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Wang J, Yu F, Zhang M, Lu J, Qian Z. A 3D framework for segmentation of carotid artery vessel wall and identification of plaque compositions in multi-sequence MR images. Comput Med Imaging Graph 2024; 116:102402. [PMID: 38810486 DOI: 10.1016/j.compmedimag.2024.102402] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Accurately assessing carotid artery wall thickening and identifying risky plaque components are critical for early diagnosis and risk management of carotid atherosclerosis. In this paper, we present a 3D framework for automated segmentation of the carotid artery vessel wall and identification of the compositions of carotid plaque in multi-sequence magnetic resonance (MR) images under the challenge of imperfect manual labeling. Manual labeling is commonly done in 2D slices of these multi-sequence MR images and often lacks perfect alignment across 2D slices and the multiple MR sequences, leading to labeling inaccuracies. To address such challenges, our framework is split into two parts: a segmentation subnetwork and a plaque component identification subnetwork. Initially, a 2D localization network pinpoints the carotid artery's position, extracting the region of interest (ROI) from the input images. Following that, a signed-distance-map-enabled 3D U-net (Çiçek etal, 2016)an adaptation of the nnU-net (Ronneberger and Fischer, 2015) segments the carotid artery vessel wall. This method allows for the concurrent segmentation of the vessel wall area using the signed distance map (SDM) loss (Xue et al., 2020) which regularizes the segmentation surfaces in 3D and reduces erroneous segmentation caused by imperfect manual labels. Subsequently, the ROI of the input images and the obtained vessel wall masks are extracted and combined to obtain the identification results of plaque components in the identification subnetwork. Tailored data augmentation operations are introduced into the framework to reduce the false positive rate of calcification and hemorrhage identification. We trained and tested our proposed method on a dataset consisting of 115 patients, and it achieves an accurate segmentation result of carotid artery wall (0.8459 Dice), which is superior to the best result in published studies (0.7885 Dice). Our approach yielded accuracies of 0.82, 0.73 and 0.88 for the identification of calcification, lipid-rich core and hemorrhage components. Our proposed framework can be potentially used in clinical and research settings to help radiologists perform cumbersome reading tasks and evaluate the risk of carotid plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Institute of Intelligent Diagnostics, Beijing United-Imaging Research Institute of Intelligent Imaging, Building 3-4F, 9 Yongteng N. Road, Beijing 100080, China.
| | - Fan Yu
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Changchun Street, No. 45, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing 100053, China.
| | - Mengze Zhang
- Institute of Intelligent Diagnostics, Beijing United-Imaging Research Institute of Intelligent Imaging, Building 3-4F, 9 Yongteng N. Road, Beijing 100080, China.
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Changchun Street, No. 45, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing 100053, China.
| | - Zhen Qian
- Institute of Intelligent Diagnostics, Beijing United-Imaging Research Institute of Intelligent Imaging, Building 3-4F, 9 Yongteng N. Road, Beijing 100080, China.
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Dai A, Yao W, Lei J, Yan L, Dang L, Zhao H, Gu J, Li J, Nie Y, Zheng M, Wang D, Wang Q. Relationship Between Pericarotid Fat Density and Pathology-Based Carotid Plaque Risk Characteristics. J Craniofac Surg 2024:00001665-990000000-01599. [PMID: 38758573 DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000010276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the relationship between pericarotid fat density (PFD) and pathologic carotid plaque risk characteristics. METHODS The authors retrospectively evaluated 58 patients (mean age: 66.66 ± 7.26 y, 44 males) who were subjected to both carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery computed tomography angiography (CTA) at the authors' institution. The computed tomography values of the adipose tissue around the most severe stenosis carotid artery were measured, and the removed plaques were sent to the Department of Pathology for American Heart Association (AHA) classification. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to detect the difference in PFD values between the operative and nonoperative sides. According to carotid plaque risk characteristics, the associations between PFD and 4 different risk characteristic subgroups were analyzed. The Student t test and χ2 test were used to compare differences between different risk subgroups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of PFD for carotid plaque risk characteristics. RESULTS The operative side had higher mean Hounsfield units (HU) values compared with the nonoperative side (P < 0.001). The AHA VI and the intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) subgroups had higher mean HU values compared with the non-AHA VI and the non-IPH subgroups (P < 0.05). Male patients presented with IPH more than female patients (P = 0.047). The results of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the mean HU value (operative side; area under the curve: 0.729, Sensitivity (SE): 59.26%, Specificity (SP): 80.65%, P = 0.003) had a certain predictive value for diagnosing high-risk VI plaques. Pericarotid fat density ≥ -68.167 HU is expected to serve as a potential cutoff value to identify AHA VI and non-AHA VI subgroups. CONCLUSION PFD was significantly associated with vulnerable plaques, high-risk AHA VI plaques, and IPH, which could be an indirect clinical marker for vulnerable plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Dai
- Department of Ultrasound, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan
| | - Weinan Yao
- Department of Radiotherapy, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital Tangshan
| | - Jing Lei
- Department of Radiology, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan
| | - Limin Yan
- Department of Pathology, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan
| | - Lei Dang
- Department of Ultrasound, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan
| | - Haijun Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China
| | - Jingshun Gu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China
| | - Ying Nie
- Department of Ultrasound, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan
| | - Mengru Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan
| | - Dongchun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China
| | - Qingwen Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan
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Huang LX, Wu XB, Liu YA, Guo X, Liu CC, Cai WQ, Wang SW, Luo B. High-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging in ischemic stroke and carotid artery atherosclerotic stenosis: A review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27948. [PMID: 38571643 PMCID: PMC10987942 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a significant burden on human health worldwide. Carotid Atherosclerosis stenosis plays an important role in the comprehensive assessment and prevention of ischemic stroke patients. High-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging has emerged as a successful technique for assessing carotid atherosclerosis stenosis. This advanced imaging modality has shown promise in effectively displaying a wide range of characteristics associated with the condition, leading to a comprehensive evaluation. High-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging not only enables a comprehensive evaluation of the instability of carotid atherosclerosis stenosis plaques but also provides valuable information for understanding the pathogenesis and predicting the prognosis of ischemic stroke patients. The purpose of this article is to review the application of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in ischemic stroke and carotid atherosclerotic stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xin Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Ao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chi-Chen Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wang-Qing Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sheng-Wen Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
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Charles JH, Desai S, Jean Paul A, Hassan A. Multimodal imaging approach for the diagnosis of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD): Basic principles, current and future perspectives. Interv Neuroradiol 2024; 30:105-119. [PMID: 36262087 PMCID: PMC10956456 DOI: 10.1177/15910199221133170] [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: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the different imaging modalities utilized in the diagnosis of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease (ICAD) including their latest development and relevance in management of ICAD. METHODS A review of the literature was conducted through a search in google scholar, PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, clinical trials.gov and the Cochrane Library. Search terms included, "imaging modalities in ICAD," "ICAD diagnostic," "Neuroimaging of ICAD," "Evaluation of ICAD". A summary and comparison of each modality's basic principles, advantages and disadvantages were included. RESULTS A total of 144 articles were identified and reviewed. The most common imaging used in ICAD diagnoses were DSA, CTA, MRA and TCD. They all had proven accuracy, their own benefits, and limitations. Newer modalities such as VWI, IVUS, OCT, PWI and CFD provide more detailed information regarding the vessel walls, plaque characteristics, and flow dynamics, which play a tremendous role in treatment guidance. In certain clinical scenarios, using more than one modality has been shown to be helpful in ICAD identification. The rapidly evolving software related to imaging studies, such as virtual histology, are very promising for the diagnostic and management of ICAD. CONCLUSIONS ICAD is a common cause of recurrent ischemic stroke. Its management can be both medical and/or procedural. Many different imaging modalities are used in its diagnosis. In certain clinical scenario, a combination of two more modalities can be critical in the management of ICAD. We expect that continuous development of imaging technique will lead to individualized and less invasive management with adequate outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sohum Desai
- Department of Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology, Valley Baptist Medical Center, Harlingen, Texas, USA
| | - Axler Jean Paul
- School of Medicine, State University of Haiti, Port Au Prince, Haiti
| | - Ameer Hassan
- Department of Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology, Valley Baptist Medical Center, Harlingen, Texas, USA
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Shen M, Gao P, Chen S, Zhao X, Li R, Du W, Yuan C, Hatsukami T, Sui B. Differences in distribution and features of carotid and middle cerebral artery plaque in patients with pial infarction and perforating artery infarction: A 3D vessel wall imaging study. Eur J Radiol 2023; 167:111045. [PMID: 37586303 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.111045] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Atherosclerotic plaques of carotid artery (CA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) are important causes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This study was designed to jointly assess the plaque distribution and features of CA and MCA in AIS patients with pial infarction (PI) and perforating artery infarction (PAI), and to investigate the associations between plaque characteristics and ischemic infarction patterns. METHODS Imaging data of sixty-five patients from a cross-sectional study were reviewed. All the patients had acute infarction in the MCA territory on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and underwent CA and MCA vessel wall imaging (VWI). The CA and MCA plaque presence and high-risk features on the ipsilateral side of infarction were analyzed. The brain infarction lesions were divided into PI group vs. non-PI group, and PAI group vs. non-PAI group. Different plaque distribution types and plaque features were compared in each two groups, and their associations were investigated using binary logistic regression. RESULTS Sixty-five patients (mean age, 54.6 ± 10.1 years; 61 men) were included. The CA high-risk plaque (OR: 5.683 [1.409-22.929], P = 0.015) and MCA plaque presence (OR: 3.949 [1.397-11.162], P = 0.010) were significantly associated with PI. MCA plaques that involved the orifice of the perforating arteries were significantly associated with PAI (OR: 15.167 [1.851-124.257], P = 0.011). CONCLUSION CA and MCA plaques show distinct distribution and high-risk features in patients with PI and PAI. Combined intracranial and extracranial arteries imaging should be considered for the evaluation of the symptomatic ischemic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Shen
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peiyi Gao
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, China.
| | - Shuo Chen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Li
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wanliang Du
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 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, WA, USA
| | - Thomas Hatsukami
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Binbin Sui
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, China; Tiantan Neuroimaging Center for Excellence, China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Fernández-Alvarez V, Linares-Sánchez M, Suárez C, López F, Guntinas-Lichius O, Mäkitie AA, Bradley PJ, Ferlito A. Novel Imaging-Based Biomarkers for Identifying Carotid Plaque Vulnerability. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1236. [PMID: 37627301 PMCID: PMC10452902 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081236] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Carotid artery disease has traditionally been assessed based on the degree of luminal narrowing. However, this approach, which solely relies on carotid stenosis, is currently being questioned with regard to modern risk stratification approaches. Recent guidelines have introduced the concept of the "vulnerable plaque," emphasizing specific features such as thin fibrous caps, large lipid cores, intraplaque hemorrhage, plaque rupture, macrophage infiltration, and neovascularization. In this context, imaging-based biomarkers have emerged as valuable tools for identifying higher-risk patients. Non-invasive imaging modalities and intravascular techniques, including ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and near-infrared spectroscopy, have played pivotal roles in characterizing and detecting unstable carotid plaques. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the evolving understanding of carotid artery disease and highlight the significance of imaging techniques in assessing plaque vulnerability and informing clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Fernández-Alvarez
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes, 33394 Gijón, Spain;
| | - Miriam Linares-Sánchez
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes, 33394 Gijón, Spain;
| | - Carlos Suárez
- Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (C.S.); (F.L.)
| | - Fernando López
- Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (C.S.); (F.L.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Instituto Universitario de Oncologia del Principado de Asturias, University of Oviedo, CIBERONC, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Antti A. Mäkitie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 263, 00029 Helsinki, Finland;
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patrick J. Bradley
- Department of ORLHNS, Queens Medical Centre Campus, Nottingham University Hospitals, Derby Road, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK;
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- Coordinator of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group, 35100 Padua, Italy;
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Irie R, Amemiya S, Ueyama T, Suzuki Y, Takao H, Abe O. Rapid MR Angiography Using 3D Gradient-echo Imaging and the Two-point Dixon Method to Evaluate Carotid Plaque. Magn Reson Med Sci 2023; 22:373-378. [PMID: 35387960 PMCID: PMC10449555 DOI: 10.2463/mrms.tn.2022-0002] [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: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver acquisition with volume acceleration-flex (LAVA-Flex) acquires out-of-phase and in-phase echo images and automatically generates water-only and fat-only images from one single acquisition. The scan time of carotid MR angiography (MRA) using LAVA-Flex (LAVA MRA) is about one-fifth that of conventional time-of-flight MRA (cTOF MRA). We aimed to investigate whether LAVA MRA could provide useful information for the diagnosis of carotid plaque by utilizing the ability to acquire multiple sequences simultaneously. Comparing LAVA MRA and cTOF MRA images for carotid plaque, low-intensity plaques were more clearly identified in the in-phase images, and high-intensity plaques were more clearly identified in the water-only or out-of-phase images. None of the plaques exhibited superior visualization with the cTOF sequence. We concluded that LAVA MRA can provide more useful information on plaque evaluation using multiple sequences than cTOF MRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryusuke Irie
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Izunokuni, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shiori Amemiya
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Ueyama
- Radiology Center, the University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Suzuki
- Radiology Center, the University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidemasa Takao
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Abe
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Li Y, Feng Y, Liu R, Dang M, Li T, Zhao L, Lu J, Lu Z, Yang Y, Wang X, Jian Y, Wang H, Huang W, Zhang L, Zhang G. The fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio is associated with intracranial atherosclerosis plaque enhancement on contrast-enhanced high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1153171. [PMID: 37305748 PMCID: PMC10249607 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1153171] [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: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Contrast-enhanced high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (CE-HR-MRI) is a useful imaging modality to assess vulnerable plaques in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) patients. We studied the relationship between the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) and plaque enhancement in patients with ICAS. Methods We retrospectively enrolled consecutive ICAS patients who had undergone CE-HR-MRI. The degree of plaque enhancement on CE-HR-MRI was evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively. Enrolled patients were classified into no enhancement, mild enhancement, and obvious enhancement groups. An independent association of the FAR with plaque enhancement was identified by multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Results Of the 69 enrolled patients, 40 (58%) were classified into the no/mild enhancement group, and 29 (42%) into the obvious enhancement group. The obvious enhancement group had a significantly higher FAR than the no/mild enhancement group (7.36 vs. 6.05, p = 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the FAR was still significantly independently associated with obvious plaque enhancement in multiple regression analysis (odds ratio: 1.399, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.080-1.813; p = 0.011). ROC curve analysis revealed that FAR >6.37 predicted obvious plaque enhancement with 75.86% sensitivity and 67.50% specificity (area under the ROC curve = 0.726, 95% CI: 0.606-0.827, p < 0.001). Conclusion The FAR can serve as an independent predictor of the degree of plaque enhancement on CE-HR-MRI in patients with ICAS. Also, as an inflammatory marker, the FAR has potential as a serological biomarker of intracranial atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuxuan Feng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meijuan Dang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lili Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jialiang Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ziwei Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoya Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yating Jian
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Heying Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guilian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Wu Q, Pan W, Wu G, Wu F, Guo Y, Zhang X. CD40-targeting magnetic nanoparticles for MRI/optical dual-modality molecular imaging of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. Atherosclerosis 2023; 369:17-26. [PMID: 36863196 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Acute coronary syndrome caused by vulnerable plaque rupture or erosion is a leading cause of death worldwide. CD40 has been reported to be highly expressed in atherosclerotic plaques and closely related to plaque stability. Therefore, CD40 is expected to be a potential target for the molecular imaging of vulnerable plaques in atherosclerosis. We aimed to design a CD40-targeted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/optical multimodal molecular imaging probe and explore its ability to detect and target vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. METHODS CD40-Cy5.5 superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (CD40-Cy5.5-SPIONs), which comprise a CD40-targeting multimodal imaging contrast agent, were constructed by conjugating CD40 antibody and Cy5.5-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester with SPIONs. During this in vitro study, we observed the binding ability of CD40-Cy5.5-SPIONs with RAW 264.7 cells and mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (MOVAS) after different treatments, using confocal fluorescence microscopy and Prussian blue staining. An in vivo study involving ApoE-/- mice fed a high-fat diet for 24-28 weeks was performed. 24 h after intravenous injection of CD40-Cy5.5-SPIONs, fluorescence imaging and MRI were performed. RESULTS CD40-Cy5.5-SPIONs bind specifically to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-treated macrophages and smooth muscle cells. Fluorescence imaging results showed that, compared with the control group and the atherosclerosis group injected with non-specific bovine serum albumin (BSA)-Cy5.5-SPIONs, the atherosclerotic group injected with CD40-Cy5.5-SPIONs had a stronger fluorescence signal. T2-weighted images showed that the carotid arteries of atherosclerotic mice injected with CD40-Cy5.5-SPIONs had a significant substantial T2 contrast enhancement effect. CONCLUSIONS CD40-Cy5.5-SPIONs could potentially serve as an effective MRI/optical probe for vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques during non-invasive detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qimin Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Cardiology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, Guangdong, China
| | - Guifu Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Innovative Engineering and Technology Research Center for Assisted Circulation, Shenzhen, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fensheng Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, Guangdong, China
| | - Yousheng Guo
- Department of Cardiology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinxia Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Innovative Engineering and Technology Research Center for Assisted Circulation, Shenzhen, China.
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Cardiovascular Nanotechnology. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-8984-0_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Giordano C, Morello A, Corcione N, Giordano S, Gaudino S, Colosimo C. Choice of imaging to evaluate carotid stenosis and guide management. Minerva Med 2022; 113:1017-1026. [PMID: 35671001 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4806.22.07996-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Carotid artery disease is a cause of ischemic stroke and is associated with cognitive decline. Besides the evaluation of the degree of stenosis, it is also crucial to assess the morphology of the atherosclerotic plaque, for a prompt and accurate diagnosis, and to make the best decision for the patient. On top of noninvasive duplex ultrasound (DUS) and invasive digital subtraction angiography (DSA), compute tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are often used effectively as noninvasive imaging tools to study carotid stenoses. This review describes the fundamental characteristics of carotid artery plaques, and how they can be best evaluated with currently available imaging methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Giordano
- Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, IRCCS A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation, Sacred Heart Catholic University, Rome, Italy -
| | - Alberto Morello
- Unit of Cardiovascular Intervention, Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy
| | - Nicola Corcione
- Unit of Cardiovascular Intervention, Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giordano
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, The Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Simona Gaudino
- Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, IRCCS A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation, Sacred Heart Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Cesare Colosimo
- Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, IRCCS A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation, Sacred Heart Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Qiao H, Yang Q, Huo R, Han H, Ning Z, Shen R, Song X, Chen H, Chen S, Zhao X. Reliability and Value of 3D Sequential QUantitative T 1 -T 2 -T 2 * MAppings (SQUMA) MR Multi-Parametric Imaging in Characterizing Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis. J Magn Reson Imaging 2022; 57:1376-1389. [PMID: 36173363 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28445] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T1 , T2 , and T2 * mappings are seldom performed in a single examination, and their values in evaluating symptomatic atherosclerosis are lacking. PURPOSE To perform three-dimensional (3D) quantitative T1 , T2 , and T2 * mappings (SQUMA) multi-parametric imaging for carotid vessel wall and evaluate its reliability and value in assessing carotid atherosclerosis. STUDY TYPE Prospective. SUBJECTS Eight healthy subjects and 20 patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3 T, SQUMA imaging T1 -, T2 -, and T2 *-mapping, multi-contrast vessel wall imaging including T1 - and T2 -weighted, time-of-flight, and SNAP sequences. ASSESSMENT SQUMA was acquired in all subjects and multi-contrast images were acquired in healthy subjects. T1 , T2 , and T2 * values and lumen area (LA), wall area (WA), mean wall thickness (MeanWT), and normalized wall index (NWI) of carotid arteries were measured. SQUMA and multi-contrast measurements were compared in healthy subjects and differences in SQUMA measurements between healthy subjects and patients were assessed. The discriminative value of SQUMA measurements for symptomatic vessel was determined. STATISTICAL TESTS Paired t or Wilcoxon signed-rank test, independent t or Mann-Whitney U test, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), intraclass correlation coefficients, and Bland-Altman plots. Statistically significant level, P < 0.05. RESULTS There were no significant differences in LA (P = 0.340), WA (P = 0.317), MeanWT (P = 0.088), and NWI (P = 0.091) of carotid arteries between SQUMA and multi-contrast vessel wall images. The values of T2 (50.9 ± 2.9 msec vs. 44.5 ± 4.2 msec), T2 * (28.2 ± 4.3 msec vs. 24.7 ± 2.6 msec), WA (23.7 ± 4.6 mm2 vs. 36.2 ± 7.7 mm2 ), MeanWT (0.99 ± 0.05 mm vs. 1.50 ± 0.28 mm), and NWI (40.7 ± 3.0% vs. 53.8 ± 5.4%) of carotid arteries in healthy subjects were significantly different from those in atherosclerotic patients. The combination of quantitative T1 , T2 , and T2 * values and MeanWT showed greatest AUC (0.81; 95% CI: 0.65-0.92) in discriminating symptomatic vessels. DATA CONCLUSION Carotid MR 3D quantitative multi-parametric imaging of SQUMA enables acquisition of T1 , T2 , and T2 * maps, reliably measuring carotid morphology and discriminating carotid symptomatic atherosclerosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyu Qiao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China.,School of Medicine, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiansu Yang
- Center of Medicine Clinical Research, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Huo
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hualu Han
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zihan Ning
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Shen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Song
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Huijun Chen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
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13
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Sef D, Kovacevic M, Jernej B, Novacic K, Slavica M, Petrak J, Medved I, Milosevic M. Immunohistochemical analysis of MMP-9 and COX-2 expression in carotid atherosclerotic plaques among patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy: A prospective study. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2022; 31:106731. [PMID: 36075131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2022.106731] [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: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Matrix metalloproteinase-9 protein (MMP-9) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins may have a role in remodelling of atherosclerotic plaques. We analysed and compared the radiological, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of carotid atherosclerotic plaques between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS This prospective single-blinded study included 31 patients (70 [64-75] years, 58% males, 42% symptomatic) who underwent CEA and a total of 155 carotid plaque sections that were analysed. Preoperative assessment and multimodality diagnostic imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography angiography (CTA), histological and immunohistochemical analyses of carotid plaques including the expression of MMP-9 and COX-2 proteins were performed. RESULTS Symptomatic and asymptomatic patients did not significantly differ in respect to preoperative characteristics. Unstable plaques were detected in 12/13 (92.3%, p = 0.020) symptomatic patients using MRI or CTA. There was no perioperative mortality and perioperative outcomes were comparable in both groups. A significantly higher expression of MMP-9 in macrophages was observed among symptomatic patients (p = 0.020). ROC curve analysis showed statistically significant associations of both the higher intensity of COX-2 staining in CD68 PG-M1 positive macrophages (area under the curve [AUC]=0.701, p = 0.014) and higher MVD (AUC=0.821, p < 0.001) within the plaque with cerebrovascular symptoms. The expression of COX-2 and the intensity of COX-2 staining in macrophages within the unstable carotid plaques detected by preoperative MRI or CTA were significantly higher (76.1% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.038; 76.2% vs. 30.0%, p = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Advanced non-invasive multimodality diagnostic imaging including MRI or CTA is reliable in differentiating unstable from stable carotid plaques. High expression of MMP-9 and COX-2 in macrophages within the symptomatic plaque is associated with increased risk of cerebrovascular complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study has been registered at the ISRCTN registry (ID ISRCTN46536832), isrctn.org Identifier: https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN46536832.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davorin Sef
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Part of Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Miljenko Kovacevic
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia, EU
| | - Bojan Jernej
- Polyclinic for Radiology and Neurology "Dijagnostika 2000", Zagreb, Croatia, EU
| | - Karlo Novacic
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia, EU
| | - Marko Slavica
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Merkur, Zagreb, Croatia, EU
| | - Jelka Petrak
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia, EU
| | - Igor Medved
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia, EU
| | - Milan Milosevic
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia, EU; Andrija Stampar School of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia, EU
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Yu M, Meng Y, Zhang H, Wang W, Qiu S, Wang B, Bao Y, Du B, Zhu S, Ge Y, Zhu L, Xu K. Associations between pericarotid fat density and image-based risk characteristics of carotid plaque. Eur J Radiol 2022; 153:110364. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Sakai Y, Lehman VT, Eisenmenger LB, Obusez EC, Kharal GA, Xiao J, Wang GJ, Fan Z, Cucchiara BL, Song JW. Vessel wall MR imaging of aortic arch, cervical carotid and intracranial arteries in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source: A narrative review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:968390. [PMID: 35968273 PMCID: PMC9366886 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.968390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advancements in multi-modal imaging techniques, a substantial portion of ischemic stroke patients today remain without a diagnosed etiology after conventional workup. Based on existing diagnostic criteria, these ischemic stroke patients are subcategorized into having cryptogenic stroke (CS) or embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). There is growing evidence that in these patients, non-cardiogenic embolic sources, in particular non-stenosing atherosclerotic plaque, may have significant contributory roles in their ischemic strokes. Recent advancements in vessel wall MRI (VW-MRI) have enabled imaging of vessel walls beyond the degree of luminal stenosis, and allows further characterization of atherosclerotic plaque components. Using this imaging technique, we are able to identify potential imaging biomarkers of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques such as intraplaque hemorrhage, lipid rich necrotic core, and thin or ruptured fibrous caps. This review focuses on the existing evidence on the advantages of utilizing VW-MRI in ischemic stroke patients to identify culprit plaques in key anatomical areas, namely the cervical carotid arteries, intracranial arteries, and the aortic arch. For each anatomical area, the literature on potential imaging biomarkers of vulnerable plaques on VW-MRI as well as the VW-MRI literature in ESUS and CS patients are reviewed. Future directions on further elucidating ESUS and CS by the use of VW-MRI as well as exciting emerging techniques are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sakai
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Vance T. Lehman
- Department of Radiology, The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Laura B. Eisenmenger
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - G. Abbas Kharal
- Department of Neurology, Cerebrovascular Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jiayu Xiao
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Grace J. Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Zhaoyang Fan
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Brett L. Cucchiara
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jae W. Song
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jae W. Song
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16
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Li F, Wang Y, Hu T, Wu Y. Application and interpretation of vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging for intracranial atherosclerosis: a narrative review. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:714. [PMID: 35845481 PMCID: PMC9279807 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-2364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease that occurs in the arteries, and it is the most important causative factor of ischemic stroke. Vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VWMRI) is one of the best non-invasive methods for displaying the vascular features of intracranial atherosclerosis. The main clinical applications of this technique include the exploration of the pathogenesis of intracranial atherosclerotic lesions, follow-up monitoring, and treatment prognosis judgment. As the demand for intracranial VWMRI increases in clinical practice, radiologists should be aware of the selection of imaging parameters and how they affect image quality, clinical indications, evaluation methods, and limitations in interpreting these images. Therefore, this review focused on describing how to perform and interpret VWMRI of intracranial atherosclerotic lesions. Methods We searched the studies on the application of VWMRI in the PubMed database from January 1, 2000 to March 31, 2022, and focused on the analysis of related studies on VWMRI in atherosclerotic lesions, including technical application, expert consensus, imaging characteristics, and the clinical significance of intracranial atherosclerotic lesions. Key Content and Findings We reviewed and summarized recent advances in the clinical application of VWMRI in atherosclerotic diseases. Currently accepted principles and expert consensus recommendations for intracranial VWMRI include high spatial resolution, multiplanar two and three-dimensional imaging, multiple tissue-weighted sequences, and blood and cerebrospinal fluid suppression. Understanding the characteristics of VWMRI of normal intracranial arteries is the basis for interpreting VWMRI of atherosclerotic lesions. Evaluating VWMRI imaging features of intracranial atherosclerotic lesions includes plaque morphological and enhancement characteristics. The evaluation of atherosclerotic plaque stability is the highlight of VWMRI. Conclusions VWMRI has a wide range of clinical applications and can address important clinical questions and provide critical information for treatment decisions. VWMRI plays a key role in the comprehensive evaluation and prevention of intracranial atherosclerosis. However, intracranial VWMRI is still unable to obtain in vivo plaque pathological specimens for imaging—pathological comparison is the most significant limitation of this technique. Further technical improvements are expected to reduce acquisition time and may ultimately contribute to a better understanding of the underlying pathology of lesions on VWMRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangbing Li
- Department of Radiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yilin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianxiang Hu
- Department of Radiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yejun Wu
- Department of Radiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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17
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Kopczak A, Schindler A, Sepp D, Bayer-Karpinska A, Malik R, Koch ML, Zeller J, Strecker C, Janowitz D, Wollenweber FA, Hempel JM, Boeckh-Behrens T, Cyran CC, Helck A, Harloff A, Ziemann U, Poli S, Poppert H, Saam T, Dichgans M. Complicated Carotid Artery Plaques and Risk of Recurrent Ischemic Stroke or TIA. J Am Coll Cardiol 2022; 79:2189-2199. [PMID: 35523659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.03.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complicated nonstenosing carotid artery plaques (CAPs) are an under-recognized cause of stroke. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine whether complicated CAP ipsilateral to acute ischemic anterior circulation stroke (icCAP) are associated with recurrent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). METHODS The CAPIAS (Carotid Plaque Imaging in Acute Stroke) multicenter study prospectively recruited patients with ischemic stroke restricted to the territory of a single carotid artery. Complicated (AHA-lesion type VI) CAP were defined by multisequence, contrast-enhanced carotid magnetic resonance imaging obtained within 10 days from stroke onset. Recurrent events were assessed after 3, 12, 24, and 36 months. The primary outcome was recurrent ischemic stroke or TIA. RESULTS Among 196 patients enrolled, 104 patients had cryptogenic stroke and nonstenosing CAP. During a mean follow-up of 30 months, recurrent ischemic stroke or TIA occurred in 21 patients. Recurrent events were significantly more frequent in patients with icCAP than in patients without icCAP, both in the overall cohort (incidence rate [3-year interval]: 9.50 vs 3.61 per 100 patient-years; P = 0.025, log-rank test) and in patients with cryptogenic stroke (10.92 vs 1.82 per 100 patient-years; P = 0.003). The results were driven by ipsilateral events. A ruptured fibrous cap (HR: 4.91; 95% CI: 1.31-18.45; P = 0.018) and intraplaque hemorrhage (HR: 4.37; 95% CI: 1.20-15.97; P = 0.026) were associated with a significantly increased risk of recurrent events in patients with cryptogenic stroke. CONCLUSIONS Complicated CAP ipsilateral to acute ischemic anterior circulation stroke are associated with an increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke or TIA. Carotid plaque imaging identifies high-risk patients who might be suited for inclusion into future secondary prevention trials. (Carotid Plaque Imaging in Acute Stroke [CAPIAS]; NCT01284933).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kopczak
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Schindler
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Sepp
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Bayer-Karpinska
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Klinikum Fürstenfeldbruck, Neurology, Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany
| | - Rainer Malik
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mia L Koch
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Zeller
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Strecker
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Janowitz
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Frank A Wollenweber
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Neurology, Helios Dr Horst-Schmidt-Kliniken, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Johann-Martin Hempel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Boeckh-Behrens
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Clemens C Cyran
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Helck
- Radiology and Neuroradiology Zurich, Hirslanden/Klinik im Park, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Harloff
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sven Poli
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Holger Poppert
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany; Department of Neurology, Helios Klinikum München West, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Saam
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Radiologisches Zentrum Rosenheim, Rosenheim, Germany
| | - Martin Dichgans
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.
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Tang M, Gao J, Ma N, Yan X, Zhang X, Hu J, Zhuo Z, Shi X, Li L, Lei X, Zhang X. Radiomics Nomogram for Predicting Stroke Recurrence in Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:851353. [PMID: 35495035 PMCID: PMC9039339 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.851353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To develop and validate a radiomics nomogram for predicting stroke recurrence in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (SICAS). Methods The data of 156 patients with SICAS were obtained from the hospital database. Those with and without stroke recurrence were identified. The 156 patients were separated into a training cohort (n = 110) and a validation cohort (n = 46). Baseline clinical data were collected from our medical records, and plaque radiological features were extracted from vascular wall high-resolution imaging (VW-HRMRI). The imaging sequences included 3D-T1WI-VISTA, T2WI, and 3D-T1WI-VISTA-enhanced imaging. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis were used to select the radiomics features associated with stroke recurrence. Then, multiple logistic regression analysis of clinical risk factors, radiological features, and radiomics signatures were performed, and a predictive nomogram was constructed to predict the probability of stroke recurrence in SICAS. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated. Results Diabetes mellitus, plaque burden, and enhancement ratio were independent risk factors for stroke recurrence [odds ratio (OR) = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–3.79, p = 0.018; OR = 1.76, per 10% increase, 95% CI, 1.28–2.41, p < 0.001; and OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.27–3.09, p < 0.001]. Five features of 3D-T1WI-VISTA, six features of T2WI, and nine features of 3D-T1WI-VISTA-enhanced images were associated with stroke recurrence. The radiomics signature in 3D-T1WI-VISTA-enhanced images was superior to the radiomics signature of the other two sequences for predicting stroke recurrence in both the training cohort [area under the curve (AUC), 0.790, 95% CI: 0.669–0.894] and the validation cohort (AUC, 0.779, 95% CI: 0.620–0.853). The combination of clinical risk factors, radiological features, and radiomics signature had the best predictive value (AUC, 0.899, 95% CI: 0.844–0.936 in the training cohort; AUC, 0.803, 95% CI: 0.761–0.897 in the validation cohort). The C-index of the nomogram was 0.880 (95% CI: 0.805–0.934) and 0.817 (95% CI: 0.795–0.948), respectively, in the training and validation cohorts. The decision curve analysis further confirmed that the radiomics nomogram had good clinical applicability with a net benefit of 0.458. Conclusion The radiomics features were helpful to predict stroke recurrence in patients with SICAS. The nomogram constructed by combining clinical high-risk factors, plaque radiological features, and radiomics features is a reliable tool for the individualized risk assessment of predicting the recurrence of SICAS stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Tang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Niane Ma
- Department of Graduate, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuejiao Yan
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhizheng Zhuo
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaorui Shi
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lei
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
- Xiaoyan Lei
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoling Zhang
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Bonati LH, Brown MM. Carotid Artery Disease. Stroke 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-69424-7.00022-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Cardiovascular Nanotechnology. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9374-7_12-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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21
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Montenegro A, Patiño Rodriguez H, Katherine Mantilla D, Balderrama J, Díaz C, Zenteno M. Update on diagnostic approach of carotid disease: From stenosis to atherosclerotic plaque morphology. INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSURGERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inat.2021.101363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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22
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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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Cohen A, Donal E, Delgado V, Pepi M, Tsang T, Gerber B, Soulat-Dufour L, Habib G, Lancellotti P, Evangelista A, Cujec B, Fine N, Andrade MJ, Sprynger M, Dweck M, Edvardsen T, Popescu BA. EACVI recommendations on cardiovascular imaging for the detection of embolic sources: endorsed by the Canadian Society of Echocardiography. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 22:e24-e57. [PMID: 33709114 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeab008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardioaortic embolism to the brain accounts for approximately 15-30% of ischaemic strokes and is often referred to as 'cardioembolic stroke'. One-quarter of patients have more than one cardiac source of embolism and 15% have significant cerebrovascular atherosclerosis. After a careful work-up, up to 30% of ischaemic strokes remain 'cryptogenic', recently redefined as 'embolic strokes of undetermined source'. The diagnosis of cardioembolic stroke remains difficult because a potential cardiac source of embolism does not establish the stroke mechanism. The role of cardiac imaging-transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE), cardiac computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-in the diagnosis of potential cardiac sources of embolism, and for therapeutic guidance, is reviewed in these recommendations. Contrast TTE/TOE is highly accurate for detecting left atrial appendage thrombosis in patients with atrial fibrillation, valvular and prosthesis vegetations and thrombosis, aortic arch atheroma, patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defect, and intracardiac tumours. Both CT and MRI are highly accurate for detecting cavity thrombosis, intracardiac tumours, and valvular prosthesis thrombosis. Thus, CT and cardiac magnetic resonance should be considered in addition to TTE and TOE in the detection of a cardiac source of embolism. We propose a diagnostic algorithm where vascular imaging and contrast TTE/TOE are considered the first-line tool in the search for a cardiac source of embolism. CT and MRI are considered as alternative and complementary tools, and their indications are described on a case-by-case approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Cohen
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Saint-Antoine and Tenon Hospitals, Department of Cardiology, and Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,INSERM unit UMRS-ICAN 1166; Sorbonne-Université, Paris, France
| | - Erwan Donal
- University of Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, LTSI - UMR 1099, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Victoria Delgado
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Mauro Pepi
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Via Parea 4, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Teresa Tsang
- Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bernhard Gerber
- Service de Cardiologie, Département Cardiovasculaire, Cliniques Universitaires St. Luc, Division CARD, Institut de Recherche Expérimental et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvainAv Hippocrate 10/2803, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurie Soulat-Dufour
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Saint-Antoine and Tenon Hospitals, Department of Cardiology, and Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,INSERM unit UMRS-ICAN 1166; Sorbonne-Université, Paris, France
| | - Gilbert Habib
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, APHM, La Timone Hospital, Cardiology Department, Marseille, France
| | - Patrizio Lancellotti
- University of Liège Hospital, GIGA Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Cardiology, CHU SartTilman, Liège, Belgium.,Gruppo Villa Maria Care and Research, Maria Cecilia Hospital, Cotignola, and Anthea Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Arturo Evangelista
- Servei de Cardiologia. Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron-VHIR. CIBER-CV. Pº Vall d'Hebron 119. 08035. Barcelona. Spain
| | - Bibiana Cujec
- Division of Cardiology, University of Alberta, 2C2.50 Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Center, 8440 112 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2B7
| | - Nowell Fine
- University of Calgary, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, South Health Campus, 4448 Front Street Southeast, Calgary, Alberta T3M 1M4, Canada
| | - Maria Joao Andrade
- Maria Joao Andrade Cardiology Department, Hospital de Santa Cruz-Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Av. Prof. Dr. Reinaldo dos Santos 2790-134 Carnaxide, Portugal
| | - Muriel Sprynger
- Department of Cardiology-Angiology, University Hospital Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marc Dweck
- British Heart Foundation, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Edinburgh and Edinburgh Imaging Facility QMRI, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Thor Edvardsen
- Faculty of medicine, Oslo University, Oslo, Norway and Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bogdan A Popescu
- Cardiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Carol Davila', Emergency Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases 'Prof. Dr. C. C. Iliescu', Sos. Fundeni 258, sector 2, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
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Cao X, Tang Y, Pan L, Yang J, Wu Y, Geng D, Zhang J. Assessment of carotid atherosclerotic plaque using 3D motion-sensitized driven-equilibrium prepared rapid gradient echo: a comparative study. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2021; 11:2744-2755. [PMID: 34079738 DOI: 10.21037/qims-20-869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Background 3D motion-sensitized driven-equilibrium prepared rapid gradient echo (MERGE) can characterize carotid atherosclerotic plaque morphology and composition. The present study aimed to evaluate its performance by comparing it with reference images and assessing the inter-reader agreement. Methods Eighty-four patients were prospectively recruited and scanned with 3D MERGE. Two trained magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) readers measured and calculated the maximum wall thickness (WT), maximum vessel diameter, total vessel area, lumen area, wall area, normalized wall index, plaque volume, intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) volume, and calcification volume independently. IPH, calcification, mixed calcification, and ulceration were identified. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the inter-reader agreement. MERGE performance was assessed in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, kappa value (κ), and the results of the Bland-Altman analysis and compared with reference images. Results MERGE showed excellent inter-reader agreement (All ICCs >0.90). MERGE and simultaneous non-contrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage (SNAP) showed excellent agreement in detecting IPH (κ=0.938) and measuring IPH volume (ICC =0.995; 95% CI: 0.991-0.997). MERGE and computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed strong consistency in detecting calcification (κ=0.814) and mixed calcification (κ=0.972), and in measuring calcification volume (ICC =0.996; 95% CI: 0.993-0.997). MERGE and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed relatively strong consistency in identifying ulceration (κ=0.737). Conclusions MERGE showed excellent performance in identifying and measuring IPH and calcification in carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, MERGE can be a promising imaging approach in atherosclerotic-vulnerable plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cao
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Tang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Pan
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinming Yang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Daoying Geng
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Fujiwara Y, Mio M. Improvement in the contrast-to-noise ratio and quantitative measurement of T 1 and T 2* values for carotid atherosclerotic plaque using multi-echo phase-sensitive inversion recovery. Radiol Phys Technol 2021; 14:186-192. [PMID: 33942236 DOI: 10.1007/s12194-021-00619-1] [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: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging is required to accurately evaluate carotid plaque vulnerability. We prospectively evaluated the potential for fast quantitative black-blood carotid vessel wall imaging using a three-dimensional (3D) multi-echo phase-sensitive inversion recovery (mPSIR) sequence. Forty-nine patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques were examined. Two-dimensional (2D) turbo spin-echo (TSE), 3D volumetric isotropic turbo spin-echo, and 3D mPSIR imaging were performed. The contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) between the carotid plaque and adjacent muscle were compared for the three imaging methods. The T1 and T2* values of the carotid plaques were measured using 3D mPSIR images. These values were compared with those of symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques. For carotid plaques with a signal intensity ratio ≥ 1.55, between the carotid plaque and adjacent muscle in 2D TSE images, the CNR of the mPSIR images was significantly higher than that of the other sequences. T1 values for symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques were 544.0 ± 258.0 and 569.1 ± 301.7, respectively. T2* values for symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques were 34.0 ± 33.0 and 21.8 ± 20.3 ms, respectively. There were no significant differences in the T1 and T2* values between the symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques. 3D mPSIR improves the CNR of T1-weighted images for carotid plaques and the adjacent muscle while simultaneously providing the T1 and T2* values of the carotid plaque. This improved CNR may be useful for assessing the vulnerability of carotid plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Fujiwara
- Department of Medical Image Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 4-24-1 Kuhonji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 862-0976, Japan.
| | - Motohira Mio
- Department of Radiology, Fukuoka Chikushi Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
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26
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Wang D, Yao Y, Wang S, Zhang H, He ZX. The Availability of the α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor in Early Identification of Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques: A Study Using a Novel 18F-Label Radioligand PET. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:640037. [PMID: 33777911 PMCID: PMC7994753 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.640037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It has been confirmed that the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) is an important target for identifying vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. Previously, we successfully designed and synthesized a series of 18F-labeled PET molecular probes targeting α7nAChR, which are mainly used in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Based on the characteristics of α7nAChR in blood vessels, we have firstly screened for a suitable novel 18F-labeled PET molecular probe ([18F]YLF-DW), with high selectivity for α7nAChR over α4β2nAChR and a good effect for the imaging of atherosclerotic animal models, to effectively identify vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques at an early stage. Meanwhile, we compared it with the “gold standard” pathological examination of atherosclerosis, to verify the reliability of [18F]YLF-DW in early diagnosis of atherosclerosis. Methods: The vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques model of ApoE-/-mice were successfully established. Then based on the methods of 3D-QSAR and molecular docking, we designed oxazolo[4,5-b] pyridines and fluorenone compounds, which are targeted at α7nAChR. Through further screening, a novel alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor radioligand ([18F]YLF-DW) was synthesized and automatically 18F-labeled using a Stynthra RNplus module. Subsequently, we employed [18F]YLF-DW for the targeting of α7nAChR in atherosclerotic plaques and control group, using a micro-PET/CT respectively. After imaging, the mice were sacrificed by air embolism and the carotid arteries taken out for making circular sections. The paraffin embedded specimens were sectioned with 5 μm thickness and stained with oil red. After staining, immunohistochemistry experiment was carried out to verify the effect of micro-PET/CT imaging. Results: The micro-PET/CT imaging successfully identified the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries of ApoE-/-mice; whereas, no signal was observed in normal control mice. In addition, compared with the traditional imaging agent [18F]FDG, [18F]YLF-DW had a significant effect on the early plaques imaging of carotid atherosclerosis. The results of oil red staining and immunohistochemistry also showed early formations of carotid plaques in ApoE-/-mice and provided pathological bases for the evaluation of imaging effect. Conclusion: We innovated to apply the novel molecular probe ([18F]YLF-DW) to the identification of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries, to detect atherosclerosis early inflammatory response and provide powerful input for the early diagnosis of atherosclerotic lesions, which may play an early warning role in cardiovascular acute events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shuxia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Huabei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zuo-Xiang He
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Vulnerable Plaque in Carotid Arteries Without "Significant" Stenosis: Unmasking the Hidden Links to Stroke. J Am Coll Cardiol 2021; 76:2223-2225. [PMID: 33153581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.09.531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Cervical Carotid Plaque MRI : Review of Atherosclerosis Imaging Features and their Histologic Underpinnings. Clin Neuroradiol 2021; 31:295-306. [PMID: 33398451 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-020-00987-y] [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] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is considered the gold standard for non-invasive evaluation of carotid artery plaque morphology and composition. A number of studies have demonstrated the clinical utility of MR plaque imaging in the risk stratification of carotid atherosclerotic disease, determination of stroke etiology, and identification of surgical and endovascular candidates for carotid revascularization procedures. The MR plaque imaging also provides researchers and clinicians with valuable insights into the pathogenesis, natural history and composition of carotid atherosclerotic disease. Nevertheless, the field of MR plaque imaging is complex, and requires a thorough knowledge of the histologic basis for how various plaque features appear on imaging. This article details the pathogenesis and histology of atherosclerosis, reviews the expected appearance of different plaque components, and describes how MR imaging features may be related to symptomatology or predict future ischemic events.
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Yuan C, Miller Z, Zhao XQ. Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Cardiovascular Applications for Clinical Trials. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00059-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Udani SD, Bhogal P. Black blood vessel wall MRI to identify vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque in a non-stenotic intracranial vertebral artery as a cause of acute ischaemia. BJR Case Rep 2020; 6:20200061. [PMID: 33299594 PMCID: PMC7709074 DOI: 10.1259/bjrcr.20200061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional neuroimaging techniques for investigating the cause of stroke are mainly centred on investigating luminal stenosis. The pathophysiology of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) and stroke is complex and extends beyond just vessel narrowing. The concept of the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, that can result in acute coronary syndromes, has been well described in the cardiac literature1,2although this concept is less well accepted among stroke physicians. We describe a case of a 61-year-old male with acute neurological sequelae from a non-stenotic atherosclerotic plaque of the intracranial vertebral artery. This case report describes the additional use of vessel wall MRI techniques to aid the radiologist in identifying such vulnerable lesions and therefore helping to tailor management and prevent further clinical deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundip Dhanvant Udani
- Department of Neuroradiology, The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BB, United Kingdom
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Normalized wall index, intraplaque hemorrhage and ulceration of carotid plaques correlate with the severity of ischemic stroke. Atherosclerosis 2020; 315:138-144. [PMID: 33183741 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2020.10.896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Carotid atherosclerosis is considered an important cause of ischemic stroke. Tthis study aimed to explore the relationship between plaque features and the severity of stroke, and to identify plaque risk factors for the assessment of the severity of ischemic stroke. METHODS Symptomatic patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques were prospectively recruited and underwent high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VW-MRI). Two trained MRI readers independently identified intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), calcification (CA), surface CA, deep CA, and ulceration. They measured and calculated the maximum vessel diameter (Max VD), maximum wall thickness (Max WT), total vessel area, lumen area, normalized wall index (NWI), plaque volume, IPH volume, IPH proportion, CA volume, and CA proportion. Patients were divided into two groups according to their National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (NIHSS ≤1 vs. NIHSS >1). Clinical characteristics and carotid plaque features were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test or Chi-square test as appropriate. Odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of plaque features to distinguish patients with NIHSS >1 were calculated. Spearman's rank correlations or Pearson correlations were determined for plaque features and NIHSS scores. RESULTS Of the 97 included patients, 34 (35.05%) with NIHSS >1 had significantly greater NWI (p < 0.05), larger IPH volume (p < 0.01), and greater IPH proportion (p < 0.01), and higher prevalence of IPH (OR, 5.654; 95%CI, 2.272-14.070; p < 0.01) and ulceration (OR, 2.891; 95%CI, 1.090-7.667; p = 0.033) than patients with NIHSS ≤1. Max WT (r = 0.24, p = 0.018), NWI (r = 0.22, p = 0.032), IPH (r = 0.27, p = 0.007), IPH volume (r = 0.35, p < 0.01), IPH proportion (r = 0.28, p = 0.005), and ulceration (r = 0.35, p < 0.01) had positive correlations with NIHSS scores. CONCLUSIONS NWI, IPH, and ulceration of carotid atherosclerotic plaque based on high-resolution VW-MRI may be useful indicators for assessing the severity of ischemic stroke in patients with atherosclerosis. NIHSS score is related to max WT, NWI, IPH, IPH volume, IPH proportion, and ulceration.
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Complicated Carotid Artery Plaques as a Cause of Cryptogenic Stroke. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020; 76:2212-2222. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.09.532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Di Napoli A, Cheng SF, Gregson J, Atkinson D, Markus JE, Richards T, Brown MM, Sokolska M, Jäger HR. Arterial Spin Labeling MRI in Carotid Stenosis: Arterial Transit Artifacts May Predict Symptoms. Radiology 2020; 297:652-660. [PMID: 33048034 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2020200225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundStenosis of the internal carotid artery has a higher risk for stroke. Many investigations have focused on structure and plaque composition as signs of plaque vulnerability, but few studies have analyzed hemodynamic changes in the brain as a risk factor.PurposeTo use 3-T MRI methods including contrast material-enhanced MR angiography, carotid plaque imaging, and arterial spin labeling (ASL) to identify imaging parameters that best help distinguish between asymptomatic and symptomatic participants with carotid stenosis.Materials and MethodsParticipants with carotid stenosis from two ongoing prospective studies who underwent ASL and carotid plaque imaging with use of 3-T MRI in the same setting from 2014 to 2018 were studied. Participants were assessed clinically for recent symptoms (transient ischemic attack or stroke) and divided equally into symptomatic and nonsymptomatic groups. Reviewers were blinded to the symptomatic status and MRI scans were analyzed for the degree of stenosis, plaque surface structure, presence of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), circle of Willis collaterals, and the presence and severity of arterial transit artifacts (ATAs) at ASL imaging. MRI findings were correlated with symptomatic status by using t tests and the Fisher exact test.ResultsA total of 44 participants (mean age, 71 years ± 10 [standard deviation]; 31 men) were evaluated. ATAs were seen only in participants with greater than 70% stenosis (16 of 28 patients; P < .001) and were associated with absence of anterior communicating artery (13 of 16 patients; P = .003). There was no association between history of symptoms and degree of stenosis (27 patients with ≥70% stenosis and 17 patients with <70%; P = .54), IPH (12 patients with IPH and 32 patients without IPH; P = .31), and plaque surface structure (17 patients with irregular or ulcerated plaque and 27 with smooth plaque; P = .54). Participants with ATAs (n = 16) were more likely to be symptomatic than were those without ATAs (n = 28) (P = .004). Symptomatic status also was associated with the severity of ATAs (P = .002).ConclusionArterial transit artifacts were the only factor associated with recent ischemic symptoms in participants with carotid stenosis. The degree of stenosis, plaque ulceration, and intraplaque hemorrhage were not associated with symptomatic status.© RSNA, 2020Online supplemental material is available for this article.See also the editorial by Zaharchuk in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Di Napoli
- From the Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, K 23 Queen Square, Holborn, London WC1N 3BG, England (A.D.N., H.R.J.); NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy (A.D.N.); Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (S.F.C., T.R., H.R.J.), Centre of Medical Imaging (D.A., J.E.M.), Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (M.M.B.), and Academic Neuroradiological Unit, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (H.R.J.), University College London, London, England; Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England (J.G.); Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia (T.R.); and Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, England (M.S.)
| | - Suk Fun Cheng
- From the Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, K 23 Queen Square, Holborn, London WC1N 3BG, England (A.D.N., H.R.J.); NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy (A.D.N.); Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (S.F.C., T.R., H.R.J.), Centre of Medical Imaging (D.A., J.E.M.), Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (M.M.B.), and Academic Neuroradiological Unit, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (H.R.J.), University College London, London, England; Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England (J.G.); Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia (T.R.); and Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, England (M.S.)
| | - John Gregson
- From the Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, K 23 Queen Square, Holborn, London WC1N 3BG, England (A.D.N., H.R.J.); NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy (A.D.N.); Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (S.F.C., T.R., H.R.J.), Centre of Medical Imaging (D.A., J.E.M.), Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (M.M.B.), and Academic Neuroradiological Unit, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (H.R.J.), University College London, London, England; Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England (J.G.); Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia (T.R.); and Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, England (M.S.)
| | - David Atkinson
- From the Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, K 23 Queen Square, Holborn, London WC1N 3BG, England (A.D.N., H.R.J.); NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy (A.D.N.); Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (S.F.C., T.R., H.R.J.), Centre of Medical Imaging (D.A., J.E.M.), Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (M.M.B.), and Academic Neuroradiological Unit, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (H.R.J.), University College London, London, England; Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England (J.G.); Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia (T.R.); and Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, England (M.S.)
| | - Julia Emily Markus
- From the Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, K 23 Queen Square, Holborn, London WC1N 3BG, England (A.D.N., H.R.J.); NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy (A.D.N.); Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (S.F.C., T.R., H.R.J.), Centre of Medical Imaging (D.A., J.E.M.), Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (M.M.B.), and Academic Neuroradiological Unit, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (H.R.J.), University College London, London, England; Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England (J.G.); Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia (T.R.); and Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, England (M.S.)
| | - Toby Richards
- From the Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, K 23 Queen Square, Holborn, London WC1N 3BG, England (A.D.N., H.R.J.); NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy (A.D.N.); Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (S.F.C., T.R., H.R.J.), Centre of Medical Imaging (D.A., J.E.M.), Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (M.M.B.), and Academic Neuroradiological Unit, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (H.R.J.), University College London, London, England; Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England (J.G.); Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia (T.R.); and Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, England (M.S.)
| | - Martin M Brown
- From the Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, K 23 Queen Square, Holborn, London WC1N 3BG, England (A.D.N., H.R.J.); NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy (A.D.N.); Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (S.F.C., T.R., H.R.J.), Centre of Medical Imaging (D.A., J.E.M.), Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (M.M.B.), and Academic Neuroradiological Unit, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (H.R.J.), University College London, London, England; Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England (J.G.); Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia (T.R.); and Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, England (M.S.)
| | - Magdalena Sokolska
- From the Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, K 23 Queen Square, Holborn, London WC1N 3BG, England (A.D.N., H.R.J.); NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy (A.D.N.); Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (S.F.C., T.R., H.R.J.), Centre of Medical Imaging (D.A., J.E.M.), Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (M.M.B.), and Academic Neuroradiological Unit, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (H.R.J.), University College London, London, England; Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England (J.G.); Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia (T.R.); and Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, England (M.S.)
| | - Hans Rolf Jäger
- From the Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, K 23 Queen Square, Holborn, London WC1N 3BG, England (A.D.N., H.R.J.); NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy (A.D.N.); Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (S.F.C., T.R., H.R.J.), Centre of Medical Imaging (D.A., J.E.M.), Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (M.M.B.), and Academic Neuroradiological Unit, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (H.R.J.), University College London, London, England; Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England (J.G.); Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia (T.R.); and Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, England (M.S.)
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Abstract
Current risk stratification for stroke is still based upon percentage of carotid stenosis, despite this measure providing minimal patient-specific information on the actual risk of stroke for both symptomatic individuals without significant carotid artery stenosis as well as asymptomatic carotid stenosis patients. A continuously growing body of literature suggests that the identification and quantification of certain carotid plaque characteristics, including lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), thin/ruptured fibrous cap (FC), and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), provide a superior means of predicting future stroke. These characteristics are identifiable via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with most features detectable using commercially available coils and sequences utilized in routine clinical practice in as little as 4 minutes. The presence of LRNC, a thin/ruptured FC, and IPH is associated with increased risk of future stroke or TIA. Plaques with greater than 40% LRNC with a thin overlying FC are prone to rupture. LRNC is T2 hypointense and lacks enhancement on contrast enhanced T1 weighted images. Increasing LRNC size is associated with the development of new ulceration, FC rupture, increasing plaque burden, as well as fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and symptom-driven revascularization, allowing for MR biomarkers of carotid plaque vulnerability to be utilized for systemic athero-thrombotic risk and not just stroke/TIA. LRNC typically shrinks with appropriate statin therapy, with PCSK9 inhibitors possibly playing a role in patients with inadequate response. Carotid plaques with IPH represent a more advanced stage of atherosclerotic disease. IPH is detectable with field strengths of both 3.0 T and 1.5 T and will demonstrate high signal on all T1 weighted imaging sequences. The presence of IPH increases the risk of future stroke in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, with multivariate analysis identifying IPH as a predictor of stroke, independent of percent stenosis, with no statistical difference in men vs. women, demonstrating that simple carotid stenosis measurements and traditional risk factor analysis may be inadequate in identifying patients at the highest risk for adverse cerebrovascular events. In the evaluation for recurrent stroke in recently symptomatic patients with >50% carotid stenosis, the estimated annual stroke risk is 23.2% in IPH+ patients and only 0.6% in IPH- patients, calling into question the current risk-benefit assessment for CEA. Additionally, a recent meta-analysis suggests that IPH+ plaque in patients with symptomatic <50% stenosis may be the etiology of embolic strokes previously labeled as "embolic stroke of undetermined source" (ESUS). There are no prospective drug trials testing the ability of any lipid-lowering therapies to decrease IPH and/or total plaque volume (TPV). Given the continuously increasing evidence of IPH as a significant predictor of carotid plaque progression and future adverse vascular events, trials aimed at targeted therapy for IPH represents a significant need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Porambo
- Department of Radiology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - J Kevin DeMarco
- Department of Radiology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Radiology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Yang WJ, Abrigo J, Soo YOY, Wong S, Wong KS, Leung TWH, Chu WCW, Chen XY. Regression of Plaque Enhancement Within Symptomatic Middle Cerebral Artery Atherosclerosis: A High-Resolution MRI Study. Front Neurol 2020; 11:755. [PMID: 32849214 PMCID: PMC7399098 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Contrast enhancement is a vital feature of the intracranial atherosclerotic plaque on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI), but its clinical significance is still unclear. We aimed to quantitatively assess plaque enhancement patterns in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) atherosclerotic plaque. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study by prospectively recruiting stroke or transient ischemic attack patients with >30% of MCA stenosis of either side. All patients underwent contrast-enhanced HRMRI scans. Enrolled patients were classified into acute phase (<4 weeks), subacute phase (4-12 weeks) and chronic phase (>12 weeks) groups based on the time interval from stroke onset to imaging scan. Plaque enhancement index was calculated for each MCA lesion at the maximal narrowing site. Results: We identified a total of 89 MCA plaques [53 (60%) symptomatic and 36 (40%) asymptomatic; 57 (64%) acute, 18 (20%) subacute and 14 (16%) chronic] in 58 patients on HRMRI. Among the acute lesions, symptomatic plaques had a significantly stronger plaque enhancement than asymptomatic plaques (symptomatic vs. asymptomatic: 38.9 ± 18.2 vs. 18.2 ± 16.2, p < 0.001). Among the symptomatic lesions, plaque enhancement diminished with increasing time after stroke onset (38.9 ± 18.2, 22.0 ± 22.8, and 5.0 ± 10.1 for acute, subacute, and chronic phase, respectively; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Plaque enhancement in the acute atherosclerotic plaque is closely related to recent ischemic events. In symptomatic atherosclerosis, plaque enhancement regresses over time after ischemic stroke, which may offer the potential to monitor the plaque activity in intracranial atherosclerosis using HRMRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jie Yang
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jill Abrigo
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, China
| | - Yannie Oi-Yan Soo
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, China
| | - Simon Wong
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, China
| | - Ka-Sing Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, China
| | - Thomas Wai-Hong Leung
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, China
| | - Winnie Chiu-Wing Chu
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, China
| | - Xiang-Yan Chen
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, China
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Qiao H, Li D, Cao J, Qi H, Han Y, Han H, Xu H, Wang T, Chen S, Chen H, Wang Y, Zhao X. Quantitative evaluation of carotid atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques using in vivo T1 mapping cardiovascular magnetic resonaonce: validation by histology. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2020; 22:38. [PMID: 32434582 PMCID: PMC7240932 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-020-00624-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been proved that multi-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) vessel wall imaging could be used to characterize carotid vulnerable plaque components according to the signal intensity on different contrast images. The signal intensity of plaque components is mainly dependent on the values of T1 and T2 relaxation. T1 mapping recently showed a potential in identifying plaque components but it is not well validated by histology. This study aimed to validate the usefulness of in vivo T1 mapping in assessing carotid vulnerable plaque components by histology. METHODS Thirty-four subjects (mean age, 64.0 ± 8.9 years; 26 males) with carotid plaques referred to carotid endarterectomy were prospectively enrolled and underwent 3 T CMR imaging from May 2017 to October 2017. The T1 values of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), necrotic core (NC) and loose matrix (LM) which were identified on multi-contrast vessel wall images or histology were measured on in-vivo T1 mapping. The IPHs were divided into two types based on the proportion of the area of fresh hemorrhage on histology. The T1 values of different plaque components were compared using Mann-Whitney U test and the agreement between T1 mapping and histology in identifying and quantifying IPH was analyzed with Cohen's Kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS Of 34 subjects, 19 had histological specimens matched with CMR imaging. The mean T1 values of IPH (651 ± 253 ms), NC (1161 ± 182 ms) and LM (1447 ± 310 ms) identified by histology were significantly different. The T1 values of Type 1 IPH were significantly shorter than that of Type 2 IPH (456 ± 193 ms vs. 775 ± 205 ms, p < 0.001). Moderate to excellent agreement was found in identification (kappa = 0.51, p < 0.001), classification (kappa = 0.40, p = 0.028) and segmentation (ICC = 0.816, 95% CI 0.679-0.894) of IPHs between T1 mapping and histology. CONCLUSIONS The T1 values of carotid plaque components, particularly for intraplaque hemorrhage, are differentiable, and the stage of intraplaque hemorrhage can be classified according to T1 values, suggesting the potential capability of assessment of vulnerable plaque components by T1 mapping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyu Qiao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Dongye Li
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingli Cao
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haikun Qi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Yongjun Han
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hualu Han
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Huimin Xu
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Huijun Chen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yajie Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Misaki K, Uno T, Nambu I, Kimura R, Yoshikawa A, Kamide T, Hayashi Y, Uchiyama N, Iino K, Takemura H, Nakada M. Asymptomatic carotid intraplaque hemorrhage is associated with a high risk of cerebral infarction and death after cardiovascular surgery. J Neurol Sci 2020; 412:116801. [PMID: 32240969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.116801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of information on the natural history of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (AsymCS) associated with cardiovascular diseases that require surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for postoperative ipsilateral ischemic stroke and all-cause mortality after cardiovascular surgery in patients with AsymCS. METHODS Among 2158 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery, 150 patients with AsymCS who didn't undergo carotid revascularization were included. The relationships between preoperative factors, including carotid intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), and postoperative ipsilateral ischemic stroke and all-cause mortality were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS During the median follow-up of 1087 days of 150 patients with 19 IPH, 12 (8.0%) and 21 (14.0%) encountered ipsilateral infarction and all-cause mortality, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analyses indicated that IPH was significantly predictive of both ipsilateral infarction (hazard ratio [HR] 21.31, 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.98-91.17; P ≤.001) and all-cause mortality (HR 4.64, 95% CI, 1.61-13.34; P = .004). Another significant factor was peak systolic velocity for ipsilateral infarction with the cutoff velocity of 227 cm/s by the receiver-operating characteristic curve. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of patients with AsymCS undergoing cardiovascular surgery, IPH had a close connection with a high risk of both postoperative ischemic stroke and mortality after cardiovascular surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouichi Misaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
| | - Takehiro Uno
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Iku Nambu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Ryouken Kimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | | | - Tomoya Kamide
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Hayashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Uchiyama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kenji Iino
- Department of Thoracic, Cardiovascular and General Surgery, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Takemura
- Department of Thoracic, Cardiovascular and General Surgery, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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Fabiani I, Palombo C, Caramella D, Nilsson J, De Caterina R. Imaging of the vulnerable carotid plaque: Role of imaging techniques and a research agenda. Neurology 2020; 94:922-932. [PMID: 32393647 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000009480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Atherothrombosis in the carotid arteries is a main cause of ischemic stroke and may depend on plaque propensity to complicate with rupture or erosion, in turn related to vulnerability features amenable to in vivo imaging. This would provide an opportunity for risk stratification and-potentially-local treatment of more vulnerable plaques. We here review current information on this topic. METHODS We systematically reviewed the literature for concepts derived from pathophysiologic, histopathologic, and clinical studies on imaging techniques attempting at identifying vulnerable carotid lesions. RESULTS Ultrasound, MRI, CT, and nuclear medicine-based techniques, alone or with multimodality approaches, all have a link to pathophysiology and describe different-potentially complementary-aspects of lesions prone to complications. There is also, however, a true paucity of head-to-head comparisons of such techniques for practical implementation of a thorough and cost-effective diagnostic strategy based on evaluation of outcomes. Especially in asymptomatic patients, major international societies leave wide margins of indecision in the advice to techniques guiding interventions to prevent atherothrombotic stroke. CONCLUSIONS To improve practical management of such patients-in addition to the patient's vulnerability for systemic reasons-a more precise identification of the vulnerable plaque is needed. A better definition of the diagnostic yield of each imaging approach in comparison with the others should be pursued for a cost-effective translation of the single techniques. Practical translation to guide future clinical practice should be based on improved knowledge of the specific pathophysiologic correlates and on a comparative modality approach, linked to subsequent stroke outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iacopo Fabiani
- From the University Cardiology (I.F., C.P., R.D.C.) and Radiology Divisions (D.C.), Pisa University Hospital; Dipartimento di Patologia Chirurgica (I.F., D.C., C.P., R.D.C.), Medica, Molecolare e dell'Area Critica, University of Pisa Medical School, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences (J.N.), Malmö University Hospital, University of Lund, Sweden; and Fondazione VillaSerena per la Ricerca (R.D.C.), Città Sant' Angelo, Pescara, Italy
| | - Carlo Palombo
- From the University Cardiology (I.F., C.P., R.D.C.) and Radiology Divisions (D.C.), Pisa University Hospital; Dipartimento di Patologia Chirurgica (I.F., D.C., C.P., R.D.C.), Medica, Molecolare e dell'Area Critica, University of Pisa Medical School, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences (J.N.), Malmö University Hospital, University of Lund, Sweden; and Fondazione VillaSerena per la Ricerca (R.D.C.), Città Sant' Angelo, Pescara, Italy
| | - Davide Caramella
- From the University Cardiology (I.F., C.P., R.D.C.) and Radiology Divisions (D.C.), Pisa University Hospital; Dipartimento di Patologia Chirurgica (I.F., D.C., C.P., R.D.C.), Medica, Molecolare e dell'Area Critica, University of Pisa Medical School, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences (J.N.), Malmö University Hospital, University of Lund, Sweden; and Fondazione VillaSerena per la Ricerca (R.D.C.), Città Sant' Angelo, Pescara, Italy
| | - Jan Nilsson
- From the University Cardiology (I.F., C.P., R.D.C.) and Radiology Divisions (D.C.), Pisa University Hospital; Dipartimento di Patologia Chirurgica (I.F., D.C., C.P., R.D.C.), Medica, Molecolare e dell'Area Critica, University of Pisa Medical School, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences (J.N.), Malmö University Hospital, University of Lund, Sweden; and Fondazione VillaSerena per la Ricerca (R.D.C.), Città Sant' Angelo, Pescara, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Caterina
- From the University Cardiology (I.F., C.P., R.D.C.) and Radiology Divisions (D.C.), Pisa University Hospital; Dipartimento di Patologia Chirurgica (I.F., D.C., C.P., R.D.C.), Medica, Molecolare e dell'Area Critica, University of Pisa Medical School, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences (J.N.), Malmö University Hospital, University of Lund, Sweden; and Fondazione VillaSerena per la Ricerca (R.D.C.), Città Sant' Angelo, Pescara, Italy.
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Karageorgos GM, Apostolakis IZ, Nauleau P, Gatti V, Weber R, Konofagou EE. Atherosclerotic plaque mechanical characterization coupled with vector Doppler imaging in atherosclerotic carotid arteries in-vivo. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020; 2019:6200-6203. [PMID: 31947259 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2019.8857609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Methods used in clinical practice to diagnose and monitor atherosclerosis present limitations. Imaging the mechanical properties of the arterial wall has demonstrated the potential evaluate plaque vulnerability and assess the risk for stroke. Adaptive Pulse Wave Imaging (PWI) is a non-invasive ultrasound imaging technique, which automatically detects points of spatial mechanical inhomogeneity along the imaged artery and provides piecewise stiffness characterization. The aims of the present study are to: 1) demonstrate the initial feasibility of adaptive PWI to image the mechanical properties of an atherosclerotic plaque 2) demonstrate the feasibility to combine adaptive PWI with vector Doppler in a single imaging modality in order to simultaneously obtain information plaque mechanical properties and plaque hemodynamics. The common carotid arteries of 1 healthy subject and 2 carotid artery disease patients were scanned in vivo. One of the patients underwent carotid endarterectomy and a plaque sample was retrieved. In this patient, a higher compliance value of the stenotic segment was estimated by Adaptive PWI as compared with the adjacent arterial wall, and the healthy carotid artery. This was corroborated by histological staining of the plaque sample, which revealed the presence of a large necrotic core and a thrombus, characteristics associated with reduced stiffness. Moreover, the same sequence demonstrated the feasibility to obtain both stiffness maps and vector flow information, showing promise in atherosclerosis diagnosis and patient care.
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40
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Karageorgos GM, Apostolakis IZ, Nauleau P, Gatti V, Weber R, Connolly ES, Miller EC, Konofagou EE. Arterial wall mechanical inhomogeneity detection and atherosclerotic plaque characterization using high frame rate pulse wave imaging in carotid artery disease patients in vivo. Phys Med Biol 2020; 65:025010. [PMID: 31746784 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ab58fa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pulse wave imaging (PWI) is a non-invasive, ultrasound-based technique, which provides information on arterial wall stiffness by estimating the pulse wave velocity (PWV) along an imaged arterial wall segment. The aims of the present study were to: (1) utilize the PWI information to automatically and optimally divide the artery into the segments with most homogeneous properties and (2) assess the feasibility of this method to provide arterial wall mechanical characterization in normal and atherosclerotic carotid arteries in vivo. A silicone phantom consisting of a soft and stiff segment along its longitudinal axis was scanned at the stiffness transition, and the PWV in each segment was estimated through static testing. The proposed algorithm detected the stiffness interface with an average error of 0.98 ± 0.49 mm and 1.04 ± 0.27 mm in the soft-to-stiff and stiff-to-soft pulse wave transmission direction, respectively. Mean PWVs estimated in the case of the soft-to-stiff pulse wave transmission direction were 2.47 [Formula: see text] 0.04 m s-1 and 3.43 [Formula: see text] 0.08 m s-1 for the soft and stiff phantom segments, respectively, while in the case of stiff-to-soft transmission direction PWVs were 2.60 [Formula: see text] 0.18 m s-1 and 3.72 [Formula: see text] 0.08 m s-1 for the soft and stiff phantom segments, respectively, which were in good agreement with the PWVs obtained through static testing (soft segment: 2.41 m s-1, stiff segment: 3.52 m s-1). Furthermore, the carotid arteries of N = 9 young subjects (22-32 y.o.) and N = 9 elderly subjects (60-73 y.o.) with no prior history of carotid artery disease were scanned, in vivo, as well as the atherosclerotic carotid arteries of N = 12 (59-85 y.o.) carotid artery disease patients. One-way ANOVA with Holm-Sidak correction showed that the number of most homogeneous segments in which the artery was divided was significantly higher in the case of carotid artery disease patients compared to young (3.25 [Formula: see text] 0.86 segments versus 1.00 [Formula: see text] 0.00 segments, p -value < 0.0001) and elderly non-atherosclerotic subjects (3.25 [Formula: see text] 0.86 segments versus 1.44 [Formula: see text] 0.51 segments p -value < 0.0001), indicating increased wall inhomogeneity in atherosclerotic arteries. The compliance provided by the proposed algorithm was significantly higher in non-calcified/high-lipid plaques as compared with calcified plaques (3.35 [Formula: see text] 2.45 *[Formula: see text] versus 0.22 [Formula: see text] 0.18 * [Formula: see text], p -value < 0.01) and the compliance estimated in elderly subjects (3.35 [Formula: see text] 2.45 * [Formula: see text] versus 0.79 [Formula: see text] 0.30 * [Formula: see text], p -value < 0.01). Moreover, lower compliance was estimated in cases where vulnerable plaque characteristics were present (i.e. necrotic lipid core, thrombus), compared to stable plaque components (calcification), as evaluated through plaque histological examination. The proposed algorithm was thus capable of evaluating arterial wall inhomogeneity and characterize wall mechanical properties, showing promise in vascular disease diagnosis and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios M Karageorgos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America. Grigorios M Karageorgos and Iason Z Apostolakis contributed equally to this work
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Murata K, Murata N, Chu B, Watase H, Hippe DS, Balu N, Sun J, Zhao X, Hatsukami TS, Yuan C. Characterization of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques Using 3-Dimensional MERGE Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Correlation With Stroke Risk Factors. Stroke 2020; 51:475-480. [PMID: 31902332 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.119.027779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose- High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging is capable of characterizing carotid atherosclerotic plaque morphology and composition. Most reported carotid plaque imaging techniques are 2-dimensional (2D) based with limited longitudinal coverage of ≈30 mm, which may be insufficient for complete visualization of extracranial carotid atheroma. A 3D black-blood imaging technique, motion-sensitized driven equilibrium prepared rapid gradient echo technique (3D-MERGE) can provide larger coverage. We sought to use 3D-MERGE to investigate carotid atherosclerosis plaque distribution and to analyze their correlation with clinical information and stroke risk factors. Methods- From 5 hospitals in China, 97 subjects suspected of recent stroke or transient ischemic attack were imaged with 3D-MERGE within 2 weeks of symptoms using 3T magnetic resonance imaging. Images were analyzed by 2 reviewers. Plaque length was calculated and categorized as plaques within, partially outside, or completely outside of typical 2D magnetic resonance imaging coverage. Associations between plaque features and clinical information, stroke risk factors were assessed. Results- Ninety-seven subjects with 194 carotid arteries (70 men and 27 women, mean age 60 years) were analyzed. Of the 136 plaques identified, 68 (50%) were within, 46 (33.8%) were partially outside, and 22 (16.2%) were completely outside of 2D magnetic resonance imaging coverage. Total plaque length was significantly positively associated with male sex (P<0.001), hypertension (P=0.011), and history of smoking (P<0.001). Hypertensive subjects were more likely to have at least one plaque completely outside the 2D magnetic resonance imaging coverage than nonhypertensive subjects (P=0.007). Conclusions- The 3D-MERGE allows for the identification of substantially more carotid plaques than 2D black-blood techniques. The extent and distribution of plaque, identified by the larger coverage afforded by 3D-MERGE, were found to correlate significantly with male sex and risk factors that are common among patients with stroke, including hypertension and history of cigarette smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoko Murata
- From the Department of Radiology (K.M., N.M., B.C., D.S.H., N.B., J.S., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Department of Neurology, Toho University Omori Medical center, Tokyo, Japan (K.M.)
| | - Nozomu Murata
- From the Department of Radiology (K.M., N.M., B.C., D.S.H., N.B., J.S., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Department of Radiology, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan (N.M.)
| | - Baocheng Chu
- From the Department of Radiology (K.M., N.M., B.C., D.S.H., N.B., J.S., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Hiroko Watase
- Department of Surgery (H.W., T.S.H.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Daniel S Hippe
- From the Department of Radiology (K.M., N.M., B.C., D.S.H., N.B., J.S., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Niranjan Balu
- From the Department of Radiology (K.M., N.M., B.C., D.S.H., N.B., J.S., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Jie Sun
- From the Department of Radiology (K.M., N.M., B.C., D.S.H., N.B., J.S., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (X.Z.)
| | | | - Chun Yuan
- From the Department of Radiology (K.M., N.M., B.C., D.S.H., N.B., J.S., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
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Apostolakis LZ, Karageorgos GM, Nauleau P, Nandlall SD, Konofagou EE. Adaptive Pulse Wave Imaging: Automated Spatial Vessel Wall Inhomogeneity Detection in Phantoms and in-Vivo. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING 2020; 39:259-269. [PMID: 31265387 PMCID: PMC6938555 DOI: 10.1109/tmi.2019.2926141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Imaging arterial mechanical properties may improve vascular disease diagnosis. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a marker of arterial stiffness linked to cardio-vascular mortality. Pulse wave imaging (PWI) is a technique for imaging the pulse wave propagation at high spatial and temporal resolution. In this paper, we introduce adaptive PWI, a technique for the automated partition of heterogeneous arteries into individual segments characterized by most homogeneous pulse wave propagation, allowing for more robust PWV estimation. This technique was validated in a silicone phantom with a soft-stiff interface. The mean detection error of the interface was 4.67 ± 0.73 mm and 3.64 ± 0.14 mm in the stiff-to-soft and soft-to-stiff pulse wave transmission direction, respectively. This technique was tested in monitoring the progression of atherosclerosis in mouse aortas in vivo ( n = 11 ). The PWV was found to already increase at the early stage of 10 weeks of high-fat diet (3.17 ± 0.67 m/sec compared to baseline 2.55 ± 0.47 m/sec, ) and further increase after 20 weeks of high-fat diet (3.76±1.20 m/sec). The number of detected segments of the imaged aortas monotonically increased with the duration of high-fat diet indicating an increase in arterial wall property inhomogeneity. The performance of adaptive PWI was also tested in aneurysmal mouse aortas in vivo. Aneurysmal boundaries were detected with a mean error of 0.68±0.44 mm. Finally, initial feasibility was shown in the carotid arteries of healthy and atherosclerotic human subjects in vivo ( n = 3 each). Consequently, adaptive PWI was successful in detecting stiffness inhomogeneity at its early onset and monitoring atherosclerosis progression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pierre Nauleau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sacha D. Nandlall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa E. Konofagou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Kawabata Y, Nakajima N, Miyake H, Fukuda S, Tsukahara T. Postoperative ischemic events in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting using algorithmic selection for embolic protection. Neuroradiol J 2019; 32:294-302. [PMID: 30971186 DOI: 10.1177/1971400919839644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a valuable alternative to carotid endarterectomy, especially in high-risk patients. However, the reported incidences of perioperative stroke and death remain higher than for carotid endarterectomy, even when using embolic protection devices (EPDs) during CAS. Our purpose was to evaluate 30-day major adverse events after CAS when selecting the most appropriate EPD. METHODS We reviewed the clinical outcomes of 61 patients with 64 lesions who underwent CAS with EPDs. Patients who underwent CAS associated with thrombectomy and who had a preoperative modified Rankin scale score >3 were excluded from the analysis. The EPD was selected based on symptoms, carotid wall magnetic resonance imaging and lesion length, and we analyzed combined 30-day complication rates (transient ischemic attack, minor stroke, major stroke or death). RESULTS Forty-nine patients were men and 12 were women. The median age was 72 years (range: 59-89 years) and 44 lesions were asymptomatic. A filter-type EPD was selected in 23 procedures, distal-balloon protection in 14 procedures and proximal-occlusive protection in 27 procedures. Two patients (3.1%) experienced a transient ischemic attack and one patient (1.6%) had a minor stroke within 30 days of the procedure. No patients experienced procedure-related morbidities (modified Rankin score >2) or death. CONCLUSIONS The perioperative stoke rate was low when we selected a proximal-occlusive-type EPD in high-risk patients with vulnerable carotid artery disease. Our algorithm for EPD selection was an effective tool in the perioperative management of carotid artery stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Kawabata
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto Katsura Hospital, Japan.,2 Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Japan
| | - Norio Nakajima
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto Katsura Hospital, Japan
| | | | - Shunichi Fukuda
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tsukahara
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Japan
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Aplin AC, Nicosia RF. The plaque-aortic ring assay: a new method to study human atherosclerosis-induced angiogenesis. Angiogenesis 2019; 22:421-431. [DOI: 10.1007/s10456-019-09667-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Yang Z, Li F, Yelamanchili D, Zeng Z, Rosales C, Youker KA, Shen H, Ferrari M, Mahmarian J, Pownall HJ, Hamilton DJ, Li Z. Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaque Imaging by Small‐Molecule High‐Affinity Positron Emission Tomography Radiopharmaceutical. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201900005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yang
- Center for BioenergeticsHouston Methodist Research Institute 6670 Bertner Avenue Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Feng Li
- Center for BioenergeticsHouston Methodist Research Institute 6670 Bertner Avenue Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Dedipya Yelamanchili
- Center for BioenergeticsHouston Methodist Research Institute 6670 Bertner Avenue Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Zihua Zeng
- Department of Pathology & Genomic MedicineHouston Methodist Research Institute
| | - Corina Rosales
- Center for BioenergeticsHouston Methodist Research Institute 6670 Bertner Avenue Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Keith A. Youker
- Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular CenterHouston Methodist Research Institute
| | - Haifa Shen
- Department of NanomedicineHouston Methodist Research Institute
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medical College 1300 York Avenue New York NY 10065 USA
| | - Mauro Ferrari
- Department of NanomedicineHouston Methodist Research Institute
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medical College 1300 York Avenue New York NY 10065 USA
| | - John Mahmarian
- Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular CenterHouston Methodist Research Institute
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medical College 1300 York Avenue New York NY 10065 USA
| | - Henry J. Pownall
- Center for BioenergeticsHouston Methodist Research Institute 6670 Bertner Avenue Houston TX 77030 USA
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medical College 1300 York Avenue New York NY 10065 USA
| | - Dale J. Hamilton
- Center for BioenergeticsHouston Methodist Research Institute 6670 Bertner Avenue Houston TX 77030 USA
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medical College 1300 York Avenue New York NY 10065 USA
| | - Zheng Li
- Center for BioenergeticsHouston Methodist Research Institute 6670 Bertner Avenue Houston TX 77030 USA
- Department of RadiologyWeill Cornell Medical College 1300 York Avenue New York NY 10065 USA
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Barrett HE, Van der Heiden K, Farrell E, Gijsen FJH, Akyildiz AC. Calcifications in atherosclerotic plaques and impact on plaque biomechanics. J Biomech 2019; 87:1-12. [PMID: 30904335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The catastrophic mechanical rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque is the underlying cause of the majority of cardiovascular events. The infestation of vascular calcification in the plaques creates a mechanically complex tissue composite. Local stress concentrations and plaque tissue strength properties are the governing parameters required to predict plaque ruptures. Advanced imaging techniques have permitted insight into fundamental mechanisms driving the initiating inflammatory-driven vascular calcification of the diseased intima at the (sub-) micron scale and up to the macroscale. Clinical studies have potentiated the biomechanical relevance of calcification through the derivation of links between local plaque rupture and specific macrocalcification geometrical features. The clinical implications of the data presented in this review indicate that the combination of imaging, experimental testing, and computational modelling efforts are crucial to predict the rupture risk for atherosclerotic plaques. Specialised experimental tests and modelling efforts have further enhanced the knowledge base for calcified plaque tissue mechanical properties. However, capturing the temporal instability and rupture causality in the plaque fibrous caps remains elusive. Is it necessary to move our experimental efforts down in scale towards the fundamental (sub-) micron scales in order to interpret the true mechanical behaviour of calcified plaque tissue interactions that is presented on a macroscale in the clinic and to further optimally assess calcified plaques in the context of biomechanical modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary E Barrett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Kim Van der Heiden
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Farrell
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J H Gijsen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ali C Akyildiz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Pasarikovski CR, Cardinell J, Yang VXD. Perspective review on applications of optics in cerebral endovascular neurosurgery. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2019; 24:1-7. [PMID: 30915784 PMCID: PMC6975230 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.24.3.030601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral endovascular neurosurgery has transformed the way we manage cerebrovascular disease. Several landmark trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of endovascular techniques leading to continued technological development and applications for various diseases. The utilization of optical technologies and devices is already underway in the field of endovascular neurosurgery. We discuss the contemporary paradigms, challenges, and current optical applications for the most common cerebrovascular diseases: carotid atherosclerotic disease, cerebral aneurysms, intracranial atherosclerosis, and dural arteriovenous fistulas. We also describe needs-based opportunities for future optical applications, with the goal of providing researchers a sense of where we feel optical technologies could impact the way we manage cerebral disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. Pasarikovski
- University of Toronto, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, NeuroVascular Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jillian Cardinell
- Ryerson University, Bioengineering and Biophotonics Laboratory, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victor X. D. Yang
- University of Toronto, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, NeuroVascular Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ryerson University, Bioengineering and Biophotonics Laboratory, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Address all correspondence to Victor X. D. Yang, E-mail:
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Aggarwal V, Gupta A. Integrating Morphological Edge Detection and Mutual Information for Nonrigid Registration of Medical Images. Curr Med Imaging 2019; 15:292-300. [DOI: 10.2174/1573405614666180103163430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Medical images are widely used within healthcare and medical research.
There is an increased interest in precisely correlating information in these images through registration
techniques for investigative and therapeutic purposes. This work proposes and evaluates an
improved measure function for registration of carotid ultrasound and magnetic resonance images
(MRI) taken at different times.
Methods:
To achieve this, a morphological edge detection operator has been designed to extract
the vital edge information from images which is integrated with the Mutual Information (MI) to
carry out the registration process. The improved performance of proposed registration measure
function is demonstrated using four quality metrics: Correlation Coefficient (CC), Structural Similarity
Index (SSIM), Visual Information Fidelity (VIF) and Gradient Magnitude Similarity Deviation
(GMSD). The qualitative validation has also been done through visual inspection of the registered
image pairs by clinical radiologists.
Results:
The experimental results showed that the proposed method outperformed the existing
method (based on integrated MI and standard edge detection) for both ultrasound and MR images
in terms of CC by about 4.67%, SSIM by 3.21%, VIF by 18.5%, and decreased GMSD by 37.01%.
Whereas, in comparison to the standard MI based method, the proposed method has increased CC
by 16.29%, SSIM by 16.13%, VIF by 52.56% and decreased GMSD by 66.06%, approximately.
Conclusion:
Thus, the proposed method improves the registration accuracy when the original images
are corrupted by noise, have low intensity values or missing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Aggarwal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, I. K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Main Campus, Kapurthala-144603, Punjab, India
| | - Anupama Gupta
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Giani Zail Singh Campus College of Engineering and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda-151001, Punjab, India
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Gatto L, Prati F, Biondi-Zoccai G, Giordano A. Hybrid invasive coronary imaging with intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography: Informing research and guiding practice. Int J Cardiol 2018; 270:68-69. [PMID: 30017515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gatto
- Division of Cardiology, S. Giovanni-Addolorata Hospital, Rome, Italy; Centro Per La Lotta Contro L'Infarto, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Prati
- Division of Cardiology, S. Giovanni-Addolorata Hospital, Rome, Italy; Centro Per La Lotta Contro L'Infarto, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Biondi-Zoccai
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy; Department of AngioCardioNeurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.
| | - Arturo Giordano
- Unità Operativa di Interventistica Cardiovascolare, Presidio Ospedaliero Pineta Grande, Castel Volturno, Italy; Unità Operativa di Emodinamica, Casa di Salute Santa Lucia, San Giuseppe Vesuviano, Italy
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Abstract
Computational cardiology is the scientific field devoted to the development of methodologies that enhance our mechanistic understanding, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. In this regard, the field embraces the extraordinary pace of discovery in imaging, computational modeling, and cardiovascular informatics at the intersection of atherogenesis and vascular biology. This paper highlights existing methods, practices, and computational models and proposes new strategies to support a multidisciplinary effort in this space. We focus on the means by that to leverage and coalesce these multiple disciplines to advance translational science and computational cardiology. Analyzing the scientific trends and understanding the current needs we present our perspective for the future of cardiovascular treatment.
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