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Sun B, Wang L, Li X, Zhang J, Zhang J, Tian J, Mossa-Basha M, Xu J, Zhou Y, Zhao H, Zhu C. Delayed Enhancement of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Plaque Can Better Differentiate Culprit Lesions: A Multiphase Contrast-Enhanced Vessel Wall MRI Study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2024; 45:262-270. [PMID: 38388686 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a8132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Intracranial plaque enhancement (IPE) identified by contrast-enhanced vessel wall MR imaging (VW-MR imaging) is an emerging marker of plaque instability related to stroke risk, but there was no standardized timing for postcontrast acquisition. We aim to explore the optimal postcontrast timing by using multiphase contrast-enhanced VW-MR imaging and to test its performance in differentiating culprit and nonculprit lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with acute ischemic stroke due to intracranial plaque were prospectively recruited to undergo VW-MR imaging with 1 precontrast phase and 4 consecutive postcontrast phases (9 minutes and 13 seconds for each phase). The signal intensity (SI) values of the CSF and intracranial plaque were measured on 1 precontrast and 4 postcontrast phases to determine the intracranial plaque enhancement index (PEI). The dynamic changes of the PEI were compared between culprit and nonculprit plaques on the postcontrast acquisitions. RESULTS Thirty patients with acute stroke (aged 59 ± 10 years, 18 [60%] men) with 113 intracranial plaques were included. The average PEI of all intracranial plaques significantly increased (up to 14%) over the 4 phases. There was significantly increased PEI over the 4 phases for culprit plaques (an average increase of 23%), but this was not observed for nonculprit plaques. For differentiating culprit and nonculprit plaques, we observed that the performance of IPE in the second postcontrast phase (cutoff = 0.83, AUC = 0.829 [0.746-0.893]) exhibited superior accuracy when compared with PEI in the first postcontrast phase (cutoff = 0.48; AUC = 0.768 [0.680-0.843]) (P = .022). CONCLUSIONS A 9-minute delay of postcontrast acquisition can maximize plaque enhancement and better differentiate between culprit and nonculprit plaques. In addition, culprit and nonculprit plaques have different enhancement temporal patterns, which should be evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Sun
- From the Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai China
- College of Health Science and Technology (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Radiology (M.M., C.Z.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lingling Wang
- From the Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai China
- College of Health Science and Technology (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Li
- From the Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai China
- College of Health Science and Technology (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- From the Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai China
- College of Health Science and Technology (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjian Zhang
- From the Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai China
- College of Health Science and Technology (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Tian
- From the Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai China
- College of Health Science and Technology (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mahmud Mossa-Basha
- Department of Radiology (M.M., C.Z.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jianrong Xu
- From the Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai China
- College of Health Science and Technology (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- From the Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai China
- College of Health Science and Technology (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huilin Zhao
- From the Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai China
- College of Health Science and Technology (B.S., L.W., X.L., Jin Zhang, Jianjian Zhang, J.T., J.X., Y.Z., H.Z.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhu
- Department of Radiology (M.M., C.Z.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Liu D, Zhao C, Zhao DL, Chen XH, Zhou D, Li C. Association between the fetal-type posterior cerebral artery and intracranial anterior and posterior circulating atherosclerotic plaques using multi-contrast magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2023; 13:8383-8394. [PMID: 38106324 PMCID: PMC10722065 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-611] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is one of the most common causes of ischemic stroke. The fetal-type posterior cerebral artery (FTP) affects intracranial collateral circulation, which is closely related to the occurrence and development of ICAD. Knowledge of the relationship between FTP and ICAD is important for developing treatment strategies for FTP patients diagnosed with atherosclerotic diseases. This study aims to quantitatively analyze the association between the FTP and intracranial atherosclerotic plaques using magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (VW-MRI). Methods This retrospective study enrolled patients with recent cerebrovascular symptoms (stroke or transient ischemic attack <2 weeks) who were diagnosed with atherosclerotic plaque(s) by VW-MRI in one hospital from October 2018 to March 2022. They were classified into the FTP group and the non-FTP group. Plaque characteristics and vascular-related parameters in intracranial arteries were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine the odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the plaque characteristics between the two groups. Results A total of 104 patients (mean age: 61.8±9.8 years, 57 males) were included for VW-MRI scan analysis. 40 (38.46%) and 64 (61.54%) were classified into the FTP and the non-FTP groups, respectively. The plaques of middle cerebral artery (MCA) in the FTP group were more likely to occur on the dorsal and superior walls of the lumen compared with the non-FTP group (37.50% vs. 17.19%, P=0.001). The remodeling index (RI) of MCA was statistically different between the two groups (1.071±0.267 vs. 0.886±0.235, P=0.007). No significant differences were found in vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) plaque distributions (17.50% vs. 9.38%, 10.00% vs. 12.50%, 20.00% vs. 17.19%, P>0.05) and characteristics between the two groups (RI: 1.095±0.355 vs. 0.978±0.251; eccentricity index: 0.539±1.622 vs. 0.550±0.171, P>0.05). Conclusions The plaques in the FTP group were more likely to occur on the dorsal and superior walls of the MCA, and the presentence of FTP was found to be significantly correlated with vascular remodeling of MCA atherosclerotic plaques. The relationship between the severity of intracranial atherosclerosis and the presence of FTP can provide valuable information for clinicians to intervene early and prevent the occurrence of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingqi Liu
- Department of Radiology, BenQ Medical Center, the Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenyang Zhao
- Department of Radiology, BenQ Medical Center, the Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Deng-Ling Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medical, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Chen
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medical, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Department of Radiology, BenQ Medical Center, the Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medical, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Ke J, Li J, Chen J, Lai C, Zheng W, Fu X, Fang X, Guo L, Shi Z. A Non-Linear Role of Hyperlipidemia on Progression of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Plaques and Acute Downstream Ischemic Events. J Atheroscler Thromb 2023; 30:1448-1460. [PMID: 36709996 PMCID: PMC10564665 DOI: 10.5551/jat.63971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is the leading cause of ischemic stroke worldwide. Hyperlipidemia is a major contributor to atherosclerosis. However, the effect of hyperlipidemia on the evolution of intracranial atherosclerotic plaques and downstream ischemic episodes remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to assess the radiological features of ICAS plaques and to explore the relationship between hyperlipidemia and plaque progression. METHODS We included people with ICAS (≥50% stenosis) undergoing high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. The culprit plaque was defined as the sole, or in case of multiple stenosis, the narrowest plaque on the intracranial artery responsible for acute ischemic stroke. Demographic, clinical data, plaque features on MRI, and lipid parameters were compared between culprit and non-culprit plaques. Plaque enhancement was graded as Grade 0, 1 and 2 by comparing to the adjacent normal vessel wall and pituitary funnel after contrast enhancement on T1-weighted sequences. RESULTS 162 patients were included (mean age 57.7±12.1 years, male 61.6%), 110 of whom were identified as culprit plaque with an ipsilateral acute stroke. High-grade enhancement was the most prominent MRI feature of the culpable plaque (Grade-2: OR 6.539, 95%CI 1.706-23.707, p=0.006). LDL cholesterol was significantly associated with overall acute ischemic stroke caused by culprit plaque. After stratification by enhancement grading LDL was independently associated with ischemic events in Grade-1 enhancement plaques (OR 6.778, 95%CI 2.122-21.649, p=0.001). In patients with Grade-2 enhancement plaques, however, LDL was not associated with ischemic event; in contrast, Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio was independently associated with ischemic events caused by Grade-2 enhancement plaques (OR 2.188, 95%CI 1.209-3.961, p=0.010). CONCLUSIONS LDL was related with ischemia events in intermediate stage of intracranial atherosclerotic plaque progression, an excellent period for intensive lipid-lowering treatment. In advanced stage, inflammatory agents maybe the main contributor to ischemic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxia Ke
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Affiliate Dongguan People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Jinrui Li
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Affiliate Dongguan People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Junting Chen
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Affiliate Dongguan People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Chengze Lai
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Weicheng Zheng
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Affiliate Dongguan People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Xiaoli Fu
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Affiliate Dongguan People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Xuewen Fang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliate Dongguan People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Lianxian Guo
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Zhu Shi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Affiliate Dongguan People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China
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Li Y, Chen F, Yang B, Xie S, Wang C, Guo R, Zhang X, Liu Z. Effect of Mid-Basilar Artery Angle and Plaque Characteristics on Pontine Infarction in Patients with Basilar Artery Plaque. J Atheroscler Thromb 2023; 30:182-191. [PMID: 35418542 PMCID: PMC9925201 DOI: 10.5551/jat.63520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The basilar artery (BA) geometry and plaque characteristics may play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. This study was performed to explore the relationship between the mid-BA angle and plaque characteristics and its effect on pontine infarction using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography. METHODS In total, 77 patients with BA plaques were included in this study. According to the presence of acute pontine infarction on diffusion-weighted imaging, the patients were divided into a pontine infarction group and pontine non-infarction group. The mid-BA angle, plaque burden, stenosis ratio, positive remodeling, and intraplaque hemorrhage were evaluated to investigate their effects on stroke. RESULTS The pontine infarction group had a greater plaque burden, stenosis ratio, positive remodeling, and mid-BA angle than the pontine non-infarction group. The correlation between the plaque burden and mid-BA angle was the highest (r=0.441, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the plaque burden (odds ratio, 1.164; 95% confidence interval, 1.093-1.241; P<0.001) was an independent risk factor for pontine infarction. CONCLUSION The mid-BA angle may increase the incidence of pontine infarction by increasing the plaque burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangchen Li
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China,Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fengxin Chen
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Sheng Xie
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China,Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ce Wang
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Runcai Guo
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuebing Zhang
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zunjing Liu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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Li S, Wei J, Huang R, Li C, Chen H, Qiu Z, Jiang Y, Wu L. High-risk features of basilar artery atherosclerotic plaque. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1019036. [PMID: 36388175 PMCID: PMC9650051 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1019036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) is used to characterize atherosclerotic plaque. The present study aimed to determine the high-risk features of the basilar artery (BA) atherosclerotic plaque. METHODS Patients with advanced BA stenosis were screened. The features including the ruptured fibrous cap (RFC), lipid core, intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), plaque enhancement, and calcification were assessed by using high-resolution MRI. The relationship between the features and acute infarction was analyzed. RESULTS From 1 June 2014 to 31 December 2018, a total of 143 patients with 76 new strokes were included. RFC was identified in 25% of symptomatic and 10.4% of asymptomatic patients. IPH was identified in 48.7% of symptomatic and 25.4% of asymptomatic patients. RFC (3.157, 95% CI 1.062 to 9.382, p = 0.039) and IPH (2.78, 95% CI 1.127 to 6.505, p = 0.026) were independent risk factors for acute infarction. CONCLUSION Our study showed that RFC and IPH of BA plaque were independent risk factors for acute infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiana Wei
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiyun Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenghao Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbing Chen
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongjun Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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A Predictive Model for the Risk of Posterior Circulation Stroke in Patients with Intracranial Atherosclerosis Based on High Resolution MRI. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12040812. [PMID: 35453860 PMCID: PMC9031625 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracranial vertebrobasilar atherosclerosis is the main cause of posterior circulation ischemic stroke. We aimed to construct a predictive model for the risk of posterior circulation ischemic stroke in patients with posterior circulation atherosclerosis based on high-resolution MRI (HR-MRI). A total of 208 consecutive patients with posterior circulation atherosclerosis confirmed by HR-MRI, from January 2020 to July 2021, were retrospectively assessed. They were assigned to the posterior circulation stroke (49 patients) and non-posterior circulation stroke group (159 patients) based on clinical presentation and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Demographic data, risk factors of atherosclerosis, laboratory findings, and imaging characteristics were extracted from electronic health records. Plaque features were investigated by HR-MRI. Fifty-three clinical or imaging features were used to derive the model. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to construct the prediction model. The nomogram was evaluated for calibration, differentiation, and clinical usefulness. Plaque enhancement, plaque irregular surface morphology, artery location of plaque, and dorsal quadrant of plaque location were significant predictors for posterior circulation stroke in patients with intracranial atherosclerosis. Subsequently, these variables were selected to establish a nomogram. The model showed good distinction (C-index 0.830, 95% CI 0.766-0.895). The calibration curve also showed excellent consistency between the prediction of the nomogram and the observed curve. Decision curve analysis further demonstrated that the nomogram conferred significantly high clinical net benefit. The nomogram calculated from plaque characteristics in HR-MRI may accurately predict the posterior circulation stroke occurrence and be of great help for stratification of stroke decision making.
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Zhao JJ, Lu Y, Cui JY, Ma LQ, Zhang RP, Xu Z. Characteristics of symptomatic plaque on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and its relationship with the occurrence and recurrence of ischemic stroke. Neurol Sci 2021; 42:3605-3613. [PMID: 34236554 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05457-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of ischemia stroke. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) are used to evaluate the degree of lumen stenosis. However, these examinations are invasive and can only reveal mild to moderate stenosis. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) seems a more intuitive way to show the pathological changes of vascular wall. Hence, we conducted a systematic retrospective study to determine the characteristics of symptomatic plaques in patients with intracranial atherosclerosis on HRMRI and their association with the occurrence and recurrence of ischemic stroke events. METHODS The PubMed database was searched for relevant studies reported from January 31, 2010, to October 31, 2020. RESULTS We selected 14 clinical outcome studies. We found that plaque enhancement and positive remodeling on HRMRI indicate symptomatic plaques. Besides, intraplaque hemorrhage and positive remodeling index are closely related to the occurrence of stroke. However, it is still controversial whether the initial enhancement of plaque and the occurrence and recurrence of stroke are related. There is also no significant correlation between vascular stenosis and symptomatic plaque or the occurrence and recurrence of ischemic stroke. CONCLUSION High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging can be used as an assessment tool to predict the risk of stroke onset and recurrence in patients with atherosclerosis, but further research is also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Ji Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 899, Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yue Lu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 899, Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jun-Yi Cui
- Department of Neurology, The People's Hospital of Suzhou New District, No. 95, Huashan Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lin-Qing Ma
- Department of Neurology, The People's Hospital of Suzhou New District, No. 95, Huashan Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Run-Ping Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The People's Hospital of Suzhou New District, No. 95, Huashan Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Zhuan Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 899, Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Zheng J, Sun B, Lin R, Teng Y, Zhao X, Xue Y. Association between the vertebrobasilar artery geometry and basilar artery plaques determined by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. BMC Neurosci 2021; 22:20. [PMID: 33765922 PMCID: PMC7992992 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-021-00624-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atherosclerotic plaques are often present in regions of arteries with complicated flow patterns. Vascular morphology plays important role in hemodynamics. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the geometry of the vertebrobasilar artery system and presence of basilar artery (BA) plaque. Methods We enrolled 290 patients with posterior circulation ischemic stroke. We distinguished four configurations of the vertebrobasilar artery: Walking, Tuning Fork, Lambda, and No Confluence. Patients were divided into multi-bending (≥ 3 bends) and oligo-bending (< 3 bends) VA groups. The diameter of the vertebral artery (VA) and the number of bends in the intracranial VA segment were assessed using three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate BA plaques. Logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship between the geometry type and BA plaque prevalence. Results After adjusting for sex, age, body mass index ≥ 28, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, the Walking, Lambda, and No Confluence geometries were associated with the presence of BA plaque (all p < 0.05). Patients with multi-bending VAs in both the Walking (20/28, 71.43% vs. 6/21, 28.57%, p = 0.003) and Lambda group (19/47, 40.43% vs. 21/97, 21.65%, p = 0.018) had more plaques compared to patients with oligo-bending VAs in these groups. In the Lambda group, the difference in diameter of bilateral VAs was larger in patients with BA plaques than that in patients without BA plaques (1.4 mm [IQR: 0.9–1.6 mm] vs. 0.9 mm [IQR: 0.6–1.3 mm], p < 0.001). Conclusions The Walking, Lambda, and No Confluence geometry, ≥ 3 bends in the VAs, and a large diameter difference between bilateral VAs are associated with the presence of BA plaque. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12868-021-00624-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmei Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Ruolan Lin
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Yongqi Teng
- Department of Radiology, Changle District Hospital of Fuzhou, Fuzhou, 350299, Fujian, China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yunjing Xue
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China.
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Song JW, Pavlou A, Xiao J, Kasner SE, Fan Z, Messé SR. Vessel Wall Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers of Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis: A Meta-Analysis. Stroke 2020; 52:193-202. [PMID: 33370193 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.031480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Intracranial atherosclerotic disease is a common cause of stroke worldwide. Intracranial vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging may be able to identify imaging biomarkers of symptomatic plaque. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the strength of association of imaging features of symptomatic plaque leading to downstream ischemic events. Effects on the strength of association were also assessed accounting for possible sources of bias and variability related to study design and magnetic resonance parameters. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched up to October 2019. Two independent reviewers extracted data on study design, vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging techniques, and imaging end points. Per-lesion odds ratios (OR) were calculated and pooled using a bivariate random-effects model. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analysis, and evaluation of publication bias were also performed. RESULTS Twenty-one articles met inclusion criteria (1750 lesions; 1542 subjects). Plaque enhancement (OR, 7.42 [95% CI, 3.35-16.43]), positive remodeling (OR, 5.60 [95% CI, 2.23-14.03]), T1 hyperintensity (OR, 2.05 [95% CI, 1.27-3.32]), and surface irregularity (OR, 4.50 [95% CI, 1.39-8.57]) were significantly associated with downstream ischemic events. T2 signal intensity was not significant (P=0.59). Plaque enhancement was significantly associated with downstream ischemic events in all subgroup analyses and showed stronger associations when measured in retrospectively designed studies (P=0.02), by a radiologist as a rater (P<0.001), and on lower vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging spatial resolution sequences (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Plaque enhancement, positive remodeling, T1 hyperintensity, and surface irregularity emerged as strong imaging biomarkers of symptomatic plaque in patients with ischemic events. Plaque enhancement remained significant accounting for sources of bias and variability in both study design and instrument. Future studies evaluating plaque enhancement as a predictive marker for stroke recurrence with larger sample sizes would be valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae W Song
- Departments of Radiology (J.W.S., A.P.), Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Athanasios Pavlou
- Departments of Radiology (J.W.S., A.P.), Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Jiayu Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA (J.X., Z.F.)
| | - Scott E Kasner
- Neurology (S.E.K., S.R.M.), Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Zhaoyang Fan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA (J.X., Z.F.)
| | - Steven R Messé
- Neurology (S.E.K., S.R.M.), Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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10
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Song JW, Pavlou A, Burke MP, Shou H, Atsina KB, Xiao J, Loevner LA, Mankoff D, Fan Z, Kasner SE. Imaging endpoints of intracranial atherosclerosis using vessel wall MR imaging: a systematic review. Neuroradiology 2020; 63:847-856. [PMID: 33029735 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-020-02575-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The vessel wall MR imaging (VWI) literature was systematically reviewed to assess the criteria and measurement methods of VWI-related imaging endpoints for symptomatic intracranial plaque in patients with ischemic events. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched up to October 2019. Two independent reviewers extracted data from 47 studies. A modified Guideline for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies was used to assess completeness of reporting. RESULTS The specific VWI-pulse sequence used to identify plaque was reported in 51% of studies. A VWI-based criterion to define plaque was reported in 38% of studies. A definition for culprit plaque was reported in 40% of studies. Frequently scored qualitative imaging endpoints were plaque quadrant (21%) and enhancement (21%). Frequently measured quantitative imaging endpoints were stenosis (19%), lumen area (15%), and remodeling index (14%). Reproducibility for all endpoints ranged from good to excellent (range: ICCT1 hyperintensity = 0.451 to ICCstenosis = 0.983). However, rater specialty and years of experience varied among studies. CONCLUSIONS Investigators are using different criteria to identify and measure VWI-imaging endpoints for culprit intracranial plaque. Early awareness of these differences to address methods of acquisition and measurement will help focus research resources and efforts in technique optimization and measurement reproducibility. Consensual definitions to detect plaque will be important to develop automatic lesion detection tools particularly in the era of radiomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae W Song
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Athanasios Pavlou
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Morgan P Burke
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Haochang Shou
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kofi-Buaku Atsina
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jiayu Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Laurie A Loevner
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - David Mankoff
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Zhaoyang Fan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Scott E Kasner
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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11
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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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12
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Samaniego EA, Shaban A, Ortega-Gutierrez S, Roa JA, Hasan DM, Derdeyn C, Dai B, Adams H, Leira E. Stroke mechanisms and outcomes of isolated symptomatic basilar artery stenosis. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2019; 4:189-197. [PMID: 32030202 PMCID: PMC6979872 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2019-000246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background While diffuse atherosclerotic disease affecting the posterior circulation has been described extensively, the prevalence, natural history and angiographic characteristics of isolated symptomatic basilar artery stenosis (ISBAS) remain unknown. Methods We reviewed our prospective institutional database to identify patients with ≥50% symptomatic basilar artery (BA) stenosis without significant atherosclerotic burden in the vertebral or posterior cerebral arteries. Stroke mechanism, collateral circulation, and degree and length of stenosis were analysed. The primary outcome was time from index event to new transient ischaemic attack (TIA), acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) or death. Other outcome variables included modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score on discharge and last follow-up. Results Of 6369 patients with AIS/TIA, 91 (1.43%) had ISBAS. Seventy-three (80.2%) patients presented with AIS and 18 (19.8%) with TIA. Twenty-nine (31.9%) were women and the median age was 66.8±13.6 years. The mean follow-up time was 2.7 years. The most common stroke mechanism was artery-to-artery thromboembolism (45.2%), followed by perforator occlusion (28.7%) and flow-dependent/hypoperfusion (15.1%). The percentage of stenosis was lower in patients who had favourable outcome compared with those with mRS 3-6 on discharge (78.3±14.3 vs 86.9±14.5, p=0.007). Kaplan-Meier curves showed higher recurrence/death rates in patients with ≥80% stenosis, mid-basilar location and poor collateral circulation. Approximately 13% of patients with ISBAS presented with complete BA occlusion. Conclusion ISBAS is an uncommon (1.43%) cause of TIA and AIS. Men in their 60s are mostly affected, and artery-to-artery embolism is the most common stroke mechanism. Mid-basilar location, ≥80% stenosis and poor collateral circulation are important factors associated with worse prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar A Samaniego
- Neurology, Neurosurgery and Radiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Amir Shaban
- Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Santiago Ortega-Gutierrez
- Neurology, Neurosurgery and Radiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jorge A Roa
- Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - David M Hasan
- Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Colin Derdeyn
- Radiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Biyue Dai
- Biostatistics and Public Health, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Harold Adams
- Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Enrique Leira
- Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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13
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Chen L, Liu Q, Shi Z, Tian X, Peng W, Lu J. Interstudy reproducibility of dark blood high-resolution MRI in evaluating basilar atherosclerotic plaque at 3 Tesla. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 24:237-242. [PMID: 30091714 DOI: 10.5152/dir.2018.17373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate the interscan, intraobserver, and interobserver reproducibility of basilar atherosclerotic plaque employing dark blood high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) at 3 Tesla. METHODS Sixteen patients (14 males and 2 females) with > 30% basilar stenosis as identified by conventional magnetic resonance angiography were prospectively recruited for scan and rescan examinations on a 3 Tesla MRI system using T2-weighted turbo spin-echo protocol. Two observers independently measured the areas of vessels and lumens. Wall area was derived by subtracting the lumen area from the vessel area. Areas of vessels, lumens and walls were compared for the evaluation of interscan variability of basilar plaque. To assess the intraobserver variability, one observer reevaluated all the images of the first scan after a 4-week interval. RESULTS Fourteen patients were included in the final analysis. No clinically significant difference was observed for interscan, intraobserver, and interobserver measurements. The intraclass correlations for vessel, lumen, and wall areas were excellent and ranged from 0.973 to 0.981 for the interscan measurements, 0.997 to 0.998 for the intraobserver measurements and 0.979 to 0.985 for the interobserver measurements. The coefficients of variation for quantitative basilar morphology measurements were 4.31%-10.35% for the interscan measurements, 1.41%-4.62% for the intraobserver measurements and 3.79%-8.46% for the interobserver measurements. Compared with the interscan and interobserver measurements, narrow intervals of the scatterplots were observed for the intraobserver measurements by Bland-Altman plots. CONCLUSION Basilar atherosclerotic plaque imaging demonstrates excellent reproducibility at 3 Tesla. The study proves that dark blood HR-MRI may serve as a reliable tool for clinical studies focused on the progression and treatment response of basilar atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luguang Chen
- Department of Radiology, Changhai Hospital of Shanghai, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Radiology, Changhai Hospital of Shanghai, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhang Shi
- Department of Radiology, Changhai Hospital of Shanghai, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Tian
- Department of Radiology, Changhai Hospital of Shanghai, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjia Peng
- Department of Radiology, Changhai Hospital of Shanghai, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianping Lu
- Department of Radiology, Changhai Hospital of Shanghai, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Lee HN, Ryu CW, Yun SJ. Vessel-Wall Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Plaque and Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Neurol 2018; 9:1032. [PMID: 30559708 PMCID: PMC6287366 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Vessel-wall magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been suggested as a valuable tool for assessing intracranial arterial stenosis with additional diagnostic features. However, there is limited conclusive evidence on whether vessel-wall MR imaging of intracranial atherosclerotic plaques provides valuable information for predicting vulnerable lesions. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate which characteristics of intracranial-plaque on vessel-wall MRI are markers of culprit lesions. Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library of Clinical Trials databases were searched for studies reporting the association between vessel-wall MRI characteristics of intracranial plaque and corresponding stroke events. Odds ratios (ORs) for the prevalence of stroke with intracranial-plaque MRI characteristics were pooled in a meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Results: Twenty studies were included in this review. We found a significant association between plaque enhancement (OR, 10.09; 95% CI, 5.38-18.93), positive remodeling (OR, 6.19; 95% CI, 3.22-11.92), and plaque surface irregularity (OR, 3.94; 95% CI, 1.90-8.16) with stroke events. However, no significant difference was found for the presence of eccentricity (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.51-2.91). Conclusion: Based on current evidence, intracranial plaque contrast enhancement, positive remodeling, and plaque irregularity on MRI are associated with increased risk of stroke events. Our findings support the design of future studies on intracranial-plaque MRI and decision making for the management of intracranial atherosclerotic plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Na Lee
- Department of Radiology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chang-Woo Ryu
- Department of Radiology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seong Jong Yun
- Department of Radiology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
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