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Kawabori M, Kuroda S, Shichinohe H, Kahata K, Shiratori S, Ikeda S, Harada T, Hirata K, Tha KK, Aragaki M, Terasaka S, Ito YM, Nishimoto N, Ohnishi S, Yabe I, Kudo K, Houkin K, Fujimura M. Intracerebral transplantation of MRI-trackable autologous bone marrow stromal cells for patients with subacute ischemic stroke. MED 2024; 5:432-444.e4. [PMID: 38547868 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.02.009] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and neurological disability worldwide, and stem cell therapy is highly expected to reverse the sequelae. This phase 1/2, first-in-human study evaluated the safety, feasibility, and monitoring of an intracerebral-transplanted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-trackable autologous bone marrow stromal cell (HUNS001-01) for patients with subacute ischemic stroke. METHODS The study included adults with severe disability due to ischemic stroke. HUNS001-01 cultured with human platelet lysates and labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide was stereotactically transplanted into the peri-infarct area 47-64 days after ischemic stroke onset (dose: 2 or 5 × 107 cells). Neurological and radiographic evaluations were performed throughout 1 year after cell transplantation. The trial was registered at UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (number UMIN000026130). FINDINGS All seven patients who met the inclusion criteria successfully achieved cell expansion, underwent intracerebral transplantation, and completed 1 year of follow-up. No product-related adverse events were observed. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin scale scores before transplantation were 13 and 4, which showed improvements of 1-8 and 0-2, respectively. Cell tracking proved that the engrafted cells migrated toward the infarction border area 1-6 months after transplantation, and the quantitative susceptibility mapping revealed that cell signals at the migrated area constantly increased throughout the follow-up period up to 34% of that of the initial transplanted site. CONCLUSIONS Intracerebral transplantation of HUNS001-01 was safe and well tolerated. Cell tracking shed light on the therapeutic mechanisms of intracerebral transplantation. FUNDING This work was supported by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED; JP17bk0104045 and JP20bk0104011).
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahito Kawabori
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Kuroda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Hideo Shichinohe
- Institute of Health Science Innovation for Medical Care, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Kaoru Kahata
- Institute of Health Science Innovation for Medical Care, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Souichi Shiratori
- Department of Hematology, Hokkaido University Faculty of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ikeda
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Taisuke Harada
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Kenji Hirata
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Khin Khin Tha
- Global Center for Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University Faculty of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Masato Aragaki
- Institute of Health Science Innovation for Medical Care, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Terasaka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Yoichi M Ito
- Institute of Health Science Innovation for Medical Care, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Naoki Nishimoto
- Institute of Health Science Innovation for Medical Care, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Ohnishi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Pharmacology, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Ichiro Yabe
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Kohsuke Kudo
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Kiyohiro Houkin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Miki Fujimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
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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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3
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Wang X, Nai YH, Gan J, Lian CPL, Ryan FK, Tan FSL, Chan DYS, Ng JJ, Lo ZJ, Chong TT, Hausenloy DJ. Multi-Modality Imaging of Atheromatous Plaques in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Integrating Molecular and Imaging Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11123. [PMID: 37446302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common and debilitating condition characterized by the narrowing of the limb arteries, primarily due to atherosclerosis. Non-invasive multi-modality imaging approaches using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear imaging have emerged as valuable tools for assessing PAD atheromatous plaques and vessel walls. This review provides an overview of these different imaging techniques, their advantages, limitations, and recent advancements. In addition, this review highlights the importance of molecular markers, including those related to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress, in PAD pathophysiology. The potential of integrating molecular and imaging markers for an improved understanding of PAD is also discussed. Despite the promise of this integrative approach, there remain several challenges, including technical limitations in imaging modalities and the need for novel molecular marker discovery and validation. Addressing these challenges and embracing future directions in the field will be essential for maximizing the potential of molecular and imaging markers for improving PAD patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Wang
- Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Ying-Hwey Nai
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Julian Gan
- Siemens Healthineers, Singapore 348615, Singapore
| | - Cheryl Pei Ling Lian
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore
| | - Fraser Kirwan Ryan
- Infocomm Technology Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore
| | - Forest Su Lim Tan
- Infocomm Technology Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore
| | - Dexter Yak Seng Chan
- Department of General Surgery, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore 768828, Singapore
| | - Jun Jie Ng
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, National University Heart Centre, Singapore 119074, Singapore
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Zhiwen Joseph Lo
- Vascular Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Woodlands Health, Singapore 258499, Singapore
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Tze Tec Chong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 168752, Singapore
- Surgical Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
- Vascular SingHealth Duke-NUS Disease Centre, Singapore 168752, Singapore
| | - Derek John Hausenloy
- Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre, Singapore 169609, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
- The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK
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Zhang Y, Cui B, Yang H, Ma J, Yang Y, Yang B, Ma Y, Jiao L, Li X, Lu J. Morphological feature and mapping inflammation in classified carotid plaques in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients: A hybrid 18F-FDG PET/MR study. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1144248. [PMID: 37025371 PMCID: PMC10070967 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1144248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate morphological and inflamed-metabolism features of carotid atherosclerotic plaques between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with hybrid 18F-FDG PET/MR imaging. Methods A total of 20 symptomatic and 20 asymptomatic patients with carotid plaques underwent hybrid 18F-FDG PET/MR scans. American heart association (AHA) lesion types were classified, and plaque compositions were further determined on consecutive MRI axial sections in both carotid arteries. 18F-FDG uptake in carotid arteries was quantified using region of interest (ROI) methods based on maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) and target-to-background ratio (TBR) on corresponding positron emission tomography (PET) images. Results A total of seventy-one carotid plaques were quantified. AHA type VI was the most common (23, 32.4%), and the region of carotid bifurcation was the most common place presenting lesions (32, 45.1%). Compared with the asymptomatic group, the prevalence of high-risk features including plaque burden, lumen stenosis, maximum necrotic core area, and maximum intra-plaque hemorrhage area increased in the symptomatic group. Carotid TBR values of plaque in symptomatic group (TBR = 2.56 ± 0.34) was significantly higher than that in asymptomatic group (TBR = 1.57 ± 0.14) (P < 0.05). hs-CRP is an independent risk factor for the stability of carotid plaque. The correlation between normalized wall index (NWI) and TBR values was significantly positive in both the symptomatic and the asymptomatic groups (P < 0.01), and both NWI and TBR were significantly correlated with the level of hs-CRP (P < 0.01). Conclusion Integrated 18F-FDG PET/MR scans presented distinct risk features between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Hybrid 18F-FDG PET/MR systems combined with clinical serum hs-CRP may help distinguish vulnerable carotid plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Bixiao Cui
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Hongwei Yang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liqun Jiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Lu,
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5
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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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Identification Markers of Carotid Vulnerable Plaques: An Update. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091192. [PMID: 36139031 PMCID: PMC9496377 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulnerable plaques have been a hot topic in the field of stroke and carotid atherosclerosis. Currently, risk stratification and intervention of carotid plaques are guided by the degree of luminal stenosis. Recently, it has been recognized that the vulnerability of plaques may contribute to the risk of stroke. Some classical interventions, such as carotid endarterectomy, significantly reduce the risk of stroke in symptomatic patients with severe carotid stenosis, while for asymptomatic patients, clinically silent plaques with rupture tendency may expose them to the risk of cerebrovascular events. Early identification of vulnerable plaques contributes to lowering the risk of cerebrovascular events. Previously, the identification of vulnerable plaques was commonly based on imaging technologies at the macroscopic level. Recently, some microscopic molecules pertaining to vulnerable plaques have emerged, and could be potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets. This review aimed to update the previous summarization of vulnerable plaques and identify vulnerable plaques at the microscopic and macroscopic levels.
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Robson PM, Kaufman A, Pruzan A, Dweck MR, Trivieri MG, Abgral R, Karakatsanis NA, Brunner PM, Guttman E, Fayad ZA, Mani V. Scan-rescan measurement repeatability of 18F-FDG PET/MR imaging of vascular inflammation. J Nucl Cardiol 2022; 29:1660-1670. [PMID: 34046803 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-021-02627-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Non-invasive positron emission tomography (PET) of vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque by identifying increased uptake of 18F-fluordeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) is a powerful tool for monitoring disease activity, progression, and its response to therapy. 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) of the aorta and carotid arteries has become widely used to assess changes in inflammation in clinical trials. However, the recent advent of hybrid PET/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) scanners has advantages for vascular imaging due to the reduction in radiation exposure and improved soft tissue contrast of MR compared to CT. Important for research and clinical use is an understanding of the scan-rescan repeatability of the PET measurement. While this has been studied for PET/CT, no data is currently available for vascular PET/MR imaging. In this study, we determined the scan-rescan measurement repeatability of 18F-FDG PET/MR in the aorta and carotid arteries was less than 5%, comparable to similar findings for 18F-FDG PET/CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M Robson
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Audrey Kaufman
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alison Pruzan
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marc R Dweck
- British Heart Foundation/University Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Maria-Giovanna Trivieri
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ronan Abgral
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, European University of Brittany, EA3878 GETBO, IFR 148, CHRU Brest, Brest, France
| | - Nicolas A Karakatsanis
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patrick M Brunner
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emma Guttman
- Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zahi A Fayad
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Venkatesh Mani
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Geiger MA, Flumignan RLG, Sobreira ML, Avelar WM, Fingerhut C, Stein S, Guillaumon AT. Carotid Plaque Composition and the Importance of Non-Invasive in Imaging Stroke Prevention. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:885483. [PMID: 35651908 PMCID: PMC9149096 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.885483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Luminal stenosis has been the standard feature for the current management strategies in patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease. Histological and imaging studies show considerable differences between plaques with identical degrees of stenosis. They indicate that specific plaque characteristics like Intraplaque hemorrhage, Lipid Rich Necrotic Core, Plaque Inflammation, Thickness and Ulceration are responsible for the increased risk of ischemic events. Intraplaque hemorrhage is defined by the accumulation of blood components within the plaque, Lipid Rich Necrotic Core is composed of macrophages loaded with lipid, Plaque Inflammation is defined as the process of atherosclerosis itself and Plaque thickness and Ulceration are defined as morphological features. Advances in imaging methods like Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasound, Computed Tomography and Positron Emission Tomography have enabled a more detailed characterization of the plaque, and its vulnerability is linked to these characteristics, changing the management of these patients based only on the degree of plaque stenosis. Studies like Rotterdam, ARIC, PARISK, CAPIAS and BIOVASC were essential to evaluate and prove the relevance of these characteristics with cerebrovascular symptoms. A better approach for the prevention of stroke is needed. This review summarizes the more frequent carotid plaque features and the available validation from recent studies with the latest evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Andreas Geiger
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Universidade Estadual de Campinas—UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Martin Andreas Geiger
| | - Ronald Luiz Gomes Flumignan
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcone Lima Sobreira
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Orthopedics, Botucatu Medical School, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wagner Mauad Avelar
- Department of Neurology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas—UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Fingerhut
- Division of Radiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Radiology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas—UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sokrates Stein
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Universidade Estadual de Campinas—UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Terezinha Guillaumon
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Universidade Estadual de Campinas—UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil
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9
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Effect of systemic immune inflammation index on symptom development in patients with moderate to severe carotid stenosis. JOURNAL OF SURGERY AND MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.28982/josam.1055846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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10
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Evans NR, Tarkin JM, Walsh J, Chowdhury MM, Patterson AJ, Graves MJ, Rudd JHF, Warburton EA. Carotid Atheroinflammation Is Associated With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Severity. Front Neurol 2021; 12:690935. [PMID: 34531813 PMCID: PMC8438317 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.690935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Atherosclerosis is a systemic inflammatory disease, with common inflammatory processes implicated in both atheroma vulnerability and blood-brain barrier disruption. This prospective multimodal imaging study aimed to measure directly the association between systemic atheroma inflammation (“atheroinflammation”) and downstream chronic cerebral small vessel disease severity. Methods: Twenty-six individuals with ischemic stroke with ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis of >50% underwent 18fluoride-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography within 2 weeks of stroke. Small vessel disease severity and white matter hyperintensity volume were assessed using 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging also within 2 weeks of stroke. Results: Fluorodeoxyglucose uptake was independently associated with more severe small vessel disease (odds ratio 6.18, 95% confidence interval 2.1–18.2, P < 0.01 for the non-culprit carotid artery) and larger white matter hyperintensity volumes (coefficient = 14.33 mL, P < 0.01 for the non-culprit carotid artery). Conclusion: These proof-of-concept results have important implications for our understanding of the neurovascular interface and potential therapeutic exploitation in the management of systemic atherosclerosis, particularly non-stenotic disease previously considered asymptomatic, in order to reduce the burden of chronic cerebrovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Evans
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jason M Tarkin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Walsh
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrew J Patterson
- Department of Radiology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Martin J Graves
- Department of Radiology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - James H F Rudd
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth A Warburton
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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11
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Mannes PZ, Tavakoli S. Imaging Immunometabolism in Atherosclerosis. J Nucl Med 2021; 62:896-902. [PMID: 33963045 PMCID: PMC8882876 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.120.245407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, there has been a growing recognition of the links between intracellular metabolism and immune cell activation, that is, immunometabolism, and its consequences in atherogenesis. However, most immunometabolic investigations have been conducted in cultured cells through pharmacologic or genetic manipulations of selected immunologic or metabolic pathways, limiting their extrapolation to the complex microenvironment of plaques. In vivo metabolic imaging is ideally situated to address this gap and to determine the clinical implications of immunometabolic alterations for diagnosis and management of patients. Indeed, 18F-FDG has been widely used in clinical studies with promising results for risk stratification of atherosclerosis and monitoring the response to therapeutic interventions, though the biologic basis of its uptake in plaques has been evolving. Herein, we describe recent advances in understanding of immunometabolism of atherosclerosis with an emphasis on macrophages, and we review promising metabolic imaging approaches using 18F-FDG and other PET radiotracers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Z Mannes
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sina Tavakoli
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; .,Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and.,Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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12
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Sriranjan RS, Tarkin JM, Evans NR, Le EPV, Chowdhury MM, Rudd JHF. Atherosclerosis imaging using PET: Insights and applications. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:2186-2203. [PMID: 31517992 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PET imaging is able to harness biological processes to characterise high-risk features of atherosclerotic plaque prone to rupture. Current radiotracers are able to track inflammation, microcalcification, hypoxia, and neoangiogenesis within vulnerable plaque. 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) is the most commonly used radiotracer in vascular studies and is employed as a surrogate marker of plaque inflammation. Increasingly, 18 F-FDG and other PET tracers are also being used to provide imaging endpoints in cardiovascular interventional trials. The evolution of novel PET radiotracers, imaging protocols, and hybrid scanners are likely to enable more efficient and accurate characterisation of high-risk plaque. This review explores the role of PET imaging in atherosclerosis with a focus on PET tracers utilised in clinical research and the applications of PET imaging to cardiovascular drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason M Tarkin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nicholas R Evans
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elizabeth P V Le
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - James H F Rudd
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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13
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Osborne MT, Abohashem S, Zureigat H, Abbasi TA, Tawakol A. Multimodality molecular imaging: Gaining insights into the mechanisms linking chronic stress to cardiovascular disease. J Nucl Cardiol 2021; 28:955-966. [PMID: 33205328 PMCID: PMC8126581 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-020-02424-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging can yield unique mechanistic insights into the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), a radiolabeled glucose analog, is retained by cells in proportion to their glycolytic activity. While 18F-FDG accumulates within several cell types in the arterial wall, its retention correlates with macrophage content, providing an index of arterial inflammation (ArtI) which predicts subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Furthermore, 18F-FDG-PET imaging allows the simultaneous assessment of metabolic activity in several tissues (e.g., brain, bone marrow) and is performed in conjunction with cross-sectional imaging that enables multi-organ structural assessments. Accordingly, 18F-FDG-PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging facilitates evaluation of disease pathways that span multiple organ systems. Within this paradigm, 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging has been implemented to study the mechanism linking chronic stress to CVD. To evaluate this, stress-associated neural activity can be quantified (as metabolic activity of the amygdala (AmygA)), while leukopoietic activity, ArtI, and coronary plaque burden are assessed concurrently. Such simultaneous quantification of tissue structures and activities enables the evaluation of multi-organ pathways with the aid of mediation analysis. Using this approach, multi-system 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging studies have demonstrated that chronically heightened stress-associated neurobiological activity promotes leukopoietic activity and systemic inflammation. This in turn fuels more ArtI and greater non-calcified coronary plaque burden, which result in more CVD events. Subsequent studies have revealed that common stressors, such as chronic noise exposure and income disparities, drive the front end of this pathway to increase CVD risk. Hence, multi-tissue multimodality imaging serves as a powerful tool to uncover complex disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Osborne
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Yawkey 5E, Boston, MA, 02114-2750, USA
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Cardiology Division and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shady Abohashem
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Yawkey 5E, Boston, MA, 02114-2750, USA
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Cardiology Division and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hadil Zureigat
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Yawkey 5E, Boston, MA, 02114-2750, USA
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Cardiology Division and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Taimur A Abbasi
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Yawkey 5E, Boston, MA, 02114-2750, USA
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Cardiology Division and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ahmed Tawakol
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Yawkey 5E, Boston, MA, 02114-2750, USA.
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Cardiology Division and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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14
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BenAri O, Efrati S, Sano M, Bendlin BB, Lin H, Liu X, Sela I, Almog G, Livny A, Sandler I, Ben‐Haim S, Sagi R, LeRoith D, Schnaider Beeri M, Ravona‐Springer R. A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial testing the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on brain and cognitive outcomes of mildly cognitively impaired elderly with type 2 diabetes: Study design. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2020; 6:e12008. [PMID: 32296731 PMCID: PMC7153432 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a risk factor for dementia. Ischemia due to vascular pathology is hypothesized to be an underlying mechanism for this association. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment in which oxygen-enriched air (up to 100%) is administered to patients in a chamber at a pressure above one atmosphere absolute. HBOT is approved for the treatment of T2D ischemic non-healing wounds. Evidence from animal studies and small clinical trials suggests that HBOT improves hypoxic/ischemic brain injuries, consequently inducing brain angiogensis, leading to cognitive improvement. METHODS We present the design of the first double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial on brain and cognitive outcomes in elderly (n = 154) with T2D and mild cognitive impairment to compare the effects of HBOT versus sham (normal air with 1.1 ATA pressure in the first and last 5 minutes of the session). Eligible candidates are randomized with equal probability to HBOT and sham. Outcomes are assessed before and after treatment, and at 6- and 12-month follow-up. The primary cognitive outcome is global cognitive change, indexed by a composite sum of z-scores of four executive functions and four episodic memory tests. The primary neurobiological outcome is cerebral blood flow (CBF; via arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging [ASL-MRI]) and cerebral glucose utilization via fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). Secondary outcome measures are specific cognitive domains (executive function and episodic memory) and functional measures (Clinical Dementia Rating sum of boxes, activities of daily living). Efficacy analyses will be performed for the intent-to-treat sample. DISCUSSION Recent studies suggest that HBOT induces neuroplasticity and improves cognition in post-stroke and traumatic brain injury patients. However, its effect on cognition, cerebral blood flow, and brain glucose utilization in T2D patients at high dementia risk is yet to be determined. If effective, this study may provide strong evidence for the brain and cognitive benefits of HBOT in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ori BenAri
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience CenterSheba Medical CenterTel‐HashomerRamat‐GanIsrael
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Shai Efrati
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Sagol center for Hyperbaric Medicine & ResearchShamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical CenterBe'er Ya'akovIsrael
| | - Mary Sano
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Barbara B. Bendlin
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison School of Medicine and Public HealthMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - HungMo Lin
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Inbar Sela
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience CenterSheba Medical CenterTel‐HashomerRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Ganit Almog
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience CenterSheba Medical CenterTel‐HashomerRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Abigail Livny
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience CenterSheba Medical CenterTel‐HashomerRamat‐GanIsrael
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Division of Diagnostic ImagingSheba Medical CenterTel‐HashomerRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Israel Sandler
- Department of Nuclear MedicineSheba Medical CenterTel‐HashomerRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Simona Ben‐Haim
- Department of Biophysics and Nuclear MedicineHadassah University HospitalEin KeremJerusalemIsrael
- Institute of Nuclear MedicineUniversity College London HospitalsNHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Roy Sagi
- Sagol center for Hyperbaric Medicine & ResearchShamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical CenterBe'er Ya'akovIsrael
| | - Derek LeRoith
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Michal Schnaider Beeri
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience CenterSheba Medical CenterTel‐HashomerRamat‐GanIsrael
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Ramit Ravona‐Springer
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience CenterSheba Medical CenterTel‐HashomerRamat‐GanIsrael
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Department of PsychiatrySheba Medical CenterTel‐HashomerRamat‐GanIsrael
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15
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Evans NR, Tarkin JM, Le EP, Sriranjan RS, Corovic A, Warburton EA, Rudd JH. Integrated cardiovascular assessment of atherosclerosis using PET/MRI. Br J Radiol 2020; 93:20190921. [PMID: 32238077 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20190921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a systemic inflammatory disease typified by the development of lipid-rich atheroma (plaques), the rupture of which are a major cause of myocardial infarction and stroke. Anatomical evaluation of the plaque considering only the degree of luminal stenosis overlooks features associated with vulnerable plaques, such as high-risk morphological features or pathophysiology, and hence risks missing vulnerable or ruptured non-stenotic plaques. Consequently, there has been interest in identifying these markers of vulnerability using either MRI for morphology, or positron emission tomography (PET) for physiological processes involved in atherogenesis. The advent of hybrid PET/MRI scanners offers the potential to combine the strengths of PET and MRI to allow comprehensive assessment of the atherosclerotic plaque. This review will discuss the principles and technical aspects of hybrid PET/MRI assessment of atherosclerosis, and consider how combining the complementary modalities of PET and MRI has already furthered our understanding of atherogenesis, advanced drug development, and how it may hold potential for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Evans
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jason M Tarkin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Pv Le
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rouchelle S Sriranjan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrej Corovic
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth A Warburton
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - James Hf Rudd
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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16
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Molecular imaging of carotid artery atherosclerosis with PET: a systematic review. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2019; 47:2016-2025. [PMID: 31786626 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-019-04622-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To conduct a systematic review of articles on PET imaging of carotid atherosclerosis with emphasis on clinical usefulness and comparison with other imaging modalities. METHODS Research articles reporting carotid artery PET imaging with different radiotracers until 30 November 2018 were systematically searched for in Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library. Duplicates were removed, and editorials, case studies, and investigations on feasibility or reproducibility of PET imaging and of patients with end-stage diseases or immunosuppressive medications were omitted. After quality assessment of included articles using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists, all eligible articles were reviewed. RESULTS Of 1718 primary hits, 53 studies comprising 4472 patients, aged 47-91 years (78.8% males), were included and grouped under the following headlines: diagnostic performance, risk factors, laboratory findings, imaging modalities, and treatment. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) (49/53) and 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) (5/53) were the most utilized tracers to visualize carotid wall inflammation and microcalcification, respectively. Higher carotid FDG uptake was demonstrated in patients with than without symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis. Normal carotid arteries presented with the lowest FDG uptake. In symptomatic atherosclerosis, carotid arteries ipsilateral to a cerebrovascular event had higher FDG uptake than the contralateral carotid artery. FDG uptake was significantly associated with age, male gender, and body mass index in healthy individuals, and in addition with arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus in patients. Histological assessment indicated a strong correlation between microcalcification and NaF uptake in symptomatic patients. Histological evidence of calcification correlated inversely with FDG uptake, which was associated with increased macrophage and CD68 count, both accounting for increased local inflammatory response. CONCLUSION FDG-PET visualizes the inflammatory part of carotid atherosclerosis enabling risk stratification to a certain degree, whereas NaF-PET seems to indicate long-term consequences of ongoing inflammation by demonstrating microcalcification allowing discrimination of atherosclerotic from normal arteries and suggesting clinically significant carotid atherosclerosis.
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17
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Hori S, Hori E, Shibata T, Umemura K, Okamoto S, Kubo M, Horie Y, Kuroda S. Correlation Between Cerebral Microbleeds and Vulnerable Plaque in Patients with Severe Carotid Artery Stenosis; Comparative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2019; 28:104300. [PMID: 31358356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
GOAL There are an increasing idea that the inflammation contributes to vascular diseases in various organs. The pathogenesis of both cerebral small vessel disease such as cerebral microbleeds and carotid plaque may be associated with chronic inflammation. This study was aimed to evaluate the correlation between microbleeds and carotid plaque characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study enrolled 85 patients who underwent surgical/endovascular treatments for carotid artery stenosis between January 2009 and July 2016. Their clinical data were precisely analyzed. T2*-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed to detect the cerebral microbleeds. The carotid plaque with high signal intensity on T1-weighted MR imaging was categorized into vulnerable plaque. FINDINGS The microbleeds was detected in 17 of 85 (20%). The prevalence of vulnerable carotid plaque and previous symptomatic lacunar infarction was significantly greater in the patients with microbleeds than in those without (P = .001 and P = .03, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the vulnerable plaque was significantly associated with the presence of microbleeds when adjusted for age, alcohol intake, antiplatelet drug use, the presence of previous symptomatic lacunar infarction, and coronary artery disease (P = .009, OR = 5.38, 95% CI = 1.51-21.0). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest the correlation between microbleeds and vulnerable plaque in patients with severe (>70%) carotid artery stenosis. Systemic, chronic inflammation may play a key role in both small and large arteries' disease of the brain. The knowledge may be valuable to fully understand the entity of cerebrovascular diseases as one of systemic, chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Hori
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stroke Center, Saiseikai Toyama Hospital, Toyama, Japan.
| | - Emiko Hori
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stroke Center, Saiseikai Toyama Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takashi Shibata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stroke Center, Saiseikai Toyama Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kimiko Umemura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stroke Center, Saiseikai Toyama Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Soushi Okamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stroke Center, Saiseikai Toyama Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Michiya Kubo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stroke Center, Saiseikai Toyama Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yukio Horie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stroke Center, Saiseikai Toyama Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuroda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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18
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Chaker S, Al-Dasuqi K, Baradaran H, Demetres M, Delgado D, Nehmeh S, Osborne JR, Christos PJ, Kamel H, Gupta A. Carotid Plaque Positron Emission Tomography Imaging and Cerebral Ischemic Disease. Stroke 2019; 50:2072-2079. [PMID: 31272325 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.118.023987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose- The clinical utility of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in evaluating carotid artery plaque vulnerability remains unclear. Two tracers of recent interest for carotid plaque imaging are 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) and 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the association between carotid artery 18F-FDG or 18F-NaF uptake and recent or future cerebral ischemic events. Methods- A systematic review of Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and the Cochrane library was conducted from inception to December 2017 for articles evaluating PET tracer uptake in recently symptomatic versus asymptomatic carotid arteries, and articles evaluating carotid uptake in relation to future ischemic events. Cerebral ischemic events were defined as ipsilateral strokes, transient ischemic attacks, or amaurosis fugax. We quantitatively pooled studies by a random-effects model when 3 or more studies were amenable for analysis. We assessed the standardized mean difference between tracer uptake in the symptomatic versus asymptomatic carotid artery using Cohen's d metric. Results- After screening 4144 unique articles, 13 prospective cohort studies assessing carotid artery 18F-FDG uptake in patients with recent cerebral ischemia were eligible for review. Eleven cohorts of 290 subjects scanned with 18F-FDG were eligible for meta-analysis. We found that carotid arteries ipsilateral to recent ischemic events had significantly higher 18F-FDG uptake than asymptomatic arteries (Cohen's d =0.492; CI=0.130-0.855; P=0.008) as well as significant heterogeneity (Cochran's Q =31.5; P=0.0005; I2=68.3%). Meta-regression was not performed due to the limited number of studies in the analysis. Only 2 studies investigating 18F-NaF PET imaging, and another 2 articles investigating ischemic event recurrence were found. Conclusions- Recent ipsilateral cerebral ischemia may be associated with increased carotid 18F-FDG uptake on PET imaging regardless of degree of carotid stenosis, although significant heterogeneity was found, and these results should be interpreted with caution. Emerging evidence suggests a similar association may be present with 18F-NaF plaque uptake. More studies are warranted to provide definitive conclusions on the utility of 18F-FDG or 18F-NaF in carotid plaque evaluation before investigating carotid PET as a diagnostic tool for cerebral ischemic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salama Chaker
- From the Department of Radiology (S.C., S.N., J.R.O., A.G.), Weill Cornell Medicine
| | - Khalid Al-Dasuqi
- Department of Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine (K.A.-D.)
| | | | - Michelle Demetres
- Samuel J. Wood Library and C.V. Starr Biomedical Information Center (M.D., D.D.), Weill Cornell Medicine
| | - Diana Delgado
- Samuel J. Wood Library and C.V. Starr Biomedical Information Center (M.D., D.D.), Weill Cornell Medicine
| | - Sadek Nehmeh
- From the Department of Radiology (S.C., S.N., J.R.O., A.G.), Weill Cornell Medicine
| | - Joseph R Osborne
- From the Department of Radiology (S.C., S.N., J.R.O., A.G.), Weill Cornell Medicine
| | - Paul J Christos
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research (P.J.C.), Weill Cornell Medicine
| | - Hooman Kamel
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Unit, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute and Department of Neurology (H.K., A.G.), Weill Cornell Medicine
| | - Ajay Gupta
- From the Department of Radiology (S.C., S.N., J.R.O., A.G.), Weill Cornell Medicine.,Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Unit, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute and Department of Neurology (H.K., A.G.), Weill Cornell Medicine
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19
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Giannopoulos AA, Benz DC, Gräni C, Buechel RR. Imaging the event-prone coronary artery plaque. J Nucl Cardiol 2019; 26:141-153. [PMID: 28685252 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-017-0982-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Acute coronary events, the dreaded manifestation of coronary atherosclerosis, remain one of the main contributors to mortality and disability in the developed world. The majority of those events are associated with atherosclerotic plaques-related thrombus formation following an acute disruption, that being rupture or erosion, of an event-prone lesion. These historically termed vulnerable plaques have been the target of numerous benchtop and clinical research endeavors, yet to date without solid results that would allow for early identification and potential treatment. Technological leaps in cardiovascular imaging have provided novel insights into the formation and role of the event-prone plaques. From intracoronary optical coherence tomography that has enhanced our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of plaque disruption, over coronary computed tomography angiography that enables non-invasive serial plaque imaging, and positron emission tomography poised to be rapidly implemented into clinical practice to the budding field of plaque imaging with cardiac magnetic resonance, we summarize the invasive and non-invasive imaging modalities currently available in our armamentarium. Finally, the current status and potential future imaging directions are critically appraised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Giannopoulos
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cardiac Imaging, University Hospital Zurich, Ramistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik C Benz
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cardiac Imaging, University Hospital Zurich, Ramistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Gräni
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cardiac Imaging, University Hospital Zurich, Ramistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ronny R Buechel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cardiac Imaging, University Hospital Zurich, Ramistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
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20
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Kashiwazaki D, Shiraishi K, Yamamoto S, Kamo T, Uchino H, Saito H, Akioka N, Kuwayama N, Noguchi K, Kuroda S. Efficacy of Carotid Endarterectomy for Mild (<50%) Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis with Unstable Plaque. World Neurosurg 2019; 121:e60-e69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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21
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Hamada S, Kashiwazaki D, Yamamoto S, Akioka N, Kuwayama N, Kuroda S. Impact of Plaque Composition on Risk of Coronary Artery Diseases in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2018; 27:3599-3604. [PMID: 30219630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2018.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECT Recent clinical studies have recently demonstrated a strong association between carotid artery stenosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the clinical impact of carotid plaque composition on CAD remains unclear. This study was aimed to determine the relationship between carotid plaque composition and CAD in patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS). METHODS This prospective cohort study included a total of 97 patients who were admitted to our institution between January 2012 and April 2016. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed to semi-quantitatively analyze the components of carotid plaques by calculating the ratio of plaque intensity to muscle intensity on T1-weighted image. Diagnosis of CAD was based on patient history and clinical examinations during preoperative, postoperative and follow-up periods. Multivariate logistic analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for CAD. The relationship between contralateral plaque composition and CAD was also investigated. RESULTS Of 97 patients, 33 were diagnosed as having 44 episodes of CAD. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that ASO (odds ratio [OR], 5.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-18.9), contralateral carotid occlusive disease (OR, 6.5; 95%CI, 1.7-22.9), and plaque/muscle ratio (OR, 3.0; 95%CI, 1.4-10.1) were independent factors for predicting CAD. The patients diagnosed as having CAD during the follow-up period had significantly higher plaque/muscle ratio than those with CAD on preoperative evaluations (2.29 ± .21vs. 1.97 ± .33, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS This study clearly demonstrates that ASO, contralateral carotid artery stenosis, and high-intensity carotid plaque on T1-weighted MRI independently predict CAD. Contralateral carotid plaque composition was also associated with concomitant CAD. Moreover, high-intensity carotid plaque may predict the future development of CAD. Therefore, unstable carotid plaque should be considered as the clinical phenotype of systemic inflammation and a novel, robust marker for future CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saori Hamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Daina Kashiwazaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.
| | - Shusuke Yamamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Naoki Akioka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Naoya Kuwayama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuroda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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Cocker MS, Spence JD, Hammond R, deKemp RA, Lum C, Wells G, Bernick J, Hill A, Nagpal S, Stotts G, Alturkustani M, Adeeko A, Yerofeyeva Y, Rayner K, Peterson J, Khan AR, Naidas AC, Garrard L, Yaffe MJ, Leung E, Prato FS, Tardif JC, Beanlands RSB. [18F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT imaging as a marker of carotid plaque inflammation: Comparison to immunohistology and relationship to acuity of events. Int J Cardiol 2018; 271:378-386. [PMID: 30007487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.05.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) uptake imaged with positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) may serve as a biomarker of plaque inflammation. This study evaluated the relationship between carotid plaque 18FDG uptake and a) intraplaque expression of macrophage and macrophage-like cellular CD68 immunohistology; b) intraplaque inflammatory burden using leukocyte-sensitive CD45 immunohistology; c) symptomatic patient presentation; d) time from last cerebrovascular event. METHODS 54 patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy underwent 18FDG PET/CT imaging. Maximum 18FDG uptake (SUVmax) and tissue-to-blood ratio (TBRmax) was measured for carotid plaques. Quantitative immunohistological analysis of macrophage-like cell expression (CD68) and leukocyte content (CD45) was performed. RESULTS 18FDG uptake was related to CD68 macrophage expression (TBRmax: r = 0.51, p < 0.001), and total-plaque leukocyte CD45 expression (TBRmax: r = 0.632, p = 0.009, p < 0.001). 18FDG TBRmax uptake in carotid plaque associated with patient symptoms was greater than asymptomatic plaque (3.58 ± 1.01 vs. 3.13 ± 1.10, p = 0.008). 18FDG uptake differed between an acuity threshold of <90 days and >90 days (SUVmax:3.15 ± 0.87 vs. 2.52 ± 0.45, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS In this CAIN cohort, 18FDG uptake imaged with PET/CT serves a surrogate marker of intraplaque inflammatory macrophage, macrophage-like cell and leukocyte burden. 18FDG uptake is greater in plaque associated with patient symptoms and those with recent cerebrovascular events. Future studies are needed to relate 18FDG uptake and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myra S Cocker
- Molecular Function and Imaging Program and the National Cardiac PET Centre, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - J David Spence
- Stroke Prevention & Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Robert Hammond
- Department of Pathology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Robert A deKemp
- Molecular Function and Imaging Program and the National Cardiac PET Centre, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Cheemun Lum
- Department of Radiology, University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - George Wells
- Cardiovascular Research Methods Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jordan Bernick
- Cardiovascular Research Methods Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Andrew Hill
- Cardiovascular Research Methods Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Sudhir Nagpal
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Grant Stotts
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Adebayo Adeeko
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Yulia Yerofeyeva
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Katey Rayner
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Joan Peterson
- Cardiovascular Research Methods Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Ali R Khan
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Ann C Naidas
- Department of Pathology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Linda Garrard
- Molecular Function and Imaging Program and the National Cardiac PET Centre, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Martin J Yaffe
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Eugene Leung
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Frank S Prato
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jean-Claude Tardif
- Division of Cardiology, Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Rob S B Beanlands
- Molecular Function and Imaging Program and the National Cardiac PET Centre, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiology, University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Giannopoulos AA, Gaemperli O. Hybrid Imaging in Ischemic Heart Disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 71:382-390. [PMID: 29329818 DOI: 10.1016/j.rec.2017.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Hybrid imaging for ischemic heart disease refers to the fusion of information from a single or usually from multiple cardiovascular imaging modalities enabling synergistic assessment of the presence, the extent, and the severity of coronary atherosclerotic disease along with the hemodynamic significance of lesions and/or with evaluation of the myocardial function. A combination of coronary computed tomography angiography with myocardial perfusion imaging, such as single-photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography, has been adopted in several centers and implemented in international coronary artery disease management guidelines. Interest has increased in novel hybrid methods including coronary computed tomography angiography-derived fractional flow reserve and computed tomography perfusion and these techniques hold promise for the imminent diagnostic and management approaches of patients with coronary artery disease. In this review, we discuss the currently available hybrid noninvasive imaging modalities used in clinical practice, research approaches, and exciting potential future technological developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Giannopoulos
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cardiac Imaging, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Gaemperli
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cardiac Imaging, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Liberale L, Dallegri F, Carbone F, Montecucco F. Pathophysiological relevance of macrophage subsets in atherogenesis. Thromb Haemost 2017; 117:7-18. [DOI: 10.1160/th16-08-0593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
SummaryMacrophages are highly heterogeneous and plastic cells. They were shown to play a critical role in all stages of atherogenesis, from the initiation to the necrotic core formation and plaque rupture. Lesional macrophages primarily derive from blood monocyte, but local macrophage proliferation as well as differentiation from smooth muscle cells have also been described. Within atherosclerotic plaques, macrophages rapidly respond to changes in the microenvironment, shifting between pro- (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) functional phenotypes. Furthermore, different stimuli have been associated with differentiation of newly discovered M2 subtypes: IL-4/IL-13 (M2a), immunecomplex (M2b), IL-10/glucocorticoids (M2c), and adenosine receptor agonist (M2d). More recently, additional intraplaque macrophage phenotypes were also recognized in response to CXCL4 (M4), oxidized phospholipids (Mox), haemoglobin/haptoglobin complexes (HAmac/M(Hb)), and heme (Mhem). Such macrophage polarization was described as a progression among multiple phenotypes, which reflect the activity of different transcriptional factors and the cross-talk between intracellular signalling. Finally, the distribution of macrophage subsets within different plaque areas was markedly associated with cardiovascular (CV) vulnerability. The aim of this review is to update the current knowledge on the role of macrophage subsets in atherogenesis. In addition, the molecular mechanisms underlying macrophage phenotypic shift will be summarised and discussed. Finally, the role of intraplaque macrophages as predictors of CV events and the therapeutic potential of these cells will be discussed.
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Robson PM, Dey D, Newby DE, Berman D, Li D, Fayad ZA, Dweck MR. MR/PET Imaging of the Cardiovascular System. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2017; 10:1165-1179. [PMID: 28982570 PMCID: PMC6415529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2017.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular imaging has largely focused on identifying structural, functional, and metabolic changes in the heart. The ability to reliably assess disease activity would have major potential clinical advantages, including the identification of early disease, differentiating active from stable conditions, and monitoring disease progression or response to therapy. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging now allows such assessments of disease activity to be acquired in the heart, whereas magnetic resonance (MR) scanning provides detailed anatomic imaging and tissue characterization. Hybrid MR/PET scanners therefore combine the strengths of 2 already powerful imaging modalities. Simultaneous acquisition of the 2 scans also provides added benefits, including improved scanning efficiency, motion correction, and partial volume correction. Radiation exposure is lower than with hybrid PET/computed tomography scanning, which might be particularly beneficial in younger patients who may need repeated scans. The present review discusses the expanding clinical literature investigating MR/PET imaging, highlights its advantages and limitations, and explores future potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M Robson
- Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Damini Dey
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - David E Newby
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Berman
- Departments of Imaging and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Debiao Li
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zahi A Fayad
- Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Marc R Dweck
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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Xiong XD, Xiong WD, Xiong SS, Chen GH. Research Progress on the Risk Factors and Outcomes of Human Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques. Chin Med J (Engl) 2017; 130:722-729. [PMID: 28303857 PMCID: PMC5358424 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.201598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process that results in complex lesions or plaques that protrude into the arterial lumen. Carotid atherosclerotic plaque rupture, with distal atheromatous debris embolization, causes cerebrovascular events. This review aimed to explore research progress on the risk factors and outcomes of human carotid atherosclerotic plaques, and the molecular and cellular mechanisms of human carotid atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability for therapeutic intervention. Data Sources: We searched the PubMed database for recently published research articles up to June 2016, with the key words of “risk factors”, “outcomes”, “blood components”, “molecular mechanisms”, “cellular mechanisms”, and “human carotid atherosclerotic plaques”. Study Selection: The articles, regarding the latest developments related to the risk factors and outcomes, atherosclerotic plaque composition, blood components, and consequences of human carotid atherosclerotic plaques, and the molecular and cellular mechanisms of human carotid atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability for therapeutic intervention, were selected. Results: This review described the latest researches regarding the interactive effects of both traditional and novel risk factors for human carotid atherosclerotic plaques, novel insights into human carotid atherosclerotic plaque composition and blood components, and consequences of human carotid atherosclerotic plaque. Conclusion: Carotid plaque biology and serologic biomarkers of vulnerability can be used to predict the risk of cerebrovascular events. Furthermore, plaque composition, rather than lesion burden, seems to most predict rupture and subsequent thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Dong Xiong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022; Department of Neurology, Lu'an Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (People's Hospital of Lu'an City), Lu'an, Anhui 237005, China
| | - Wei-Dong Xiong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022; High and New Technology Group Office, Hefei National Level High and New Technology Development Zone, Hefei, Anhui 230088, China
| | - Shang-Shen Xiong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022; High and New Technology Group Office, Hefei National Level High and New Technology Development Zone, Hefei, Anhui 230088, China
| | - Gui-Hai Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022; Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Chaohu, Anhui 238000, China
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Shi Y, Gao Y, Zou X, Chen L, Li Y. Imaging of carotid artery inflammatory plaques with superparamagnetic nanoparticles and an external magnet collar. J Mater Chem B 2017; 5:797-806. [PMID: 32263848 DOI: 10.1039/c6tb02849g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is one of the top three fatal diseases in human history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery
- Huashan Hospital
- Fudan University
- Shanghai 200040
- P. R. China
| | - Yongping Gao
- Lab of Low-Dimensional Materials Chemistry
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
| | - Xiang Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery
- Huashan Hospital
- Fudan University
- Shanghai 200040
- P. R. China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery
- Huashan Hospital
- Fudan University
- Shanghai 200040
- P. R. China
| | - Yongsheng Li
- Lab of Low-Dimensional Materials Chemistry
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
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Evans NR, Tarkin JM, Chowdhury MM, Warburton EA, Rudd JHF. PET Imaging of Atherosclerotic Disease: Advancing Plaque Assessment from Anatomy to Pathophysiology. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2016; 18:30. [PMID: 27108163 PMCID: PMC4842219 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-016-0584-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. It is now widely recognized that the disease is more than simply a flow-limiting process and that the atheromatous plaque represents a nidus for inflammation with a consequent risk of plaque rupture and atherothrombosis, leading to myocardial infarction or stroke. However, widely used conventional clinical imaging techniques remain anatomically focused, assessing only the degree of arterial stenosis caused by plaques. Positron emission tomography (PET) has allowed the metabolic processes within the plaque to be detected and quantified directly. The increasing armory of radiotracers has facilitated the imaging of distinct metabolic aspects of atherogenesis and plaque destabilization, including macrophage-mediated inflammatory change, hypoxia, and microcalcification. This imaging modality has not only furthered our understanding of the disease process in vivo with new insights into mechanisms but has also been utilized as a non-invasive endpoint measure in the development of novel treatments for atherosclerotic disease. This review provides grounding in the principles of PET imaging of atherosclerosis, the radioligands in use and in development, its research and clinical applications, and future developments for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Evans
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
| | - Jason M Tarkin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Mohammed M Chowdhury
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Warburton
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - James H F Rudd
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
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Matrix Metalloproteinases in Non-Neoplastic Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17071178. [PMID: 27455234 PMCID: PMC4964549 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17071178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases belonging to the metzincin superfamily. There are at least 23 members of MMPs ever reported in human, and they and their substrates are widely expressed in many tissues. Recent growing evidence has established that MMP not only can degrade a variety of components of extracellular matrix, but also can cleave and activate various non-matrix proteins, including cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, contributing to both physiological and pathological processes. In normal conditions, MMP expression and activity are tightly regulated via interactions between their activators and inhibitors. Imbalance among these factors, however, results in dysregulated MMP activity, which causes tissue destruction and functional alteration or local inflammation, leading to the development of diverse diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, neurodegenerative disease, as well as cancer. This article focuses on the accumulated evidence supporting a wide range of roles of MMPs in various non-neoplastic diseases and provides an outlook on the therapeutic potential of inhibiting MMP action.
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Kurosaki Y, Yoshida K, Fukumitsu R, Sadamasa N, Handa A, Chin M, Yamagata S. Carotid artery plaque assessment using quantitative expansive remodeling evaluation and MRI plaque signal intensity. J Neurosurg 2016; 124:736-42. [DOI: 10.3171/2015.2.jns142783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT
Plaque characteristics and morphology are important indicators of plaque vulnerability. MRI-detected intraplaque hemorrhage has a great effect on plaque vulnerability. Expansive remodeling, which has been considered compensatory enlargement of the arterial wall in the progression of atherosclerosis, is one of the criteria of vulnerable plaque in the coronary circulation. The purpose of this study was risk stratification of carotid artery plaque through the evaluation of quantitative expansive remodeling and MRI plaque signal intensity.
METHODS
Both preoperative carotid artery T1-weighted axial and long-axis MR images of 70 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) were studied. The expansive remodeling ratio (ERR) was calculated from the ratio of the linear diameter of the artery at the thickest segment of the plaque to the diameter of the artery on the long-axis image. Relative plaque signal intensity (rSI) was also calculated from the axial image, and the patients were grouped as follows: Group A = rSI ≥ 1.40 and ERR ≥ 1.66; Group B = rSI< 1.40 and ERR ≥ 1.66; Group C = rSI ≥ 1.40 and ERR < 1.66; and Group D = rSI < 1.40 and ERR < 1.66. Ischemic events within 6 months were retrospectively evaluated in each group.
RESULTS
Of the 70 patients, 17 (74%) in Group A, 6 (43%) in Group B, 7 (44%) in Group C, and 6 (35%) in Group D had ischemic events. Ischemic events were significantly more common in Group A than in Group D (p = 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
In the present series of patients with carotid artery stenosis scheduled for CEA or CAS, patients with plaque with a high degree of expansion of the vessel and T1 high signal intensity were at higher risk of ischemic events. The combined assessment of plaque characterization with MRI and morphological evaluation using ERR might be useful in risk stratification for carotid lesions, which should be validated by a prospective, randomized study of asymptomatic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kazumichi Yoshida
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryu Fukumitsu
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nobutake Sadamasa
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Okayama; and
| | - Akira Handa
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Okayama; and
| | - Masaki Chin
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Okayama; and
| | - Sen Yamagata
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Okayama; and
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Hosaka A, Kato M, Motoki M, Sugai H, Okubo N. Quantified Aortic Luminal Irregularity as a Predictor of Complications and Prognosis After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e2863. [PMID: 26945368 PMCID: PMC4782852 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000002863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Atheromatous degeneration of the aorta is considered to be a risk factor for postoperative embolic complications after endovascular treatment, and is associated with a high incidence of vascular events in the long term. We devised a method to quantify the shagginess of the aorta using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images. This study examined the method's validity and prognostic usefulness in patients undergoing elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). We retrospectively investigated 427 patients who underwent elective EVAR between 2007 and 2013. Preoperative contrast-enhanced CT images with a slice thickness of 1 mm were analyzed using a workstation, and the degree of aortic luminal irregularity from the level of the left subclavian artery ostium to that of the celiac artery ostium was quantified by computing a shagginess score. We compared the computed scores with subjective visual assessments of aortic shagginess. Subsequently, we evaluated the relationship between the computed scores and postoperative prognosis. The shagginess scores were significantly correlated with the visual assessments of the aortic lumen, which were performed by 5 experienced vascular surgeons (rho ranged from 0.564-0.654, all P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the shagginess score was independently associated with the development of renal impairment within a month after EVAR (odds ratio, 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83-4.22, P < 0.001). The shagginess score was significantly higher in patients who suffered postoperative intestinal and peripheral ischemic complications, as compared with those who did not (P < 0.001). The mean postoperative follow-up period was 1207 ± 641 days. Cox proportional hazards regression showed that the shagginess score was a significant independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.37; 95% CI, 1.09-1.72, P = 0.007, and HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.04-2.18, P = 0.030, respectively). The results suggest that the shagginess score provides a quantitative reflection of aortic luminal irregularity. It may serve as a useful predictive factor for postoperative renal function deterioration, embolic complications, and long-term mortality after elective EVAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Hosaka
- From the Department of Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center, Tokyo (AH), and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Morinomiya Hospital, Osaka (MK, MM, HS, NO), Japan
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Brinjikji W, Huston J, Rabinstein AA, Kim GM, Lerman A, Lanzino G. Contemporary carotid imaging: from degree of stenosis to plaque vulnerability. J Neurosurg 2016. [DOI: 10.3171/2015.1.jns142452.test] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gyeong-Moon Kim
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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The Role of MR Enterography in Assessing Crohn's Disease Activity and Treatment Response. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2015; 2016:8168695. [PMID: 26819611 PMCID: PMC4706951 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8168695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MR enterography (MRE) has become the primary imaging modality in the assessment of Crohn's disease (CD) in both children and adults at many institutions in the United States and worldwide, primarily due to its noninvasiveness, superior soft tissue contrast, and lack of ionizing radiation. MRE technique includes distention of the small bowel with oral contrast media with the acquisition of T2-weighted, balanced steady-state free precession, and multiphase T1-weighted fat suppressed gadolinium contrast-enhanced sequences. With the introduction of molecule-targeted biologic agents into the clinical setting for CD and their potential to reverse the inflammatory process, MRE is increasingly utilized to evaluate disease activity and response to therapy as an imaging complement to clinical indices or optical endoscopy. New and emerging MRE techniques, such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), magnetization transfer, ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide- (USPIO-) enhanced MRI, and PET-MR, offer the potential for an expanded role of MRI in detecting occult disease activity, evaluating early treatment response/resistance, and differentiating inflammatory from fibrotic strictures. Familiarity with MR enterography is essential for radiologists and gastroenterologists as the technique evolves and is further incorporated into the clinical management of CD.
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Hyafil F, Schindler A, Sepp D, Obenhuber T, Bayer-Karpinska A, Boeckh-Behrens T, Höhn S, Hacker M, Nekolla SG, Rominger A, Dichgans M, Schwaiger M, Saam T, Poppert H. High-risk plaque features can be detected in non-stenotic carotid plaques of patients with ischaemic stroke classified as cryptogenic using combined (18)F-FDG PET/MR imaging. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2015; 43:270-279. [PMID: 26433367 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-015-3201-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate in 18 patients with ischaemic stroke classified as cryptogenic and presenting non-stenotic carotid atherosclerotic plaques the morphological and biological aspects of these plaques with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and (18)F-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG PET) imaging. METHODS Carotid arteries were imaged 150 min after injection of (18)F-FDG with a combined PET/MRI system. American Heart Association (AHA) lesion type and plaque composition were determined on consecutive MRI axial sections (n = 460) in both carotid arteries. (18)F-FDG uptake in carotid arteries was quantified using tissue to background ratio (TBR) on corresponding PET sections. RESULTS The prevalence of complicated atherosclerotic plaques (AHA lesion type VI) detected with high-resolution MRI was significantly higher in the carotid artery ipsilateral to the ischaemic stroke as compared to the contralateral side (39 vs 0 %; p = 0.001). For all other AHA lesion types, no significant differences were found between ipsilateral and contralateral sides. In addition, atherosclerotic plaques classified as high-risk lesions with MRI (AHA lesion type VI) were associated with higher (18)F-FDG uptake in comparison with other AHA lesions (TBR = 3.43 ± 1.13 vs 2.41 ± 0.84, respectively; p < 0.001). Furthermore, patients presenting at least one complicated lesion (AHA lesion type VI) with MRI showed significantly higher (18)F-FDG uptake in both carotid arteries (ipsilateral and contralateral to the stroke) in comparison with carotid arteries of patients showing no complicated lesion with MRI (mean TBR = 3.18 ± 1.26 and 2.80 ± 0.94 vs 2.19 ± 0.57, respectively; p < 0.05) in favour of a diffuse inflammatory process along both carotid arteries associated with complicated plaques. CONCLUSION Morphological and biological features of high-risk plaques can be detected with (18)F-FDG PET/MRI in non-stenotic atherosclerotic plaques ipsilateral to the stroke, suggesting a causal role for these plaques in stroke. Combined (18)F-FDG PET/MRI systems might help in the evaluation of patients with ischaemic stroke classified as cryptogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Hyafil
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany. .,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Bichat University Hospital, Inserm 1148, DHU FIRE, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Andreas Schindler
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Sepp
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Tilman Obenhuber
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Bayer-Karpinska
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, Ludwig Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Boeckh-Behrens
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Höhn
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcus Hacker
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan G Nekolla
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Dichgans
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Saam
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Holger Poppert
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Decreased ¹³N-labeled ammonia uptake in the ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres following carotid endarterectomy. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:6598-604. [PMID: 26351875 PMCID: PMC4626148 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotid artery plaques are a leading cause of ischemic stroke, and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is one of the major treatment approaches for this disease. Changes in cerebral metabolism following CEA remain unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of cerebral ammonia metabolism following CEA using 13N-labeled ammonia positron emission tomography (PET) in humans. A total of 20 patients were enrolled in the present study, with a mean age of 59.5 years, comprising 16 males and four females. Of these patients, eight underwent right CEA and 12 underwent left CEA. The rate of carotid artery stenosis was between 50–69% in six of the patients, between 70–99% in 11 of the patients and was at 100% (thrombosis) in three of the patients, measured by computerised tomography digital subtraction angiography prior to CEA. 13N-labeled ammonia (137 MBq) PET scanning was performed prior and subsequent to CEA surgery for each patient. The first ammonia PET scan was performed 1 day prior to CEA, while the second PET scan was performed 1–4 weeks following CEA. Following injection of 13N-labeled ammonia, static PET was acquired for 10 min. The region of interest (ROI), covering the major cerebral hemisphere, was selected and ammonia uptake in the ROI was determined in the ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres. No hyperperfusion syndrome was observed in the patients subsequent to CEA. No significant change in cerebral hemisphere ammonia uptake was observed between the ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres prior to (ratio =0.98; P>0.01) or following (ratio =1.09; P>0.01) CEA. Ammonia uptake in the ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres was significantly reduced to 23.2 and 23.5%, respectively, following CEA. Using 13N-labeled ammonia PET to evaluate cerebral ammonia metabolism following CEA in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis, the present study demonstrated that uptake of ammonia in the ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres was significantly reduced.
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Singh N, Moody AR, Roifman I, Bluemke DA, Zavodni AEH. Advanced MRI for carotid plaque imaging. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2015; 32:83-9. [PMID: 26293362 PMCID: PMC4706840 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-015-0743-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the ubiquitous underling pathological process that manifests in heart attack and stroke, cumulating in the death of one in three North American adults. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is able to delineate atherosclerotic plaque components and total plaque burden within the carotid arteries. Using dedicated hardware, high resolution images can be obtained. Combining pre- and post-contrast T1, T2, proton-density, and magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo weighted fat-saturation imaging, plaque components can be defined. Post-processing software allows for semi- and fully automated quantitative analysis. Imaging correlation with surgical specimens suggests that this technique accurately differentiates plaque features. Total plaque burden and specific plaque components such as a thin fibrous cap, large fatty or necrotic core and intraplaque hemorrhage are accepted markers of neuroischemic events. Given the systemic nature of atherosclerosis, emerging science suggests that the presence of carotid plaque is also an indicator of coronary artery plaque burden, although the preliminary data primarily involves patients with stable coronary disease. While the availability and cost-effectiveness of MRI will ultimately be important determinants of whether carotid MRI is adopted clinically in cardiovascular risk assessment, the high accuracy and reliability of this technique suggests that it has potential as an imaging biomarker of future risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navneet Singh
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Room AG56b, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Alan R Moody
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Room AG56b, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Idan Roifman
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - David A Bluemke
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anna E H Zavodni
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Room AG56b, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.
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40
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Brinjikji W, Huston J, Rabinstein AA, Kim GM, Lerman A, Lanzino G. Contemporary carotid imaging: from degree of stenosis to plaque vulnerability. J Neurosurg 2015; 124:27-42. [PMID: 26230478 DOI: 10.3171/2015.1.jns142452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Carotid artery stenosis is a well-established risk factor of ischemic stroke, contributing to up to 10%-20% of strokes or transient ischemic attacks. Many clinical trials over the last 20 years have used measurements of carotid artery stenosis as a means to risk stratify patients. However, with improvements in vascular imaging techniques such as CT angiography and MR angiography, ultrasonography, and PET/CT, it is now possible to risk stratify patients, not just on the degree of carotid artery stenosis but also on how vulnerable the plaque is to rupture, resulting in ischemic stroke. These imaging techniques are ushering in an emerging paradigm shift that allows for risk stratifications based on the presence of imaging features such as intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), plaque ulceration, plaque neovascularity, fibrous cap thickness, and presence of a lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC). It is important for the neurosurgeon to be aware of these new imaging techniques that allow for improved patient risk stratification and outcomes. For example, a patient with a low-grade stenosis but an ulcerated plaque may benefit more from a revascularization procedure than a patient with a stable 70% asymptomatic stenosis with a thick fibrous cap. This review summarizes the current state-of-the-art advances in carotid plaque imaging. Currently, MRI is the gold standard in carotid plaque imaging, with its high resolution and high sensitivity for identifying IPH, ulceration, LRNC, and inflammation. However, MRI is limited due to time constraints. CT also allows for high-resolution imaging and can accurately detect ulceration and calcification, but cannot reliably differentiate LRNC from IPH. PET/CT is an effective technique to identify active inflammation within the plaque, but it does not allow for assessment of anatomy, ulceration, IPH, or LRNC. Ultrasonography, with the aid of contrast enhancement, is a cost-effective technique to assess plaque morphology and characteristics, but it is limited in sensitivity and specificity for detecting LRNC, plaque hemorrhage, and ulceration compared with MRI. Also summarized is how these advanced imaging techniques are being used in clinical practice to risk stratify patients with low- and high-grade carotid artery stenosis. For example, identification of IPH on MRI in patients with low-grade carotid artery stenosis is a risk factor for failure of medical therapy, and studies have shown that such patients may fair better with carotid endarterectomy (CEA). MR plaque imaging has also been found to be useful in identifying revascularization candidates who would be better candidates for CEA than carotid artery stenting (CAS), as high intraplaque signal on time of flight imaging is associated with vulnerable plaque and increased rates of adverse events in patients undergoing CAS but not CEA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gyeong-Moon Kim
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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41
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Gupta A, Marshall RS. Moving beyond luminal stenosis: imaging strategies for stroke prevention in asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Cerebrovasc Dis 2015; 39:253-61. [PMID: 25870952 DOI: 10.1159/000381108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With progressive improvements in medical therapy and resultant reductions in stroke risk, luminal stenosis criteria are no longer adequate to inform decisions to pursue surgical revascularization in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. SUMMARY In this evidence-based review, we discuss the imaging-based risk stratification strategies that take into account factors beyond luminal stenosis measurements, including cerebral hemodynamics and plaque composition. The existing literature lends support to the use of certain imaging tests in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis including cerebrovascular reserve testing, MRI of plaque composition, ultrasound of plaque echolucency, and transcranial Doppler evaluation for microemboli. The highest quality evidence thus far in the literature includes only systematic reviews and meta-analyses of cohort studies with no randomized trials having yet been performed to show how these newer imaging biomarkers could be used to inform treatment decisions in asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Beyond the need for randomized trials, there are additional important steps needed to improve the relevance of evidence supporting risk assessment strategies. Imaging studies evaluating the risk of stroke in carotid disease should clearly define asymptomatic versus symptomatic disease, use uniform definitions of clearly defined outcome measures such as ipsilateral stroke, ensure that imaging interpretations are performed in a manner blinded to treatments and other risk factors, and include cohorts which are on modern intensive medical therapy. Such studies of risk stratification for asymptomatic carotid stenosis will be most valuable if they can integrate multiple high-risk features (including clinical risk factors) into a multi-factorial risk assessment strategy in a manner that is relatively simple to implement and generalizable across a wide range of practice settings. Key Messages: Together, modern imaging strategies allow for a more mechanistic assessment of stroke risk in carotid disease compared to luminal stenosis measurements alone, which, with further validation in randomized controlled trials, may improve current efforts at stroke prevention in asymptomatic carotid stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Gupta
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, N.Y., USA
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42
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Wang M, Kim SH, Monticone RE, Lakatta EG. Matrix metalloproteinases promote arterial remodeling in aging, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Hypertension 2015; 65:698-703. [PMID: 25667214 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.114.03618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mingyi Wang
- From the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Biomedical Research Center (BRC), Baltimore, MD.
| | - Soo Hyuk Kim
- From the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Biomedical Research Center (BRC), Baltimore, MD
| | - Robert E Monticone
- From the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Biomedical Research Center (BRC), Baltimore, MD
| | - Edward G Lakatta
- From the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Biomedical Research Center (BRC), Baltimore, MD.
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43
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Imaging atherosclerosis with hybrid positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:914516. [PMID: 25695091 PMCID: PMC4324479 DOI: 10.1155/2015/914516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive imaging of atherosclerosis could potentially move patient management towards individualized triage, treatment, and followup. The newly introduced combined positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system could emerge as a key player in this context. Both PET and MRI have previously been used for imaging plaque morphology and function: however, the combination of the two methods may offer new synergistic opportunities. Here, we will give a short summary of current relevant clinical applications of PET and MRI in the setting of atherosclerosis. Additionally, our initial experiences with simultaneous PET/MRI for atherosclerosis imaging are presented. Finally, future potential vascular applications exploiting the unique combination of PET and MRI will be discussed.
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Alonso A, Artemis D, Hennerici MG. Molecular imaging of carotid plaque vulnerability. Cerebrovasc Dis 2014; 39:5-12. [PMID: 25547782 DOI: 10.1159/000369123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been shown to be beneficial in patients with high-grade symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Patients with high-grade asymptomatic stenosis may only exceptionally benefit from CEA during periods of increased plaque vulnerability. Imaging modalities to characterize unstable, vulnerable plaques are strongly needed for better risk stratification in these patients. SUMMARY Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a novel and noninvasive technique capable to identify several surrogate markers of vulnerable carotid plaques. The use of specific ultrasound microbubbles allows a reliable detection of microulcerations due to an optimized visualization of the plaque-lumen border. As microbubbles are strictly intravascular tracers, the detection of individual microbubbles within the plaque corresponds to intraplaque neovessels. The accuracy of CEUS in the visualization of newly formed microvessels has been confirmed in histological studies on carotid endarterectomy specimens. Together with the formation of adventitial vasa vasorum, intraplaque neovascularization is a strong predictor for symptomatic disease. The phenomenon of late phase contrast enhancement is based on the adherence of microbubble-containing monocytes on inflamed endothelium. Recent studies suggest that late phase contrast enhancement may reflect endothelial inflammation or activation within carotid plaques. The development of conjugated microbubbles that bind to specific ligands such as thrombotic material or neovessels has led to the term 'molecular imaging'. CEUS with microbubbles targeted to P-selectin and VCAM-1, key molecules in leukocyte trafficking, was used to detect an inflammatory plaque phenotype, whereas microbubbles coupled to the VEGF-receptor may allow for a detection of neovascularization. Even though imaging with targeted microbubbles is yet in an experimental stage, this technique can visualize active plaque reorganization with increased vulnerability leading to generation of arterio-arterial embolism. Key Messages: The use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound can be recommended to assess atherosclerotic carotid lesions at risk for rupture. Prospective clinical studies are needed to validate the use of CEUS in patients with high risks of recurrent large artery strokes. In particular, this applies to the detection of intraplaque neovascularization, a well-established marker in preclinical and observational studies, while the clinical significance of late phase contrast enhancement still needs to be determined..
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Alonso
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
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45
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Müller HFG, Viaccoz A, Fisch L, Bonvin C, Lovblad KO, Ratib O, Lalive P, Pagano S, Vuilleumier N, Willi JP, Sztajzel R. 18FDG-PET-CT: an imaging biomarker of high-risk carotid plaques. Correlation to symptoms and microembolic signals. Stroke 2014; 45:3561-6. [PMID: 25370581 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.114.006488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We investigated whether uptake of (18)fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (18FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) correlated to clinical symptoms and presence of microembolic signals (MES) detected by transcranial Doppler in patients with carotid stenosis. METHODS 18FDG-PET-CT and MES detection was performed in consecutive patients with 50% to 99% symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid stenoses. Uptake index was defined by a target to background ratio (TBR) between maximum standardized uptake value of the carotid plaque and the mean standardized uptake value of the jugular veins. End points for analysis were presence of symptoms and presence of MES. RESULTS We included 123 stenosis derived from 110 patients, 60 symptomatic and 63 asymptomatic. MES positive (+) lesions were found in 16%. TBR values were higher in symptomatic compared with asymptomatic (median 2.07 versus 1.78; P<0.0018) and in MES+ compared with MES- plaques (median 2.14 versus 1.86; P<0.008). TBR values were also higher in asymptomatic MES+ compared with MES- plaques (median 1.97 versus 1.76; P<0.03). The best TBR threshold value for symptomatic versus asymptomatic, for MES+ versus MES-, for symptomatic MES+ versus symptomatic or asymptomatic MES-, and for asymptomatic MES+ versus asymptomatic MES- plaques was 1.9. Sensitivity/specificity were, respectively, 56/77%, 73/63%, 79/64%, and 80/77%. We found a strong correlation between number of MES and TBR values (ρ 0.26; P=0.0043). CONCLUSIONS 18FDG-PET-CT accurately detected high-risk carotid plaques. Also given its strong correlation to MES, 18FDG-PET-CT may be a useful tool in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubertus Fritz Georg Müller
- From the Department of Neurology (H.F.G.M., A.V., L.F., P.L., R.S.), Department of Neuroradiology (K.-O.L.), Department of Nuclear Medicine (O.R., J.-P.W.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine (S.P., N.V.), University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; and Department of Neurology, Hospital of Sion, Switzerland (C.B.).
| | - Aurélien Viaccoz
- From the Department of Neurology (H.F.G.M., A.V., L.F., P.L., R.S.), Department of Neuroradiology (K.-O.L.), Department of Nuclear Medicine (O.R., J.-P.W.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine (S.P., N.V.), University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; and Department of Neurology, Hospital of Sion, Switzerland (C.B.)
| | - Loraine Fisch
- From the Department of Neurology (H.F.G.M., A.V., L.F., P.L., R.S.), Department of Neuroradiology (K.-O.L.), Department of Nuclear Medicine (O.R., J.-P.W.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine (S.P., N.V.), University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; and Department of Neurology, Hospital of Sion, Switzerland (C.B.)
| | - Christophe Bonvin
- From the Department of Neurology (H.F.G.M., A.V., L.F., P.L., R.S.), Department of Neuroradiology (K.-O.L.), Department of Nuclear Medicine (O.R., J.-P.W.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine (S.P., N.V.), University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; and Department of Neurology, Hospital of Sion, Switzerland (C.B.)
| | - Karl-Olof Lovblad
- From the Department of Neurology (H.F.G.M., A.V., L.F., P.L., R.S.), Department of Neuroradiology (K.-O.L.), Department of Nuclear Medicine (O.R., J.-P.W.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine (S.P., N.V.), University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; and Department of Neurology, Hospital of Sion, Switzerland (C.B.)
| | - Osman Ratib
- From the Department of Neurology (H.F.G.M., A.V., L.F., P.L., R.S.), Department of Neuroradiology (K.-O.L.), Department of Nuclear Medicine (O.R., J.-P.W.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine (S.P., N.V.), University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; and Department of Neurology, Hospital of Sion, Switzerland (C.B.)
| | - Patrice Lalive
- From the Department of Neurology (H.F.G.M., A.V., L.F., P.L., R.S.), Department of Neuroradiology (K.-O.L.), Department of Nuclear Medicine (O.R., J.-P.W.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine (S.P., N.V.), University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; and Department of Neurology, Hospital of Sion, Switzerland (C.B.)
| | - Sabrina Pagano
- From the Department of Neurology (H.F.G.M., A.V., L.F., P.L., R.S.), Department of Neuroradiology (K.-O.L.), Department of Nuclear Medicine (O.R., J.-P.W.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine (S.P., N.V.), University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; and Department of Neurology, Hospital of Sion, Switzerland (C.B.)
| | - Nicolas Vuilleumier
- From the Department of Neurology (H.F.G.M., A.V., L.F., P.L., R.S.), Department of Neuroradiology (K.-O.L.), Department of Nuclear Medicine (O.R., J.-P.W.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine (S.P., N.V.), University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; and Department of Neurology, Hospital of Sion, Switzerland (C.B.)
| | - Jean-Pierre Willi
- From the Department of Neurology (H.F.G.M., A.V., L.F., P.L., R.S.), Department of Neuroradiology (K.-O.L.), Department of Nuclear Medicine (O.R., J.-P.W.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine (S.P., N.V.), University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; and Department of Neurology, Hospital of Sion, Switzerland (C.B.)
| | - Roman Sztajzel
- From the Department of Neurology (H.F.G.M., A.V., L.F., P.L., R.S.), Department of Neuroradiology (K.-O.L.), Department of Nuclear Medicine (O.R., J.-P.W.), and Department of Laboratory Medicine (S.P., N.V.), University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; and Department of Neurology, Hospital of Sion, Switzerland (C.B.)
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Kim HJ, Oh M, Moon DH, Yu KH, Kwon SU, Kim JS, Kang DW. Carotid inflammation on ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography associates with recurrent ischemic lesions. J Neurol Sci 2014; 347:242-5. [PMID: 25454641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation plays an important role in the development of ischemic stroke. We hypothesized that inflammation of carotid atherosclerosis, as measured by (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography (PET), associates with the early recurrent ischemic lesions (ERILs). METHODS This prospective study included patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis. ERILs were defined as newly developed ischemic lesions in the territory of symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis, as detected by follow-up diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The patients with and without ERILs were compared in terms of risk factors, inflammatory markers, and FDG uptake on PET. RESULTS Of the 21 patients, 8 had ERILs (38.1%). Compared to the patients without ERILs, those with ERILs had higher FDG uptake (maximum standardized uptake value, 3.07 ± 0.79 vs. 2.17 ± 0.68, p=0.013) and were more likely to have irregular carotid plaques (100% vs. 38.5%, p=0.007). Inflammatory markers were not different between the two groups, and also did not correlate with FDG uptake. CONCLUSIONS Increased carotid plaque inflammation, as measured by FDG uptake on PET, may be a useful marker for identifying patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis who are at risk of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Jin Kim
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Minyoung Oh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Hyuk Moon
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Ho Yu
- Department of Neurology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun U Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong S Kim
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Wha Kang
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Republic of Korea.
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