and IPH several weeks after a cerebrovascular event. Not only leaky plaque microvessels, but additional factors may contribute to IPH development. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01208025 . Registration date September 23, 2010. Retrospectively registered (first inclusion September 21, 2010). NCT01709045 , date of registration October 17, 2012. Retrospectively registered (first inclusion August 23, 2011).
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève A. J. C. Crombag
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Floris H. B. M. Schreuder
- Department of Neurology & Donders Institute for Brain Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Raf H. M. van Hoof
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Martine T. B. Truijman
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicky J. A. Wijnen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan A. Vöö
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patty J. Nelemans
- Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvia Heeneman
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Nederkoorn
- Department of Neurology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Willem H. Daemen
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mat J. A. P. Daemen
- Department of Pathology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Werner H. Mess
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Clinical Neurophysiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J. E. Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Robert J. van Oostenbrugge
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M. Eline Kooi
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Ge X, Zhou Z, Zhao H, Li X, Sun B, Suo S, Hackett ML, Wan J, Xu J, Liu X. Evaluation of carotid plaque vulnerability in vivo: Correlation between dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and MRI-modified AHA classification. J Magn Reson Imaging 2017; 46:870-876. [PMID: 28120364 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.25637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To noninvasively monitor carotid plaque vulnerability by exploring the relationship between pharmacokinetic parameters (PPs) of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and plaque types based on MRI-modified American Heart Association (AHA) classification, as well as to assess the ability of PPs in discrimination between stable and vulnerable plaques suspected on MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Of 70 consecutive patients with carotid plaques who volunteered for 3.0T MRI (3D time-of-flight [TOF], T1 -weighted, T2 -weighted, 3D magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient-echo [MP-RAGE] and DCE-MRI), 66 participants were available for analysis. After plaque classification according to MRI-modified AHA Lesion-Type (LT), PPs (Ktrans , kep , ve , and vp ) of DCE-MRI were measured. The Extended Tofts model was used for calculation of PPs. For participants with multiple carotid plaques, the plaque with the worst MRI-modified AHA LT was chosen for analysis. Correlations between PPs and plaque types and the ability of these parameters to distinguish stable and vulnerable plaques suspected on MRI were assessed. RESULTS Significant positive correlation between Ktrans and LT III to VI was found (ρ = 0.532, P < 0.001), as was the correlation between kep and LT III to VI (ρ = 0.409, P < 0.001). Stable and vulnerable plaques suspected on MRI could potentially be distinguished by Ktrans (sensitivity 83%, specificity 100%) and kep (sensitivity 77%, specificity 91%). CONCLUSION Ktrans and kep from DCE-MRI can provide quantitative information to monitor plaque vulnerability in vivo and differentiate vulnerable plaques suspected on MRI from stable ones. These two parameters could be adopted as imaging biomarkers for plaque characterization and risk stratification. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:870-876.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Ge
- Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zien Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Huilin Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Beibei Sun
- Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Shiteng Suo
- Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Maree L Hackett
- Neurological & Mental Health Division, George Institute for Global Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jieqing Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jianrong Xu
- Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiaosheng Liu
- Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography of the Brain—50 Years of Innovation, With a Focus on the Future. Invest Radiol 2015; 50:551-6. [DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Simpson RJ, Akwei S, Hosseini AA, MacSweeney ST, Auer DP, Altaf N. MR imaging-detected carotid plaque hemorrhage is stable for 2 years and a marker for stenosis progression. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2015; 36:1171-5. [PMID: 25742988 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE MR imaging-detected carotid plaque hemorrhage is associated with an increased risk of recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular events and could be an indicator of disease progression; however, there are limited data regarding the dynamics of the MR imaging-detected carotid plaque hemorrhage signal. We assessed the temporal change of this signal and its impact on carotid disease progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-seven symptomatic patients with 54 carotid stenoses of >30% on sonography underwent serial MR imaging during 24 months. A signal-intensity ratio of >1.5 between the carotid plaque and adjacent muscle was defined as plaque hemorrhage, and a change in signal-intensity ratio of >0.31 between time points was considered significant. Sixteen patients underwent ≥2 carotid sonography scans to determine the peak systolic velocities and degree of stenosis with time. RESULTS Of the 54 carotids, 28 had the presence of hyperintense signal on an MR imaging sequence (PH+) and 26 had the absence of hyperintense signal on an MR imaging sequence (PH-) at baseline. The signal-intensity ratio was stable in 33/54 carotid plaques, but 39% showed a change. Plaque hemorrhage classification did not change in 87% of carotid plaques, but 4 became PH+, and 3, PH-. As a group, PH+ carotids did not change significantly in signal-intensity ratio (P = .585), whereas PH- showed an increased signal-intensity ratio at 24.5 months (P = .02). In PH+ plaques, peak systolic velocities significantly increased by 22 ± 39.8 cm/s from baseline to last follow-up sonography (Z = 2.427, P = .013). CONCLUSIONS During 2 years, MR imaging-detected carotid plaque hemorrhage status remained stable in most (87%) cases with 4 (7%) incident plaque hemorrhages. PH+ plaques were associated with increased flow velocity during the follow-up period.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Simpson
- From the Radiological Sciences Group (R.J.S., S.A., A.A.H., D.P.A., N.A.), Division of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (R.J.S., S.T.M., N.A.), Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
| | - S Akwei
- From the Radiological Sciences Group (R.J.S., S.A., A.A.H., D.P.A., N.A.), Division of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - A A Hosseini
- From the Radiological Sciences Group (R.J.S., S.A., A.A.H., D.P.A., N.A.), Division of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - S T MacSweeney
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (R.J.S., S.T.M., N.A.), Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - D P Auer
- From the Radiological Sciences Group (R.J.S., S.A., A.A.H., D.P.A., N.A.), Division of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - N Altaf
- From the Radiological Sciences Group (R.J.S., S.A., A.A.H., D.P.A., N.A.), Division of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (R.J.S., S.T.M., N.A.), Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Phase-Sensitive Dual-Inversion Recovery for Accelerated Carotid Vessel Wall Imaging. Invest Radiol 2015; 50:135-43. [DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Teng Z, Sadat U, Brown AJ, Gillard JH. Plaque hemorrhage in carotid artery disease: pathogenesis, clinical and biomechanical considerations. J Biomech 2014; 47:847-58. [PMID: 24485514 PMCID: PMC3994507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2014.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Stroke remains the most prevalent disabling illness today, with internal carotid artery luminal stenosis due to atheroma formation responsible for the majority of ischemic cerebrovascular events. Severity of luminal stenosis continues to dictate both patient risk stratification and the likelihood of surgical intervention. But there is growing evidence to suggest that plaque morphology may help improve pre-existing risk stratification criteria. Plaque components such a fibrous tissue, lipid rich necrotic core and calcium have been well investigated but plaque hemorrhage (PH) has been somewhat overlooked. In this review we discuss the pathogenesis of PH, its role in dictating plaque vulnerability, PH imaging techniques, marterial properties of atherosclerotic tissues, in particular, those obtained based on in vivo measurements and effect of PH in modulating local biomechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongzhao Teng
- University Department of Radiology, University of Cambridge, UK; Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK.
| | - Umar Sadat
- Department of Surgery, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Adam J Brown
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
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Ogura A, Hayakawa K, Maeda F, Kajihara M, Takatsu Y, Yamamura K. Characterization of carotid artery plaque components on magnetic resonance imaging using signal intensity of the phantom as a reference. Acad Radiol 2013; 20:1551-6. [PMID: 24200482 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2013.08.022] [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: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate the properties of plaque by the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it is necessary to use a material with stable signal intensity (eg, muscle or submandibular gland) as a reference. However, there may be differences between individuals. Therefore, we used a small phantom set on the circumference of the neck as a reference. The signal intensity ratio (SIR) methods using the phantom as a reference were reviewed for discrimination of the properties of plaque in the carotid artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three phantoms (phantom 1: water; phantom 2: 5 μmol gadopentetate dimeglumine; and phantom 3: 2.5 μmol gadopentetate dimeglumine) were set around the neck. SIR was calculated for each region of interest and compared according to pathological grade. RESULTS The method using a phantom as a reference reduced the standard deviations of tissue ratios to 0.16 from 0.27 in comparison with the method using muscle and showed a close correlation with pathological grade. In addition, the agreement rates with pathological grade and grades from each SIR using signal intensity of the phantom as a reference were higher than using signal intensity of the muscle as a reference to 0.86 from 0.63 for two-dimensional images and to 0.86 from 0.71 for three-dimensional images. CONCLUSIONS The method described here reduced error compared to the method using muscle as a reference, and the results were closely correlated with pathological grade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akio Ogura
- Graduate School, Gunma Prefectural College of Health Sciences, 323-1, Kamioki-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan; Department of Radiology, Kyoto City Hospital, Kyoto, Japan.
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Musialek P, Tracz W, Tekieli L, Pieniazek P, Kablak-Ziembicka A, Przewlocki T, Stepien E, Kapusta P, Motyl R, Stepniewski J, Undas A, Podolec P. Multimarker approach in discriminating patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic atherosclerotic carotid artery stenosis. J Clin Neurol 2013; 9:165-75. [PMID: 23894240 PMCID: PMC3722468 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2013.9.3.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Several circulating biomarkers have been implicated in carotid atherosclerotic plaque rupture and thrombosis; however, their clinical utility remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the role of a large biomarker panel in the discrimination of symptomatic (S) vs. asymptomatic (A/S) subjects in a contemporary population with carotid artery stenosis (CS). Methods Prospective sampling of circulating cytokines and blood lipids was performed in 300 unselected, consecutive patients with ≥50% CS, as assessed by duplex ultrasound (age 47-83 years; 110 with A/S and 190 with S) who were referred for potential CS revascularization. Results CS severity and pharmacotherapy did not differ between the A/S and S patients. The median values of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) did not differ, but high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was significantly higher (p<0.001) and triglycerides were lower (p=0.03) in the A/S-CS group than in the S-CS group. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were higher (p=0.04 and p=0.07, respectively) in the S-CS group. Circulating visfatin, soluble CD 40 receptor ligand, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule, leptin, adiponectin, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-18, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, myeloperoxidase, matrix metalloproteinases-8, -9, and -10, and fibrinogen were similar, but tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP) was reduced in S-CS compared to A/S-CS (p=0.02). Nevertheless, incorporation of TIMP and IL-6 did not improve the HDL-cholesterol receiver operating characteristics for S-CS status prediction. S-CS status was unrelated to angiographic stenosis severity or plaque burden, as assessed by intravascular ultrasound (p=0.16 and p=0.67, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed low HDL-cholesterol to be the only independent predictor of CS symptoms, with an odds ratio of 1.81 (95% confidence interval=1.15-2.84, p=0.01) for HDL <1.00 mmol/L (first quartile) vs. >1.37 (third quartile). In S-CS, osteoprotegerin and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) were elevated in those with recent vs. remote symptoms (p=0.01 and p=0.02, respectively). Conclusions In an all-comer CS population on contemporary pharmacotherapy, low HDL-cholesterol (but not other previously implicated or several novel circulating biomarkers) is an independent predictor of S-CS status. In addition, an increase in circulating osteoprotegerin and Lp-PLA2 may transiently indicate S transformation of the carotid atherosclerotic plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Musialek
- Jagiellonian University Department of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, Krakow, Poland. ; John Paul II Hospital, Krakow, Poland
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Hosseini AA, Kandiyil N, Macsweeney STS, Altaf N, Auer DP. Carotid plaque hemorrhage on magnetic resonance imaging strongly predicts recurrent ischemia and stroke. Ann Neurol 2013; 73:774-84. [PMID: 23463579 PMCID: PMC3824333 DOI: 10.1002/ana.23876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Objective There is a recognized need to improve selection of patients with carotid artery stenosis for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). We assessed the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined carotid plaque hemorrhage (MRIPH) to predict recurrent ipsilateral cerebral ischemic events, and stroke in symptomatic carotid stenosis. Methods One hundred seventy-nine symptomatic patients with ≥50% stenosis were prospectively recruited, underwent carotid MRI, and were clinically followed up until CEA, death, or ischemic event. MRIPH was diagnosed if the plaque signal intensity was >150% that of the adjacent muscle. Event-free survival analysis was done using Kaplan–Meier plots and Cox regression models controlling for known vascular risk factors. We also undertook a meta-analysis of reported data on MRIPH and recurrent events. Results One hundred fourteen patients (63.7%) showed MRIPH, suffering 92% (57 of 62) of all recurrent ipsilateral events and all but 1 (25 of 26) future strokes. Patients without MRIPH had an estimated annual absolute stroke risk of only 0.6%. Cox multivariate regression analysis proved MRIPH as a strong predictor of recurrent ischemic events (hazard ratio [HR] = 12.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.8–30.1, p < 0.001) and stroke alone (HR = 35.0, 95% CI = 4.7–261.6, p = 0.001). Meta-analysis of published data confirmed this association between MRIPH and recurrent cerebral ischemic events in symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (odds ratio = 12.2, 95% CI = 5.5–27.1, p < 0.00001). Interpretation MRIPH independently and strongly predicts recurrent ipsilateral ischemic events, and stroke alone, in symptomatic ≥50% carotid artery stenosis. The very low stroke risk in patients without MRIPH puts into question current risk–benefit assessment for CEA in this subgroup. ANN NEUROL 2013;73:774–784
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram A Hosseini
- Division of Radiological and Imaging Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Gaens ME, Backes WH, Rozel S, Lipperts M, Sanders SN, Jaspers K, Cleutjens JPM, Sluimer JC, Heeneman S, Daemen MJAP, Welten RJTJ, Daemen JWH, Wildberger JE, Kwee RM, Kooi ME. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging of carotid atherosclerotic plaque: model selection, reproducibility, and validation. Radiology 2012; 266:271-9. [PMID: 23151823 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.12120499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare four known pharmacokinetic models for their ability to describe dynamic contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of carotid atherosclerotic plaques, to determine reproducibility, and to validate the results with histologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was approved by the institutional medical ethics committee. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Forty-five patients with 30%-99% carotid stenosis underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. Plaque enhancement was measured at 16 time points at approximately 25-second image intervals by using a gadolinium-based contrast material. Pharmacokinetic parameters (volume transfer constant, K(trans); extracellular extravascular volume fraction, v(e); and blood plasma fraction, v(p)) were determined by fitting a two-compartment model to plaque and blood gadolinium concentration curves. The relative fit errors and parameter uncertainties were determined to find the most suitable model. Sixteen patients underwent imaging twice to determine reproducibility. Carotid endarterectomy specimens from 16 patients who were scheduled for surgery were collected for histologic validation. Parameter uncertainties were compared with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Reproducibility was assessed by using the coefficient of variation. Correlation with histologic findings was evaluated with the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS The mean relative fit uncertainty (±standard error) for K(trans) was 10% ± 1 with the Patlak model, which was significantly lower than that with the Tofts (20% ± 1), extended Tofts (33% ± 3), and extended graphical (29% ± 3) models (P < .001). The relative uncertainty for v(p) was 20% ± 2 with the Patlak model and was significantly higher with the extended Tofts (46% ± 9) and extended graphical (35% ± 5) models (P < .001). The reproducibility (coefficient of variation) for the Patlak model was 16% for K(trans) and 26% for v(p). Significant positive correlations were found between K(trans) and the endothelial microvessel content determined on histologic slices (Pearson ρ = 0.72, P = .005). CONCLUSION The Patlak model is most suited for describing carotid plaque enhancement. Correlation with histologic findings validated K(trans) as an indicator of plaque microvasculature, and the reproducibility of K(trans) was good.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela E Gaens
- Department of Radiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
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14
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Freilinger TM, Schindler A, Schmidt C, Grimm J, Cyran C, Schwarz F, Bamberg F, Linn J, Reiser M, Yuan C, Nikolaou K, Dichgans M, Saam T. Prevalence of nonstenosing, complicated atherosclerotic plaques in cryptogenic stroke. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2012; 5:397-405. [PMID: 22498329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2012.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Accepted: 01/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our goal was to assess the prevalence of complicated American Heart Association (AHA) lesion type VI plaques in the carotid arteries of patients with cryptogenic stroke. BACKGROUND In up to 40% of ischemic stroke patients, no definite cause can be established despite extensive workup (i.e., cryptogenic stroke). To test the hypothesis if nonstenosing complicated carotid plaques may be the underlying etiology in some of these patients, we used high-resolution black-blood carotid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can quantitatively assess plaque composition and morphology with good correlation to histopathology. Specifically, we focused on AHA type VI plaques, which are characterized by hemorrhage, thrombus, or fibrous cap rupture. METHODS Thirty-two consecutive patients (22 male; mean age 71.7 ± 11.9 years) with cryptogenic stroke and nonstenosing (<50%) eccentric carotid plaques were recruited from a single stroke unit. All patients underwent extensive clinical workup (brain MRI, duplex sonography, electrocardiography and Holter monitoring, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, and laboratory investigations) to exclude other causes of stroke. All patients received a black-blood carotid MRI at 3-T with fat-saturated pre- and post-contrast T-1-, proton density-, and T-2-weighted and time-of-flight images using surface coils and parallel imaging techniques. Prevalence of AHA type VI plaque was determined in both carotid arteries on the basis of previously published MRI criteria. RESULTS AHA type VI plaques were found in 12 of 32 arteries (37.5%) ipsilateral to the stroke, whereas there were no AHA type VI plaques contralateral to the stroke (p = 0.001). The most common diagnostic feature of AHA type VI plaques was intraplaque hemorrhage (75%), followed by fibrous plaque rupture (50%) and luminal thrombus (33%). CONCLUSIONS This pilot study suggests that arterio-arterial embolism from complicated, nonstenosing carotid atherosclerotic plaques may play a role in a subgroup of patients previously diagnosed with cryptogenic stroke. To further evaluate the significance of AHA type VI plaques in cryptogenic stroke, future studies will have to analyze both clinical and imaging follow-up data, including event rates for secondary strokes.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Carotid Arteries/diagnostic imaging
- Carotid Arteries/pathology
- Carotid Artery Diseases/complications
- Carotid Artery Diseases/diagnosis
- Carotid Artery Diseases/epidemiology
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Echocardiography, Transesophageal
- Electrocardiography, Ambulatory
- Female
- Germany/epidemiology
- Humans
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Male
- Pilot Projects
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/complications
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/diagnostic imaging
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/epidemiology
- Prevalence
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Severity of Illness Index
- Stroke/diagnosis
- Stroke/epidemiology
- Stroke/etiology
- Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex
- Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias M Freilinger
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Klinikum Großhadern, Munich, Germany.
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15
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Kwee RM, Truijman MTB, van Oostenbrugge RJ, Mess WH, Prins MH, Franke CL, Korten AGGC, Wildberger JE, Kooi ME. Longitudinal MRI study on the natural history of carotid artery plaques in symptomatic patients. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42472. [PMID: 22860130 PMCID: PMC3409172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the natural history of carotid atherosclerosis in patients who experienced a TIA or ischemic stroke. Patients and Methods Ninety-two TIA/stroke patients (57 men, mean age 67.7±9.8 years) with ipsilateral <70% carotid stenosis underwent multisequence MRI of the plaque ipsilateral to the symptomatic side at baseline and after one year. For each plaque, several parameters were assessed at both time points. Results Carotid lumen, wall and total vessel ( = carotid lumen and wall) volume did not significantly change. Forty-four patients had a plaque with a lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) at baseline, of which 34 also had a LRNC after one year. In three patients a LRNC appeared after one year. Thirty patients had a plaque with a thin and/or ruptured fibrous cap (FC) at both time points. In seven patients, FC status changed from thin and/or ruptured into thick and intact. In three patients, FC status changed from thick and intact into thin and/or ruptured. Twenty patients had intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) at both time points. In four patients, IPH disappeared, whereas in three patients, new IPH appeared at follow-up. Conclusion In TIA/stroke patients, carotid plaque morphology does not significantly change over a one-year period. IPH and FC status change in a minority of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Kwee
- Department of Radiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Habs M, Pfefferkorn T, Cyran CC, Grimm J, Rominger A, Hacker M, Opherk C, Reiser MF, Nikolaou K, Saam T. Age determination of vessel wall hematoma in spontaneous cervical artery dissection: a multi-sequence 3T cardiovascular magnetic resonance study. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2011; 13:76. [PMID: 22122756 PMCID: PMC3283525 DOI: 10.1186/1532-429x-13-76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously proposed classifications for carotid plaque and cerebral parenchymal hemorrhages are used to estimate the age of hematoma according to its signal intensities on T1w and T2w MR images. Using these classifications, we systematically investigated the value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in determining the age of vessel wall hematoma (VWH) in patients with spontaneous cervical artery dissection (sCAD). METHODS 35 consecutive patients (mean age 43.6 ± 9.8 years) with sCAD received a cervical multi-sequence 3T CMR with fat-saturated black-blood T1w-, T2w- and TOF images. Age of sCAD was defined as time between onset of symptoms (stroke, TIA or Horner's syndrome) and the CMR scan. VWH were categorized into hyperacute, acute, early subacute, late subacute and chronic based on their signal intensities on T1w- and T2w images. RESULTS The mean age of sCAD was 2.0, 5.8, 15.7 and 58.7 days in patients with acute, early subacute, late subacute and chronic VWH as classified by CMR (p < 0.001 for trend). Agreement was moderate between VWH types in our study and the previously proposed time scheme of signal evolution for cerebral hemorrhage, Cohen's kappa 0.43 (p < 0.001). There was a strong agreement of CMR VWH classification compared to the time scheme which was proposed for carotid intraplaque hematomas with Cohen's kappa of 0.74 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Signal intensities of VWH in sCAD vary over time and multi-sequence CMR can help to determine the age of an arterial dissection. Furthermore, findings of this study suggest that the time course of carotid hematomas differs from that of cerebral hematomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Habs
- Dept. of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Pfefferkorn
- Dept. of Neurology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Clemens C Cyran
- Dept. of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Grimm
- Dept. of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcus Hacker
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Opherk
- Dept. of Neurology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian F Reiser
- Dept. of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Konstantin Nikolaou
- Dept. of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Saam
- Dept. of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
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Kraff O, Bitz AK, Breyer T, Kruszona S, Maderwald S, Brote I, Gizewski ER, Ladd ME, Quick HH. A Transmit/Receive Radiofrequency Array for Imaging the Carotid Arteries at 7 Tesla. Invest Radiol 2011; 46:246-54. [DOI: 10.1097/rli.0b013e318206cee4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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