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Ntaios G, Baumgartner H, Doehner W, Donal E, Edvardsen T, Healey JS, Iung B, Kamel H, Kasner SE, Korompoki E, Navi BB, Pristipino C, Saba L, Schnabel RB, Svennberg E, Lip GYH. Embolic strokes of undetermined source: a clinical consensus statement of the ESC Council on Stroke, the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging and the European Heart Rhythm Association of the ESC. Eur Heart J 2024; 45:1701-1715. [PMID: 38685132 PMCID: PMC11107123 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehae150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
One in six ischaemic stroke patients has an embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), defined as a stroke with unclear aetiology despite recommended diagnostic evaluation. The overall cardiovascular risk of ESUS is high and it is important to optimize strategies to prevent recurrent stroke and other cardiovascular events. The aim of clinicians when confronted with a patient not only with ESUS but also with any other medical condition of unclear aetiology is to identify the actual cause amongst a list of potential differential diagnoses, in order to optimize secondary prevention. However, specifically in ESUS, this may be challenging as multiple potential thromboembolic sources frequently coexist. Also, it can be delusively reassuring because despite the implementation of specific treatments for the individual pathology presumed to be the actual thromboembolic source, patients can still be vulnerable to stroke and other cardiovascular events caused by other pathologies already identified during the index diagnostic evaluation but whose thromboembolic potential was underestimated. Therefore, rather than trying to presume which particular mechanism is the actual embolic source in an ESUS patient, it is important to assess the overall thromboembolic risk of the patient through synthesis of the individual risks linked to all pathologies present, regardless if presumed causally associated or not. In this paper, a multi-disciplinary panel of clinicians/researchers from various backgrounds of expertise and specialties (cardiology, internal medicine, neurology, radiology and vascular surgery) proposes a comprehensive multi-dimensional assessment of the overall thromboembolic risk in ESUS patients through the composition of individual risks associated with all prevalent pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Ntaios
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa University Hospital, Larissa 41132, Greece
| | - Helmut Baumgartner
- Department of Cardiology III: Adult Congenital and Valvular Heart Disease, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Wolfram Doehner
- Department of Cardiology (Campus Virchow), Center of Stroke Research Berlin, German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health-Center for Regenerative Therapies, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité, Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Erwan Donal
- Service de Cardiologie et CIC-IT 1414, CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Thor Edvardsen
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jeff S Healey
- Cardiology Division, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Bernard Iung
- Bichat Hospital, APHP and Université Paris-Cité, INSERM LVTS U1148, Paris, France
| | - Hooman Kamel
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Unit, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott E Kasner
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eleni Korompoki
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Babak B Navi
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Unit, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christian Pristipino
- Interventional and Intensive Cardiology Unit, San Filippo Neri Hospital, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari—Polo di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Renate B Schnabel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Germany
| | - Emma Svennberg
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Shi J, Sun Y, Hou J, Li X, Fan J, Zhang L, Zhang R, You H, Wang Z, Zhang A, Zhang J, Jin Q, Zhao L, Yang B. Radiomics Signatures of Carotid Plaque on Computed Tomography Angiography : An Approach to Identify Symptomatic Plaques. Clin Neuroradiol 2023; 33:931-941. [PMID: 37195452 PMCID: PMC10654187 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-023-01289-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop and validate a combined model incorporating conventional clinical and imaging characteristics and radiomics signatures based on head and neck computed tomography angiography (CTA) to assess plaque vulnerability. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 167 patients with carotid atherosclerosis who underwent head and neck CTA and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 1 month. Clinical risk factors and conventional plaque characteristics were evaluated, and radiomic features were extracted from the carotid plaques. The conventional, radiomics and combined models were developed using fivefold cross-validation. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration, and decision curve analyses. RESULTS Patients were divided into symptomatic (n = 70) and asymptomatic (n = 97) groups based on MRI results. Homocysteine (odds ratio, OR 1.057; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.001-1.116), plaque ulceration (OR 6.106; 95% CI 1.933-19.287), and carotid rim sign (OR 3.285; 95% CI 1.203-8.969) were independently associated with symptomatic status and were used to construct the conventional model and s radiomic features were retained to establish the radiomics model. Radiomics scores incorporated with conventional characteristics were used to establish the combined model. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the combined model was 0.832, which outperformed the conventional (AUC = 0.767) and radiomics (AUC = 0.797) models. Calibration and decision curves analysis showed that the combined model was clinically useful. CONCLUSION Radiomics signatures of carotid plaque on CTA can well predict plaque vulnerability, which may provide additional value to identify high-risk patients and improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglong Shi
- Jinzhou Medical University General Hospital of Northern Theater, Command Postgraduate Training Base, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Imaging and Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Jie Hou
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Imaging and Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaogang Li
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Imaging and Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Jitao Fan
- Beijing Deepwise & League of PHD Technology Co. Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Libo Zhang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Imaging and Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Imaging and Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Hongrui You
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Imaging and Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhenguo Wang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Imaging and Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Anxiaonan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Imaging and Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Imaging and Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiuyue Jin
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Imaging and Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Lianlian Zhao
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Imaging and Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Benqiang Yang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, 110016, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Imaging and Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.
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Pakizer D, Vybíralová A, Jonszta T, Roubec M, Král M, Chovanec V, Herzig R, Heryán T, Školoudík D. Peak systolic velocity ratio for evaluation of internal carotid artery stenosis correlated with plaque morphology: substudy results of the ANTIQUE study. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1206483. [PMID: 38020621 PMCID: PMC10657818 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1206483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Accurate assessment of carotid stenosis severity is important for proper patient management. The present study aimed to compare the evaluation of carotid stenosis severity using four duplex sonography (DUS) measurements, including peak systolic velocity (PSV), PSV ratio in stenosis and distal to stenosis (PSVICA/ICA ratio), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and B-mode, with computed tomography angiography (CTA), and to evaluate the impact of plaque morphology on correlation between DUS and CTA. Methods Consecutive patients with carotid stenosis of ≥40% examined using DUS and CTA were included. Plaque morphology was also determined using magnetic resonance imaging. Spearman's correlation and Kendall's rank correlation were used to evaluate the results. Results A total of 143 cases of internal carotid artery stenosis of ≥40% based on DUS were analyzed. The PSVICA/ICA ratio showed the highest correlation [Spearman's correlation r = 0.576) with CTA, followed by PSV (r = 0.526), B-mode measurement (r = 0.482), and EDV (r = 0.441; p < 0.001 in all cases]. The worst correlation was found for PSV when the plaque was calcified (r = 0.238), whereas EDV showed a higher correlation (r = 0.523). Correlations of B-mode measurement were superior for plaques with smooth surface (r = 0.677), while the PSVICA/ICA ratio showed the highest correlation in stenoses with irregular (r = 0.373) or ulcerated (r = 0.382) surfaces, as well as lipid (r = 0.406), fibrous (r = 0.461), and mixed (r = 0.403; p < 0.01 in all cases) plaques. Nevertheless, differences between the mentioned correlations were not statistically significant (p > 0.05 in all cases). Conclusion PSV, PSVICA/ICA ratio, EDV, and B-mode measurements showed comparable correlations with CTA in evaluation of carotid artery stenosis based on their correlation with CTA results. Heavy calcifications and plaque surface irregularity or ulceration negatively influenced the measurement accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pakizer
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Anna Vybíralová
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Tomáš Jonszta
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Martin Roubec
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Department of Neurology, Clinic of Neurology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Michal Král
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Vendelín Chovanec
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové, Czechia
| | - Roman Herzig
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tomáš Heryán
- Department of Finance and Accounting, Silesian University in Opava, Opava, Czechia
| | - David Školoudík
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
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Carotid Plaque Vulnerability Diagnosis by CTA versus MRA: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13040646. [PMID: 36832133 PMCID: PMC9955971 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13040646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Stenosis grade of the carotid arteries has been the primary indicator for risk stratification and surgical treatment of carotid artery disease. Certain characteristics of the carotid plaque render it vulnerable and have been associated with increased plaque rupture rates. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) have been shown to detect these characteristics to a different degree. The aim of the current study was to report on the detection of vulnerable carotid plaque characteristics by CTA and MRA and their possible association. A systematic review of the medical literature was executed, utilizing PubMed, SCOPUS and CENTRAL databases, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. The study protocol has been registered to PROSPERO (CRD42022381801). Comparative studies reporting on both CTA and MRA carotid artery studies were included in the analysis. The QUADAS tools were used for risk of bias diagnostic imaging studies. Outcomes included carotid plaque vulnerability characteristics described in CTA and MRA and their association. Five studies, incorporating 377 patients and 695 carotid plaques, were included. Four studies reported on symptomatic status (326 patients, 92.9%). MRA characteristics included intraplaque hemorrhage, plaque ulceration, type VI AHA plaque hallmarks and intra-plaque high-intensity signal. Intraplaque hemorrhage detected in MRA was the most described characteristic and was associated with increased plaque density, increased lumen stenosis, plaque ulceration and increased soft-plaque and hard-plaque thickness. Certain characteristics of vulnerable carotid plaques can be detected in carotid artery CTA imaging studies. Nevertheless, MRA continues to provide more detailed and thorough imaging. Both imaging modalities can be applied for comprehensive carotid artery work-up, each one complementing the other.
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Cheng X, Dong Z, Liu J, Li H, Zhou C, Zhang F, Wang C, Zhang Z, Lu G. Prediction of Carotid In-Stent Restenosis by Computed Tomography Angiography Carotid Plaque-Based Radiomics. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11113234. [PMID: 35683623 PMCID: PMC9180993 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11113234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In-stent restenosis (ISR) after carotid artery stenting (CAS) critically influences long-term CAS benefits and safety. The study was aimed at screening preoperative ISR-predictive features and developing predictive models. Thus, we retrospectively analyzed clinical and imaging data of 221 patients who underwent pre-CAS carotid computed tomography angiography (CTA) and whose digital subtraction angiography data for verifying ISR presence were available. Carotid plaque characteristics determined using CTA were used to build a traditional model. Backward elimination (likelihood ratio) was used for the radiomics model. Furthermore, a combined model was built using the traditional and radiomics features. Five-fold cross-validation was used to evaluate the accuracy of the trained classifier and stability of the selected features. Follow-up angiography showed ISR in 30 patients. Carotid plaque length and thickness were independently associated with ISR (multivariate analysis); regarding the conventional model, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.84 and 0.82 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The corresponding AUC values for the radiomics-based model were 0.87 and 0.82, and those for the optimal combined model were 0.88 and 0.83. Plaque length and thickness could independently predict post-CAS ISR, and the combination of radiomics and plaque features afforded the best predictive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Cheng
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; (X.C.); (J.L.); (C.Z.)
| | - Zheng Dong
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China;
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; (X.C.); (J.L.); (C.Z.)
| | - Hongxia Li
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China;
| | - Changsheng Zhou
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; (X.C.); (J.L.); (C.Z.)
| | - Fandong Zhang
- DeepWise AI Lab, Beijing 100080, China; (F.Z.); (C.W.)
| | - Churan Wang
- DeepWise AI Lab, Beijing 100080, China; (F.Z.); (C.W.)
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; (X.C.); (J.L.); (C.Z.)
- Correspondence: (Z.Z.); (G.L.); Tel.: +86-139-1388-5490 (Z.Z.); +86-136-7514-5822 (G.L.)
| | - Guangming Lu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; (X.C.); (J.L.); (C.Z.)
- Correspondence: (Z.Z.); (G.L.); Tel.: +86-139-1388-5490 (Z.Z.); +86-136-7514-5822 (G.L.)
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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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Kelley R, Bir S. Carotid atherosclerotic disease: A systematic review of pathogenesis and management. Brain Circ 2022; 8:127-136. [PMID: 36267431 PMCID: PMC9578307 DOI: 10.4103/bc.bc_36_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotid stenosis is an important contributor to ischemic stroke risk with resultant significant impact on neurological disability and death in adults and with worldwide implications. Management of carotid stenosis is impacted by whether there are associated symptoms along with the degree of stenosis. Understanding of the pathogenesis of carotid atherosclerosis or stenosis is important in management of carotid stenosis. Atherosclerotic plaque formation is a chronic insidious process with a number of potential contributors to the formation of such a plaque. The definition of atherosclerosis is not simply limited to abnormal deposition of lipid but also includes a chronic, complex, inflammatory process. Molecularly, in atherosclerosis, there is decreasing nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, activity and/or expression of endothelial NO synthase, or increasing degradation of NO secondary to enhanced superoxide production. These above changes cause endothelial dysfunction leading to formation of foam cell followed by formation on lipid plaque. After lipid plaque formation, stable or unstable atherosclerotic plaque is formed depending on the calcium deposition over the lipid plaque. It continues to be clearly established that carotid intervention for symptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis is best managed with intervention either by carotid endarterectomy or carotid stenting. However, asymptomatic carotid stenosis is the subject of considerable controversy in terms of optimal management. This review of carotid atherosclerosis is an attempt to incorporate the information provided by more recent studies on pathogenesis and management which may help in the decision-making process for optimal management for protection against stroke.
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Dilba K, van Dam-Nolen DHK, Korteland SA, van der Kolk AG, Kassem M, Bos D, Koudstaal PJ, Nederkoorn PJ, Hendrikse J, Kooi ME, Gijsen FJH, van der Steen AFW, van der Lugt A, Wentzel JJ. The Association Between Time-Varying Wall Shear Stress and the Development of Plaque Ulcerations in Carotid Arteries From the Plaque at Risk Study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:732646. [PMID: 34869634 PMCID: PMC8636734 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.732646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Shear stress (WSS) is involved in the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic disease and might affect plaque ulceration. In this case-control study, we compared carotid plaques that developed a new ulcer during follow-up and plaques that remained silent for their exposure to time-dependent oscillatory shear stress parameters at baseline. Materials and Methods: Eighteen patients who underwent CTA and MRI of their carotid arteries at baseline and 2 years follow-up were included. These 18 patients consisted of six patients who demonstrated a new ulcer and 12 control patients selected from a larger cohort with similar MRI-based plaque characteristics as the ulcer group. (Oscillatory) WSS parameters [time average WSS, oscillatory shear index (OSI), and relative residence time (RRT)] were calculated using computational fluid dynamics applying the MRI-based geometry of the carotid arteries and compared among plaques (wall thickness>2 mm) with and without ulceration (Mann–Whitney U test) and ulcer-site vs. non-ulcer-site within the plaque (Wilcoxon signed rank test). More detailed analysis on ulcer cases was performed and the predictive value of oscillatory WSS parameters was calculated using linear and logistic mixed-effect regression models. Results: The ulcer group demonstrated no difference in maximum WSS [9.9 (6.6–18.5) vs. 13.6 (9.7–17.7) Pa, p = 0.349], a lower maximum OSI [0.04 (0.01–0.10) vs. 0.12 (0.06–0.20) p = 0.019] and lower maximum RRT [1.25 (0.78–2.03) Pa−1 vs. 2.93 (2.03–5.28) Pa−1, p = 0.011] compared to controls. The location of the ulcer (ulcer-site) within the plaque was not always at the maximal WSS, but demonstrated higher average WSS, lower average RRT and OSI at the ulcer-site compared to the non-ulcer-sites. High WSS (WSS>4.3 Pa) and low RRT (RRT < 0.25 Pa) were associated with ulceration with an odds ratio of 3.6 [CI 2.1–6.3] and 2.6 [CI 1.54–4.44] respectively, which remained significant after adjustment for wall thickness. Conclusion: In this explorative study, ulcers were not exclusively located at plaque regions exposed to the highest WSS, OSI, or RRT, but high WSS and low RRT regions had a significantly higher odds to present ulceration within the plaque even after adjustment for wall thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Dilba
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dianne H K van Dam-Nolen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Suze-Anne Korteland
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anja G van der Kolk
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mohamed Kassem
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Daniel Bos
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Peter J Koudstaal
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Paul J Nederkoorn
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centers Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Hendrikse
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - M Eline Kooi
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Frank J H Gijsen
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anton F W van der Steen
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Aad van der Lugt
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jolanda J Wentzel
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Retrospective analysis of two diagnostic tests: Carotid Doppler ultrasound and diagnostic cerebral angiography for carotid disease in the Mexican population. INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSURGERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inat.2021.101138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Simonetto M, Dharmadhikari S, Bennett A, Campo N, Asdaghi N, Romano J, Koch S. Do Carotid Plaque Ulcers Heal? Potential Detection of Carotid Artery Plaque Healing by Carotid Ultrasound Imaging. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2021; 40:973-980. [PMID: 32888371 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Carotid plaque ulcers confer an increased risk for stroke/ transient ischemic attacks in both symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Little is known about the healing rates of ulcers or the development of new ulcers. Carotid Duplex studies are noninvasive and easily repeatable tests to monitor progression of carotid stenosis and plaque morphology. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and healing rates of ultrasound-detected carotid plaque ulcers. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 5837 carotid Duplex studies performed in an outpatient ultrasound laboratory affiliated with the neurological department of an academic center. A total of 3215 patients underwent a first carotid ultrasound Duplex study, and 2622 follow-up studies were done. Carotid ulcer was defined as a 2 mm deep surface indentation in a carotid plaque with a well-defined back wall, as determined by multimodal ultrasound imaging techniques. RESULTS The prevalence of carotid plaque ulcers among the 3215 patients with a first ultrasound study was 3% (82/3215). The mean follow-up was 42 ± 30 months, and the median number of follow-up studies was 6. Among patients with ulcers, follow-up studies were available in 65/82 patients. During the follow-up period, 28/65 (43%) ulcers healed. Among all 2622 follow-up studies, 45 patients developed a new ulcer. CONCLUSIONS Duplex-detected carotid plaque ulcer prevalence is low. The carotid ulcers healed in approximately half of patients during follow-up. Factors associated with ulcer healing and development remain poorly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialaura Simonetto
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Sushrut Dharmadhikari
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Ari Bennett
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Nelly Campo
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Negar Asdaghi
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Jose Romano
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Sebastian Koch
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
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11
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Dilba K, van Dam-Nolen DHK, van Dijk AC, Kassem M, van der Steen AFW, Koudstaal PJ, Nederkoorn PJ, Hendrikse J, Kooi ME, Wentzel JJ, van der Lugt A. Plaque Composition as a Predictor of Plaque Ulceration in Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis: The Plaque At RISK Study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2021; 42:144-151. [PMID: 33214179 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Plaque ulceration is a marker of previous plaque rupture. We studied the association between atherosclerotic plaque composition at baseline and plaque ulceration at baseline and follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included symptomatic patients with a carotid stenosis of <70% who underwent MDCTA and MR imaging at baseline (n = 180). MDCTA was repeated at 2 years (n = 73). We assessed the presence of ulceration using MDCTA. Baseline MR imaging was used to assess the vessel wall volume and the presence and volume of plaque components (intraplaque hemorrhage, lipid-rich necrotic core, and calcifications) and the fibrous cap status. Associations at baseline were evaluated with binary logistic regression and reported with an OR and its 95% CI. Simple statistical testing was performed in the follow-up analysis. RESULTS At baseline, the prevalence of plaque ulceration was 27% (49/180). Increased wall volume (OR = 12.1; 95% CI, 3.5-42.0), higher relative lipid-rich necrotic core (OR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.2), higher relative intraplaque hemorrhage volume (OR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.2), and a thin-or-ruptured fibrous cap (OR = 3.4; 95% CI, 1.7-6.7) were associated with the presence of ulcerations at baseline. In 8% (6/73) of the patients, a new ulcer developed. Plaques with a new ulceration at follow-up had at baseline a larger wall volume (1.04 cm3 [IQR, 0.97-1.16 cm3] versus 0.86 cm3 [IQR, 0.73-1.00 cm3]; P = .029), a larger relative lipid-rich necrotic core volume (23% [IQR, 13-31%] versus 2% [IQR, 0-14%]; P = .002), and a larger relative intraplaque hemorrhage volume (14% [IQR, 8-24%] versus 0% [IQR, 0-5%]; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Large atherosclerotic plaques and plaques with intraplaque hemorrhage and lipid-rich necrotic cores were associated with plaque ulcerations at baseline and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Dilba
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (K.D., D.H.K.v.D.-N., A.C.v.D., A.v.d.L.)
- Cardiology (K.D., A.F.W.v.d.S., J.J.W.)
| | - D H K van Dam-Nolen
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (K.D., D.H.K.v.D.-N., A.C.v.D., A.v.d.L.)
| | - A C van Dijk
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (K.D., D.H.K.v.D.-N., A.C.v.D., A.v.d.L.)
- Neurology (A.C.v.D., P.J.K.), Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M Kassem
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (M.K., M.E.K.), CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - P J Koudstaal
- Neurology (A.C.v.D., P.J.K.), Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - P J Nederkoorn
- Department of Neurology (P.J.N.), University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J Hendrikse
- Department of Radiology (J.H.), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M E Kooi
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (M.K., M.E.K.), CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - A van der Lugt
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (K.D., D.H.K.v.D.-N., A.C.v.D., A.v.d.L.)
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12
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Baradaran H, Gupta A. Carotid Vessel Wall Imaging on CTA. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2020; 41:380-386. [PMID: 32029468 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vessel wall imaging has been increasingly used to characterize plaque beyond luminal narrowing to identify patients who may be at the highest risk of cerebrovascular ischemia. Although detailed plaque information can be obtained from many imaging modalities, CTA is particularly appealing for carotid plaque imaging due to its relatively low cost, wide availability, operator independence, and ability to discern high-risk features. The present Review Article describes the current understanding of plaque characteristics on CTA by describing commonly encountered plaque features, including calcified and soft plaque, surface irregularities, neovascularization, and inflammation. The goal of this Review Article was to provide a more robust understanding of clinically relevant plaque features detectable on routine CTA of the carotid arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Baradaran
- From the Department of Radiology (H.B.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - A Gupta
- Department of Radiology (A.G.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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13
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Li J, Li D, Yang D, Hang H, Wu Y, Yao R, Chen X, Xu Y, Dai W, Zhou D, Zhao X. Irregularity of Carotid Plaque Surface Predicts Subsequent Vascular Event: A MRI Study. J Magn Reson Imaging 2020; 52:185-194. [PMID: 31944452 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Department of RadiologyThe Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Dongye Li
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Beijing Institute of Brain DisordersCapital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Hailun Hang
- Department of NeurologyNanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Yawei Wu
- Department of Radiology, Clinical Medical CollegeYangzhou University Yangzhou China
| | - Rong Yao
- Department of RadiologyThe Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Xiaoyi Chen
- Department of RadiologyBeijing Geriatric Hospital Beijing China
| | - Yilan Xu
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical MedicineTsinghua University Beijing China
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of NeurologyFourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital Beijing China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Department of RadiologyThe Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical EngineeringTsinghua University School of Medicine Beijing China
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14
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Ramanathan R, Dey D, Nørgaard BL, Goeller M, Bjerrum IS, Antulov R, Diederichsen ACP, Sidelmann JJ, Gram JB, Sand NPR. Carotid plaque composition by CT angiography in asymptomatic subjects: a head-to-head comparison to ultrasound. Eur Radiol 2019; 29:5920-5931. [PMID: 30915562 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06086-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe carotid plaque composition by computed tomography angiography (CTA) in asymptomatic subjects and to compare this to carotid plaque assessment by ultrasound, coronary plaques by coronary CTA, and inflammatory biomarkers in plasma. METHODS Middle-aged asymptomatic men, n = 43, without known cardiovascular disease and diabetes were included. Plaques in coronary and carotid arteries were evaluated using CTA. Total plaque volumes and plaque composition were assessed by a validated plaque analysis software. The 60% centile cut point was used to divide the population into low or high carotid total plaque volumes. The occurrence of carotid plaques and intima-media thickness (IMT) was estimated by ultrasound. RESULTS Carotid plaque by ultrasound was undiagnosed in 13 of 28 participants (46%) compared to CTA. Participants having carotid plaques by ultrasound had significantly higher absolute volumes of all CTA-defined carotid plaque subtypes and a higher fraction of calcified plaque. A high carotid total plaque volume was independently associated with age (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.41 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-1.74], p = 0.001), IMT (adjusted OR 2.26 [95% CI 1.10-4.65], p = 0.03), and D-dimer (adjusted OR 8.86 [95% CI 1.26-62.37], p = 0.03). All coronary plaque features were significantly higher in participants with a high carotid total plaque volume. CONCLUSION The occurrence of carotid plaques in asymptomatic individuals is underestimated by ultrasound compared to plaque assessment by CTA. Carotid plaque composition by CTA is different in individuals with and without carotid plaques by ultrasound. KEY POINTS • The occurrence of carotid plaques by ultrasound was underestimated in 46% of participants who had plaques by carotid CTA. • Participants with carotid plaques by ultrasound had higher volumes of all plaque subtypes and a higher calcified plaque component as determined by carotid CTA compared to participants without carotid plaques by ultrasound. • A high carotid total plaque volume was independently associated with age, intima-media thickness, and D-dimer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramshanker Ramanathan
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark.
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark.
- Unit for Thrombosis Research, Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark.
| | - Damini Dey
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Bjarne L Nørgaard
- Department of Cardiology, Skejby University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Markus Goeller
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Ida S Bjerrum
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ronald Antulov
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | | | - Johannes J Sidelmann
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
- Unit for Thrombosis Research, Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Jørgen B Gram
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
- Unit for Thrombosis Research, Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Niels Peter R Sand
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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15
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Carotid artery plaque characterization with a wide-detector computed tomography using a dedicated post-processing 3D analysis: comparison with histology. Radiol Med 2019; 124:795-803. [PMID: 30903605 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-019-01026-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The characterization of atherosclerotic carotid plaque plays a key role in the identification of patients at risk. The aim of our work was to evaluate the potentialities of carotid computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in assessing composition of atherosclerotic plaque. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 29 patients (7 women and 22 men, age range 54-81; mean age 69) who underwent carotid endarterectomy. All patients underwent pre-surgical CCTA using a 320-slice scanner. Post-processing reconstructions and analysis were performed using a specific software. Percentage of three different components of the atherosclerotic plaque (adipose, fibrotic and calcific) were classified based on Hounsfield unit values. Post-processing results were compared with histological analysis. Vessel and plaque parameters were compared using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Bland-Altman plots with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for correlation. McNemar's test was used for comparison of dichotomous variables. RESULTS A significant correlation between histology and CCTA was found with respect to the areas corresponding to adipose, fibrotic and calcified plaques. The existence of proportional bias was observed between the two quantifying methods with lower discrepancies found for the adipose and fibrotic plaque areas. The Bland-Altman analyses showed a mean bias of 3.2%, 2.5% and 0.6% between histology and CCTA, for adipose, fibrotic and calcified plaque areas, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Multi-detector CT angiography represents a valuable technique to assess quantitatively the composition of atherosclerotic plaques, with particular reference to the prevalence of fibrotic tissue, and is a useful diagnostic tool to improve risk stratification of patients for cerebral stroke.
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16
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Zhou R, Luo Y, Fenster A, Spence JD, Ding M. Fractal dimension based carotid plaque characterization from three-dimensional ultrasound images. Med Biol Eng Comput 2018; 57:135-146. [PMID: 30046955 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-018-1865-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Irregularity of the plaque surface associated with previous plaque rupture plays an important role in the risk estimation of stroke caused by carotid atherosclerotic lesions. Thus, the aim of this study is to develop and validate novel vulnerability biomarkers from three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) images by analyzing the surface morphological characteristics of carotid plaque using fractal geometry features. In the experiments, a total of 38 3DUS plaque images were obtained from two groups of patients treated with 80 mg of atorvastatin or placebo daily for 3 months respectively. Two types of 3D fractal dimensions (FDs) were used to describe the smoothness of plaque surface morphology and the roughness from intensity of 3DUS images. Student's t test showed that the two fractal features were effective for detecting the statin-related changes in carotid atherosclerosis with p < 0.00023 and p < 0.0113 respectively. It was concluded that the 3D FD measurements were effective for analyzing carotid plaque characteristics and especially effective for evaluating the impact of atorvastatin treatment. Graphical abstract ᅟ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Zhou
- Medical Ultrasound Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Education Ministry of China, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Yongkang Luo
- Medical Ultrasound Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Education Ministry of China, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Aaron Fenster
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - John David Spence
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mingyue Ding
- Medical Ultrasound Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China.
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Education Ministry of China, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China.
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17
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Pereira T, Betriu A, Alves R. Non-invasive imaging techniques and assessment of carotid vasa vasorum neovascularization: Promises and pitfalls. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2018; 29:71-80. [PMID: 29970286 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Carotid adventitia vasa vasorum neovascularization (VVn) is associated with the initial stages of arteriosclerosis and with the formation of unstable plaque. However, techniques to accurately quantify that neovascularization in a standard, fast, non-invasive, and efficient way are still lacking. The development of such techniques holds the promise of enabling wide, inexpensive, and safe screening programs that could stratify patients and help in personalized preventive cardiovascular medicine. In this paper, we review the recent scientific literature pertaining to imaging techniques that could set the stage for the development of standard methods for quantitative assessment of atherosclerotic plaque and carotid VVn. We present and discuss the alternative imaging techniques being used in clinical practice and we review the computational developments that are contributing to speed up image analysis and interpretation. We conclude that one of the greatest upcoming challenges will be the use of machine learning techniques to develop automated methods that assist in the interpretation of images to stratify patients according to their risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Pereira
- Institute for Biomedical Research in Lleida Dr. Pifarré Foundation, Catalonia, Spain; Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, University of Lleida, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - A Betriu
- Unit for the Detection and Treatment of Atherothrombotic Diseases, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova de Lleida, Catalonia, Spain; Vascular and Renal Translational Research Group - IRBLleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - R Alves
- Institute for Biomedical Research in Lleida Dr. Pifarré Foundation, Catalonia, Spain; Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, University of Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
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18
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Janjua SA, Staziaki PV, Szilveszter B, Takx RAP, Mayrhofer T, Hennessy O, Emami HA, Park J, Ivanov A, Hallett TR, Lu MT, Romero JM, Grinspoon SK, Hoffmann U, Zanni MV, Neilan TG. Presence, Characteristics, and Prognostic Associations of Carotid Plaque Among People Living With HIV. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2017; 10:CIRCIMAGING.116.005777. [PMID: 29021257 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.116.005777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data from broad populations have established associations between incidental carotid plaque and vascular events. Among people living with HIV (PLWHIV), the risk of vascular events is increased; however, whether incidental carotid plaque is increased and there is an association between incidental carotid plaque, plaque characteristics, and vascular events among PLWHIV is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS Data from the multi-institutional Research Patient Data Registry were used. Presence and characteristics (high-risk plaque, including spotty calcification and low attenuation) of carotid plaque by computerized tomography among PLWHIV without known vascular disease were described. Data were compared with uninfected controls similar in age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and cigarette smoking to cases. Primary outcome was an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event, and secondary outcome was ischemic stroke. Cohort consisted of 209 PLWHIV (45±10 years, 72% male) and 168 controls. Using computerized tomography, PLWHIV without vascular disease had higher rates of any carotid plaque (34% versus 25%; P=0.04), noncalcified (18% versus 5%; P<0.001) and high-risk plaque (25% versus 16%; P=0.03). Over a follow-up of 3 years, 19 atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events (9 strokes) occurred. Carotid plaque was independently associated with a 3-fold increase in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events among PLWHIV (hazard ratio, 2.91; confidence interval, 1.10-7.7, P=0.03) and a 4-fold increased risk of stroke (hazard ratio, 4.43; confidence interval, 1.17-16.70; P=0.02); high-risk plaque was associated with a 3-fold increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events and a 4-fold increased risk of stroke. CONCLUSIONS There is an increase in incidental carotid plaque, noncalcified plaque, and high-risk plaque among PLWHIV, and the presence and characteristics of carotid plaque are associated with subsequent vascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumbal A Janjua
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Pedro V Staziaki
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Balint Szilveszter
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Richard A P Takx
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Thomas Mayrhofer
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Orla Hennessy
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Hamed A Emami
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Jakob Park
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Alexander Ivanov
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Travis R Hallett
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Michael T Lu
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Javier M Romero
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Steven K Grinspoon
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Udo Hoffmann
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Markella V Zanni
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Tomas G Neilan
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology (J.M.R.), Program in Nutritional Metabolism (S.K.G., M.V.Z.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (S.A.J., P.V.S., B.S., R.A.P.T., T.M., O.H., H.A.E., J.P., A.I., T.R.H., M.T.L., U.H., T.G.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston.
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19
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Rafailidis V, Chryssogonidis I, Tegos T, Kouskouras K, Charitanti-Kouridou A. Imaging of the ulcerated carotid atherosclerotic plaque: a review of the literature. Insights Imaging 2017; 8:213-225. [PMID: 28160261 PMCID: PMC5359146 DOI: 10.1007/s13244-017-0543-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract Carotid atherosclerotic disease constitutes a major modern health problem whose diagnosis primarily relies on imaging. Grading of stenosis has been long used as the main factor for risk stratification and guiding of management. Nevertheless, increasing evidence has shown that additional plaque characteristics such as plaque composition and surface morphology play an important role in the occurrence of symptoms, justifying the term “vulnerable plaque”. Carotid plaque surface characteristics either in the form of surface irregularities or ulceration represent an important factor of vulnerability and are associated with the occurrence of neurologic symptoms. The delineation of the carotid plaque surface can be performed with virtually all imaging modalities including ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, multi-detector computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography and the traditional reference method of angiography. These techniques have shown varying levels of diagnostic accuracy for the identification of ulcerated carotid plaques or plaque surface irregularities. As a consequence and given its high clinical significance, radiologists should be familiar with the various aspects of this entity, including its definition, classification, imaging findings on different imaging modalities and associations. The purpose of this review is to present the current literature regarding carotid plaque ulcerations and present illustrative images of ulcerated carotid plaques. Teaching Points • Plaque surface and ulceration represent risk factors for stroke in carotid disease. • Characterisation of the plaque surface and ulcerations can be performed with every modality. • US is the first-line modality for carotid disease and identification of ulcerations. • The administration of microbubbles increases US accuracy for diagnosis of carotid ulceration. • MDCTA and MRA are valuable for diagnosing ulceration and evaluating plaque composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Rafailidis
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Ioannis Chryssogonidis
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Thomas Tegos
- 1st Neurological Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kouskouras
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Afroditi Charitanti-Kouridou
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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20
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Yuan J, Usman A, Das T, Patterson AJ, Gillard JH, Graves MJ. Imaging Carotid Atherosclerosis Plaque Ulceration: Comparison of Advanced Imaging Modalities and Recent Developments. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 38:664-671. [PMID: 28007772 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a5026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of long-term mortality and morbidity worldwide, despite remarkable advancement in its management. Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques are principally responsible for thromboembolic events in various arterial territories such as carotid, coronary, and lower limb vessels. Carotid plaque ulceration is one of the key features associated with plaque vulnerability and is considered a notable indicator of previous plaque rupture and possible future cerebrovascular events. Multiple imaging modalities have been used to assess the degree of carotid plaque ulceration for diagnostic and research purposes. Early diagnosis and management of carotid artery disease could prevent further cerebrovascular events. In this review, we highlight the merits and limitations of various imaging techniques for identifying plaque ulceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Yuan
- From the Department of Radiology (J.Y., A.U., J.H.G., M.J.G.), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A Usman
- From the Department of Radiology (J.Y., A.U., J.H.G., M.J.G.), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - T Das
- Department of Radiology (T.D., A.J.P., M.J.G.), Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - A J Patterson
- Department of Radiology (T.D., A.J.P., M.J.G.), Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - J H Gillard
- From the Department of Radiology (J.Y., A.U., J.H.G., M.J.G.), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - M J Graves
- From the Department of Radiology (J.Y., A.U., J.H.G., M.J.G.), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Radiology (T.D., A.J.P., M.J.G.), Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
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21
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Wan MYS, Endozo R, Michopoulou S, Shortman R, Rodriguez-Justo M, Menezes L, Yusuf S, Richards T, Wild D, Waser B, Reubi JC, Groves A. PET/CT Imaging of Unstable Carotid Plaque with 68Ga-Labeled Somatostatin Receptor Ligand. J Nucl Med 2016; 58:774-780. [PMID: 27932558 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.116.181438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
68Ga-labeled somatostatin receptor ligand PET imaging has recently been shown in preclinical and early human studies to have a potential role in the evaluation of vulnerable arterial plaques. We prospectively evaluated carotid plaque 68Ga-DOTATATE uptake in patients with recent carotid events, assessed inter- and intraobserver variability of such measurements, and explored the mechanism of any plaque DOTATATE activity with immunohistochemistry in resected specimens. Methods: Twenty consecutively consenting patients with recent symptomatic carotid events (transient ischemic attack, stroke, or amaurosis fugax), due for carotid endarterectomy, were prospectively recruited. 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT of the neck was performed before surgery. 68Ga-DOTATATE uptake was measured by drawing regions of interest along the carotid plaques and contralateral plaques/carotid arteries by an experienced radionuclide radiologist and radiographer. Two PET quantification methods with inter- and intraobserver variability were assessed. Resected carotid plaques were retrieved for somatostatin receptor subtype-2 (sst2) immunohistochemical staining. Results: The median time delay between research PET and surgery was 2 d. SUVs and target-to-background ratios for the symptomatic plaques and the asymptomatic contralateral carotid arteries/plaques showed no significant difference (n = 19, P > 0.10), regardless of quantification method. The intraclass correlation coefficient was greater than 0.8 in all measures of carotid artery/plaque uptake (SUV) and greater than 0.6 in almost all measures of target-to-background ratio. None of the excised plaques was shown to contain cells (macrophages, lymphocytes, vessel-associated cells) expressing sst2 on their cell membrane. Conclusion:68Ga-DOTATATE activity on PET in recently symptomatic carotid plaques is not significantly different from contralateral carotids/plaques. Any activity seen on PET is not shown to be from specific sst2 receptor-mediated uptake in vitro. It is therefore unlikely that sst2 PET/CT imaging will have a role in the detection and characterization of symptomatic carotid plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Young Simon Wan
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond Endozo
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sofia Michopoulou
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Shortman
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Leon Menezes
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Syed Yusuf
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals, Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Toby Richards
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Damian Wild
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland; and
| | - Beatrice Waser
- Cell Biology and Experimental Cancer Research, Institute of Pathology, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Jean Claude Reubi
- Cell Biology and Experimental Cancer Research, Institute of Pathology, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Ashley Groves
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Pelisek J, Wendorff H, Wendorff C, Kuehnl A, Eckstein HH. Age-associated changes in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Ann Med 2016; 48:541-551. [PMID: 27595161 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2016.1204468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about changes in carotid plaque morphology during aging and the possible impact on cardiovascular events. Only few studies addressed so far age-related modifications within atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, in this work we endeavored to summarize the current knowledge about changing of plaque composition in elderly. The data from hitherto existing studies confirm that atherosclerotic plaques undergo distinct alternations with advanced age. However, the results are often ambiguous and the changes do not seem to be as disastrous as expected. Interestingly, none of the studies could definitely evidence increased plaque vulnerability with advanced age. Nevertheless, based on the previous work showing decrease in elastin fibers, fibroatheroma, SMCs, overall cellularity and increase in the area of lipid core, hemorrhage, and calcification, the plaque morphology appears to transform toward unstable plaques. Otherwise, even if inflammatory cells often accumulate in plaques of younger patients, their amount is reduced in the older age and so far no clear association has been observed between thin fibrous cap and aging. Thus, the accurate contribution of age-related changes in plaque morphology to cardiovascular events has yet to be elucidated. KEY MESSAGES Composition of carotid atherosclerotic lesions changes during aging. These alternations are however, just moderate and depend upon additional variables, such as life style, accompanying disease, genetics, and other factors that have yet to be determined. Based on the current data, the age-associated plaque morphology seems to transform toward vulnerable plaques. However, the changes do not seem to be as disastrous as expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Pelisek
- a Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery , Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen , Munich , Germany
| | - Heiko Wendorff
- a Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery , Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen , Munich , Germany
| | - Carina Wendorff
- a Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery , Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen , Munich , Germany
| | - Andreas Kuehnl
- a Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery , Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen , Munich , Germany
| | - Hans-Henning Eckstein
- a Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery , Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen , Munich , Germany
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23
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Coutinho JM, Derkatch S, Potvin ARJ, Tomlinson G, Kiehl TR, Silver FL, Mandell DM. Nonstenotic carotid plaque on CT angiography in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Neurology 2016; 87:665-72. [PMID: 27412144 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether large (≥3 mm thick) but nonstenotic (<50%) carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque predominantly occurs ipsilateral rather than contralateral to cryptogenic stroke. METHODS This was a cross-sectional observational study. Using a stroke registry, we identified consecutive patients with anterior circulation embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Using CT angiography, we measured carotid plaque size (thickness, mm) and carotid artery stenosis (North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial method) for each patient. We dichotomized plaque size at several predefined thresholds and calculated the frequency of plaque size above each threshold ipsilateral vs contralateral to stroke. RESULTS We included 85 patients with ESUS. Plaque with thickness ≥5 mm was present ipsilateral to stroke in 11% of patients, and contralateral in 1% (9/85 vs 1/85; p = 0.008). Plaque with thickness ≥4 mm was present ipsilateral to stroke in 19% of patients, and contralateral in 5% (16/85 vs 4/85; p = 0.002). Plaque with thickness ≥3 mm was present ipsilateral to stroke in 35% of patients, and contralateral in 15% (30/85 vs 13/85; p = 0.001). There was no difference in percentage stenosis ipsilateral vs contralateral to stroke (p = 0.98), and weak correlation between plaque size and stenosis (R(2) = 0.26, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Large but nonstenotic carotid artery plaque is considerably more common ipsilateral than contralateral to cryptogenic stroke, suggesting that nonstenotic plaque is an underrecognized cause of stroke. We measured plaque size using CT angiography, a method that could be easily implemented in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Coutinho
- From the Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Medical Imaging (J.M.C., S.D., D.M.M.), Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine (A.R.J.P., F.L.S.), and Department of Pathology (T.-R.K.), University Health Network and the University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (G.T.), University of Toronto; and Department of Medicine (G.T.), University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sheldon Derkatch
- From the Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Medical Imaging (J.M.C., S.D., D.M.M.), Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine (A.R.J.P., F.L.S.), and Department of Pathology (T.-R.K.), University Health Network and the University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (G.T.), University of Toronto; and Department of Medicine (G.T.), University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alphonse R J Potvin
- From the Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Medical Imaging (J.M.C., S.D., D.M.M.), Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine (A.R.J.P., F.L.S.), and Department of Pathology (T.-R.K.), University Health Network and the University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (G.T.), University of Toronto; and Department of Medicine (G.T.), University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - George Tomlinson
- From the Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Medical Imaging (J.M.C., S.D., D.M.M.), Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine (A.R.J.P., F.L.S.), and Department of Pathology (T.-R.K.), University Health Network and the University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (G.T.), University of Toronto; and Department of Medicine (G.T.), University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tim-Rasmus Kiehl
- From the Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Medical Imaging (J.M.C., S.D., D.M.M.), Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine (A.R.J.P., F.L.S.), and Department of Pathology (T.-R.K.), University Health Network and the University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (G.T.), University of Toronto; and Department of Medicine (G.T.), University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Frank L Silver
- From the Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Medical Imaging (J.M.C., S.D., D.M.M.), Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine (A.R.J.P., F.L.S.), and Department of Pathology (T.-R.K.), University Health Network and the University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (G.T.), University of Toronto; and Department of Medicine (G.T.), University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel M Mandell
- From the Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Medical Imaging (J.M.C., S.D., D.M.M.), Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine (A.R.J.P., F.L.S.), and Department of Pathology (T.-R.K.), University Health Network and the University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (G.T.), University of Toronto; and Department of Medicine (G.T.), University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
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24
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Lopez Gonzalez M, Foo S, Holmes W, Stewart W, Muir K, Condon B, Welch G, Forbes K. Atherosclerotic Carotid Plaque Composition: A 3T and 7T MRI-Histology Correlation Study. J Neuroimaging 2016; 26:406-13. [PMID: 26919134 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M.R. Lopez Gonzalez
- Department of Clinical Physics and Bioengineering; Glasgow Royal Infirmary; Glasgow UK
| | - S.Y. Foo
- ST1, West of Scotland Radiology Training Scheme, NHS; Glasgow UK
| | - W.M. Holmes
- Glasgow Experimental MRI Centre; Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow; UK
| | - W. Stewart
- Department of Neuropathology, Laboratory Medicine Building; Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Glasgow UK
| | - K.W. Muir
- Centre for Stroke and Brain Imaging Research, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology; University of Glasgow; UK
| | - B. Condon
- Institute of Neurological Sciences; Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; UK
| | - G. Welch
- Vascular Surgery; Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Glasgow UK
| | - K.P. Forbes
- Institute of Neurological Sciences; Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; UK
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25
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Sevuk U, Bahadir MV, Altindag R, Baysal E, Altintas B, Yaylak B, Adiyaman MS, Ay N. Relationship between thyroid function and carotid artery plaque ulceration. Acta Neurol Belg 2015; 115:581-7. [PMID: 25672265 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-015-0435-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Carotid artery plaque ulceration (PU) is known to be associated with cerebrovascular events (CVE). Even within euthyroid ranges, thyroid function has been reported to be associated with carotid atherosclerosis. However, the relationship between thyroid function and carotid PU remains unclear. Our aim was to determine the relationship between thyroid function and PU in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis (ICS). Records of patients with CVE were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 250 consecutive patients with ICS who had computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the carotid arteries following hospitalization were included in the study. CTA was used for the evaluation of carotid artery plaque morphology and ulceration. Plaque morphology was classified as fatty, mixed or calcified. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of PU. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and hypothyroidism were significantly more common in patients with PU (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Patients with PU had higher incidence of low-normal FT4 levels (p = 0.02). Compared with patients who had no PU, patients with PU had decreased FT4 levels and elevated TSH levels (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). TSH level (OR 1.33, p = 0.001), SCH (OR 4.2, p = 0.001), hypothyroidism (OR 3.15, p = 0.037), fatty plaque (OR 2.16, p = 0.01) and calcified plaque (OR 0.19, p < 0.001) were independently associated with PU. Our results suggest that SCH and hypothyroidism could be a risk factor for PU and subsequent CVE. Thyroid functions may be useful for risk stratification of patients with ICS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utkan Sevuk
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Diyarbakir Gazi Yasargil Education and Research Hospital, 3. kat, Uckuyular, 21010, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
| | | | - Rojhat Altindag
- Department of Cardiology, Diyarbakir Gazi Yasargil Education and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
| | - Erkan Baysal
- Department of Cardiology, Diyarbakir Gazi Yasargil Education and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
| | - Bernas Altintas
- Department of Cardiology, Diyarbakir Gazi Yasargil Education and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
| | - Baris Yaylak
- Department of Cardiology, Diyarbakir Gazi Yasargil Education and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Sahin Adiyaman
- Department of Cardiology, Diyarbakir Gazi Yasargil Education and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
| | - Nurettin Ay
- Department of General Surgery, Diyarbakir Gazi Yasargil Education and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
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26
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Mamalyga ML, Mamalyga LM. [Violation of cerebral hemodynamics in the cardiac dysfunction caused by chronic heart failure]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2015; 115:106-111. [PMID: 26356523 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201511571106-111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED OBJECTEVE: To study changes of cerebral haemo dynamics at the progressing kardialny dysfunction caused by chronic heart failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS Authors executed all researches on male Wistar rats. Used methods: echocardiography and ultrasound Doppler study of the brain vessels is performed using US-apparatus Mindray M5, using linear sensor 10 MHz (Mindray, China); magnetic resonance imaging of brain and heart of experimental animals with chronic heart failure. Applied functional tests. RESULTS In the early stage of cardiac decompensation does not change the blood flow in the carotid and basilar arteries, but seizure readiness (SR) of the animals increased. Preservation of reactivity to hypercapnic and compression tests, suggests that the increase in SR is not associated with circulatory disorders in the brain. Exacerbation of heart failure (HF) leads to severe decompensation, including a decrease in blood flow in the carotid and basilar arteries. Metabolic cascade of autoregulation in these animals areaktiven and myogenic greatly reduced. In this case revealed a progressive increase in the SR. CONCLUSION Inefficiency of the heart at different stages of HF is not the same effect on the reserves of the autoregulation of cerebral hemodynamics, which affects the formation and aggravation of SR. Moreover, its rise in various stages of decompensation is not always caused by cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Mamalyga
- Bakulev Center Research of Cardiovascular Surgery, Moscow
| | - L M Mamalyga
- Institute of Biology and Chemistry of the Moscow Pedagogical State University, Moscow
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27
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van Dijk AC, Truijman MTB, Hussain B, Zadi T, Saiedie G, de Rotte AAJ, Liem MI, van der Steen AFW, Daemen MJAP, Koudstaal PJ, Nederkoorn PJ, Hendrikse J, Kooi ME, van der Lugt A. Intraplaque Hemorrhage and the Plaque Surface in Carotid Atherosclerosis: The Plaque At RISK Study (PARISK). AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2015; 36:2127-33. [PMID: 26251429 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE An important characteristic of vulnerable plaque, intraplaque hemorrhage, may predict plaque rupture. Plaque rupture can be visible on noninvasive imaging as a disruption of the plaque surface. We investigated the association between intraplaque hemorrhage and disruption of the plaque surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS We selected the first 100 patients of the Plaque At RISK study, an ongoing prospective noninvasive plaque imaging study in patients with mild-to-moderate atherosclerotic lesions in the carotid artery. In carotid artery plaques, disruption of the plaque surface (defined as ulcerated plaques and/or fissured fibrous cap) and intraplaque hemorrhage were assessed by using MDCTA and 3T MR imaging, respectively. We used a χ(2) test and multivariable logistic regression to assess the association between intraplaque hemorrhage and disrupted plaque surface. RESULTS One hundred forty-nine carotid arteries in 78 patients could be used for the current analyses. Intraplaque hemorrhage and plaque ulcerations were more prevalent in symptomatic compared with contralateral vessels (hemorrhage, 38% versus 11%; P < .001; and ulcerations, 27% versus 7%; P = .001). Fissured fibrous cap was more prevalent in symptomatic compared with contralateral vessels (13% versus 4%; P = .06). After adjustment for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, and degree of stenosis, intraplaque hemorrhage was associated with disrupted plaque surface (OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.25-7.84) in all vessels. CONCLUSIONS Intraplaque hemorrhage is associated with disruption of the plaque surface in patients with a carotid artery stenosis of <70%. Serial studies are needed to investigate whether intraplaque hemorrhage indeed increases the risk of plaque rupture and subsequent ischemic stroke during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C van Dijk
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.C.v.D., B.H., T.Z.,G.S., A.v.d.L.) Neurology (A.C.v.D., P.J.K.)
| | - M T B Truijman
- Departments of Radiology (M.T.B.T., M.E.K.) Clinical Neurophysiology (M.T.B.T.) Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht School for Cardiovascular Diseases (M.T.B.T., M.E.K.), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - B Hussain
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.C.v.D., B.H., T.Z.,G.S., A.v.d.L.)
| | - T Zadi
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.C.v.D., B.H., T.Z.,G.S., A.v.d.L.)
| | - G Saiedie
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.C.v.D., B.H., T.Z.,G.S., A.v.d.L.)
| | - A A J de Rotte
- Department of Radiology (A.A.J.d.R., J.H.), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M I Liem
- Departments of Neurology (M.I.L., P.J.N.)
| | - A F W van der Steen
- Biomedical Engineering (A.F.W.v.d.S.), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M J A P Daemen
- Pathology (M.J.A.P.D.), Amsterdam Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - J Hendrikse
- Department of Radiology (A.A.J.d.R., J.H.), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M E Kooi
- Departments of Radiology (M.T.B.T., M.E.K.) Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht School for Cardiovascular Diseases (M.T.B.T., M.E.K.), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - A van der Lugt
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.C.v.D., B.H., T.Z.,G.S., A.v.d.L.)
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28
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Intravascular Frequency-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Assessment of Carotid Artery Disease in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients. JACC Cardiovasc Interv 2014; 7:674-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcin.2014.01.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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29
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Kuk M, Wannarong T, Beletsky V, Parraga G, Fenster A, Spence JD. Volume of Carotid Artery Ulceration as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Events. Stroke 2014; 45:1437-41. [DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.114.005163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Kuk
- From the Department of Pathology and Toxicology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (M.K.), Department of Psychiatry (V.B.), Imaging Research Group, Robarts Research Institute (G.P., A.F., J.D.S.), and Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute (J.D.S.), Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand (T.W.)
| | - Thapat Wannarong
- From the Department of Pathology and Toxicology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (M.K.), Department of Psychiatry (V.B.), Imaging Research Group, Robarts Research Institute (G.P., A.F., J.D.S.), and Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute (J.D.S.), Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand (T.W.)
| | - Vadim Beletsky
- From the Department of Pathology and Toxicology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (M.K.), Department of Psychiatry (V.B.), Imaging Research Group, Robarts Research Institute (G.P., A.F., J.D.S.), and Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute (J.D.S.), Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand (T.W.)
| | - Grace Parraga
- From the Department of Pathology and Toxicology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (M.K.), Department of Psychiatry (V.B.), Imaging Research Group, Robarts Research Institute (G.P., A.F., J.D.S.), and Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute (J.D.S.), Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand (T.W.)
| | - Aaron Fenster
- From the Department of Pathology and Toxicology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (M.K.), Department of Psychiatry (V.B.), Imaging Research Group, Robarts Research Institute (G.P., A.F., J.D.S.), and Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute (J.D.S.), Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand (T.W.)
| | - J. David Spence
- From the Department of Pathology and Toxicology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (M.K.), Department of Psychiatry (V.B.), Imaging Research Group, Robarts Research Institute (G.P., A.F., J.D.S.), and Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute (J.D.S.), Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand (T.W.)
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30
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Hingwala D, Kesavadas C, Sylaja PN, Thomas B, Kapilamoorthy TR. Multimodality imaging of carotid atherosclerotic plaque: Going beyond stenosis. Indian J Radiol Imaging 2013; 23:26-34. [PMID: 23986615 PMCID: PMC3737614 DOI: 10.4103/0971-3026.113616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Apart from the degree of stenosis, the morphology of carotid atherosclerotic plaques and presence of neovascularization are important factors that may help to evaluate the risk and ‘vulnerability’ of plaques and may also influence the choice of treatment. In this article, we aim to describe the techniques and imaging findings on CTA, high resolution MRI and contrast enhanced ultrasound in the evaluation of carotid atherosclerotic plaques. We also discuss a few representative cases from our institute with the related clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyata Hingwala
- Department of Radiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India
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31
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Kerasnoudis A, Meves SH, Gold R, Krogias C. Correlation between frequency of microembolic signals and efficacy of antiplatelet therapy in symptomatic carotid disease. J Neuroimaging 2013; 23:484-8. [PMID: 23317001 DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6569.2012.00770.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Revised: 08/04/2012] [Accepted: 08/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The detection of microembolic signals in transcranial-Doppler monitoring is associated with a higher stroke risk. We investigated the correlation between the frequency of microembolic signals and the efficacy of the antiplatelet therapy in patients with a recent symptomatic carotid-artery stenosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Thirty-two patients (mean age: 70 years, 22 men) with a recent symptomatic carotid-artery stenosis underwent 30-minute TCD-monitoring. Twenty-three patients received acetylsalicylic-acid and 9 patients clopidogrel as antiplatelet-therapy. At the same day, the antiplatelet effect was measured with multiple-electrode-impedance aggregometry. RESULTS In 20 cases, the qualifying event was a stroke and in 12 cases, a TIA. Twenty-six of the patients had a >50% degree of stenosis. More than one microembolic signals were detected in 13 (40.6%) of the subjects, while multiple-electrode-impedance aggregometry revealed eight low responders (6 acetylsalicylic-acid, 2 clopidogrel). More than one microembolic signals were detected in 6 of the 8 (75.0%) patients with low response, but in only 7 of the 24 subjects (29.2%) with an effective antiplatelet treatment (sensitivity 75%, specificity 70.8%; Fisher's exact test: P = .038). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that in patients with recent symptomatic carotid-artery stenosis the detection of more than one microembolic signals might serve as a useful marker for the effectiveness of the antiplatelet treatment.
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32
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Saito H, Kuroda S, Hirata K, Magota K, Shiga T, Tamaki N, Yoshida D, Terae S, Nakayama N, Houkin K. Validity of Dual MRI and18F-FDG PET Imaging in Predicting Vulnerable and Inflamed Carotid Plaque. Cerebrovasc Dis 2013; 35:370-7. [DOI: 10.1159/000348846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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33
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Tsurumi A, Tsurumi Y, Hososhima O, Matsubara N, Izumi T, Miyachi S. Virtual histology analysis of carotid atherosclerotic plaque: plaque composition at the minimum lumen site and of the entire carotid plaque. J Neuroimaging 2012. [PMID: 23194195 DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6569.2012.00748.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual Histology intravascular ultrasound (VH IVUS) volumetric analysis (analysis of the entire plaque responsible for stenosis) has been used for carotid plaque diagnosis. Knowing the carotid plaque characteristics by analyzing the plaque composition only at the minimum lumen site will facilitate plaque diagnosis using VH IVUS. PURPOSE To detect the relationship between the VH IVUS volumetric analysis of the entire plaque responsible for carotid artery stenosis and the VH IVUS cross-section plaque analysis at the minimum lumen site. METHODS Forty-eight atherosclerotic cervical carotid stenoses in 45 consecutive patients were included in the study. VH IVUS was obtained during the carotid artery stenting procedure. RESULTS Simple regression analysis revealed that the volumetric proportion of each plaque type correlated significantly with the corresponding plaque-type area at the minimum lumen site. The adjusted coefficients of determination of the simple regression analyses were .782 (P < .001) for fibrous tissue, .741 (P < .001) for fibrofatty tissue, .864 (P < .001) for dense calcium, and .918 (P < .001) for necrotic core. CONCLUSION The plaque composition at the minimum lumen site represents the volumetric composition of the entire carotid plaque that causes atherosclerotic cervical carotid artery stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arihito Tsurumi
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan.
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34
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Carotid Atherosclerosis and the Risk of Stroke. CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING REPORTS 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s12410-012-9178-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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35
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Cilingiroglu M, Hakeem A, Feldman M, Wholey M. Optical coherence tomography imaging in asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis. CARDIOVASCULAR REVASCULARIZATION MEDICINE 2012; 14:53-6. [PMID: 23102670 DOI: 10.1016/j.carrev.2012.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Assessment and treatment plan for asymptomatic patients with carotid stenosis are based on angiography at the present time. However, angiography or other imaging modalities are limited with their resolution to detect high-risk plaque features. Intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) recently emerged as a novel imaging modality with a unique resolution to identify vulnerable plaque characteristics. We report use of IVOCT in two separate asymptomatic patients with carotid stenosis with two different plaque types.
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36
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Association Between Carotid Artery Plaque Volume, Composition, and Ulceration: A Retrospective Assessment With MDCT. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2012; 199:151-6. [DOI: 10.2214/ajr.11.6955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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37
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Jickling GC, Stamova B, Ander BP, Zhan X, Liu D, Sison SM, Verro P, Sharp FR. Prediction of cardioembolic, arterial, and lacunar causes of cryptogenic stroke by gene expression and infarct location. Stroke 2012; 43:2036-41. [PMID: 22627989 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.111.648725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The cause of ischemic stroke remains unclear, or cryptogenic, in as many as 35% of patients with stroke. Not knowing the cause of stroke restricts optimal implementation of prevention therapy and limits stroke research. We demonstrate how gene expression profiles in blood can be used in conjunction with a measure of infarct location on neuroimaging to predict a probable cause in cryptogenic stroke. METHODS The cause of cryptogenic stroke was predicted using previously described profiles of differentially expressed genes characteristic of patients with cardioembolic, arterial, and lacunar stroke. RNA was isolated from peripheral blood of 131 cryptogenic strokes and compared with profiles derived from 149 strokes of known cause. Each sample was run on Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 microarrays. Cause of cryptogenic stroke was predicted using gene expression in blood and infarct location. RESULTS Cryptogenic strokes were predicted to be 58% cardioembolic, 18% arterial, 12% lacunar, and 12% unclear etiology. Cryptogenic stroke of predicted cardioembolic etiology had more prior myocardial infarction and higher CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores compared with stroke of predicted arterial etiology. Predicted lacunar strokes had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures and lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale compared with predicted arterial and cardioembolic strokes. Cryptogenic strokes of unclear predicted etiology were less likely to have a prior transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS Gene expression in conjunction with a measure of infarct location can predict a probable cause in cryptogenic strokes. Predicted groups require further evaluation to determine whether relevant clinical, imaging, or therapeutic differences exist for each group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen C Jickling
- Department of Neurology and MIND Institute, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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38
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Analysis of carotid artery plaque and wall boundaries on CT images by using a semi-automatic method based on level set model. Neuroradiology 2012; 54:1207-14. [PMID: 22562690 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-012-1040-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potentialities of a semi-automated technique in the detection and measurement of the carotid artery plaque. METHODS Twenty-two consecutive patients (18 males, 4 females; mean age 62 years) examined with MDCTA from January 2011 to March 2011 were included in this retrospective study. Carotid arteries are examined with a 16-multi-detector-row CT system, and for each patient, the most diseased carotid was selected. In the first phase, the carotid plaque was identified and one experienced radiologist manually traced the inner and outer boundaries by using polyline and radial distance method (PDM and RDM, respectively). In the second phase, the carotid inner and outer boundaries were traced with an automated algorithm: level-set-method (LSM). Data were compared by using Pearson rho correlation, Bland-Altman, and regression. RESULTS A total of 715 slices were analyzed. The mean thickness of the plaque using the reference PDM was 1.86 mm whereas using the LSM-PDM was 1.96 mm; using the reference RDM was 2.06 mm whereas using the LSM-RDM was 2.03 mm. The correlation values between the references, the LSM, the PDM and the RDM were 0.8428, 0.9921, 0.745 and 0.6425. Bland-Altman demonstrated a very good agreement in particular with the RDM method. CONCLUSION Results of our study indicate that LSM method can automatically measure the thickness of the plaque and that the best results are obtained with the RDM. Our results suggest that advanced computer-based algorithms can identify and trace the plaque boundaries like an experienced human reader.
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Jones MR, Attizzani GF, Given CA, Brooks WH, Costa MA, Bezerra HG. Intravascular frequency-domain optical coherence tomography assessment of atherosclerosis and stent-vessel interactions in human carotid arteries. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2012; 33:1494-501. [PMID: 22422179 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a3016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Carotid artery-related stroke is largely an embolic disease that has been correlated with inflammation, plaque rupture, and thrombus formation in "vulnerable" atherosclerotic plaque. Nevertheless, current guidelines for carotid revascularization in asymptomatic patients rely on the calculation of stenosis for risk assessment, a parameter that has been viewed with increasing skepticism. Intravascular OCT is an imaging technique that offers high axial resolution (10 μm), allowing an unprecedented micron-level assessment of human carotid plaque morphology. This observational article reports the first successful use of the newest iteration of this technology, FDOCT without balloon occlusion to assess human carotid artery disease and carotid stent-vessel interaction in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four patients with asymptomatic carotid artery disease and ambiguous noninvasive and/or angiographic data underwent carotid FDOCT to assess risk and to formulate a treatment strategy. RESULTS Findings include the unexpected demonstration of TCFAs, plaque rupture, thrombus, inflammation, and marked tissue prolapse through stent struts in patients without high-risk factors by conventional criteria, as well as low-risk features in a patient with a high-risk noninvasive study. The procedures were performed without safety issues or special accommodations for vessel occlusion. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates the technical feasibility of FDOCT in cervical carotid arteries. As such, this technology holds the promise of not only clarifying ambiguous data in individual patients but of providing data that might call for a future paradigm shift in the assessment of asymptomatic carotid artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Jones
- Baptist Heart and Vascular Institute, Central Baptist Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA.
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40
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Abstract
Stroke generates significant healthcare expenses and it is also a social and economic burden. The carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque instability is responsible for a third of all embolic strokes. The degree of stenosis has been deliberately used to justify carotid artery interventions in thousands of patients worldwide. However, the annual risk of stroke in asymptomatic carotid artery disease is low. Plaque morphology and its kinetics have gained ground to explain cerebrovascular and retinal embolic events. This review provides the readers with an insightful and critical analysis of the risk stratification of asymptomatic carotid artery disease in order to assist in selecting potential candidates for a carotid intervention.
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Horie N, Morikawa M, Ishizaka S, Takeshita T, So G, Hayashi K, Suyama K, Nagata I. Assessment of Carotid Plaque Stability Based on the Dynamic Enhancement Pattern in Plaque Components With Multidetector CT Angiography. Stroke 2012; 43:393-8. [DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.111.635953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose—
Recent studies have investigated plaque morphology to determine patients who are at high risk of carotid atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated whether a difference in dynamic enhancement pattern in plaque components could be useful to assess plaque stability with multidetector CT angiography.
Methods—
Fifty-nine lesions with moderate to severe carotid atherosclerosis in 51 patients (33 symptomatic, 18 asymptomatic) were consecutively included. Early- and delayed-phase images were obtained in 3 equivalent axial slices with multidetector CT angiography. Hounsfield units (HU) in the early phase were subtracted from those in the delayed phase in plaques (ΔHU) and compared with clinical features, MRI-based plaque characteristics, and histological findings with 20 surgical specimens acquired from carotid endarterectomy.
Results—
The ΔHU was significantly higher in asymptomatic than that in symptomatic presentation (
P
=0.02). With MRI, a higher ΔHU was negatively correlated with signal intensity on T1-weighted imaging (
r
=−0.56,
P
<0.0001). Histology confirmed that ΔHU was positively correlated with fibrous tissue (
r
=0.67,
P
=0.001) and negatively correlated with a lipid-rich necrotic core with hemorrhage (
r
=−0.70,
P
<0.001). Moreover, less neovascularization and inflammation was found in plaques with a higher ΔHU.
Conclusions—
Delayed-phase images provide information regarding the dynamic change in contrast media from the early arterial phase. An increase in HU from the early phase on multidetector CT angiography indicates plaque stability with more fibrous tissue and a less lipid-rich necrotic core, intraplaque hemorrhage, and neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobutaka Horie
- From the Departments of Neurosurgery (N.H., S.I., T.T., G.S., K.H., K.S., I.N.) and Radiology (M.M.), Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Minoru Morikawa
- From the Departments of Neurosurgery (N.H., S.I., T.T., G.S., K.H., K.S., I.N.) and Radiology (M.M.), Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Ishizaka
- From the Departments of Neurosurgery (N.H., S.I., T.T., G.S., K.H., K.S., I.N.) and Radiology (M.M.), Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomonori Takeshita
- From the Departments of Neurosurgery (N.H., S.I., T.T., G.S., K.H., K.S., I.N.) and Radiology (M.M.), Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Gohei So
- From the Departments of Neurosurgery (N.H., S.I., T.T., G.S., K.H., K.S., I.N.) and Radiology (M.M.), Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kentaro Hayashi
- From the Departments of Neurosurgery (N.H., S.I., T.T., G.S., K.H., K.S., I.N.) and Radiology (M.M.), Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Suyama
- From the Departments of Neurosurgery (N.H., S.I., T.T., G.S., K.H., K.S., I.N.) and Radiology (M.M.), Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Izumi Nagata
- From the Departments of Neurosurgery (N.H., S.I., T.T., G.S., K.H., K.S., I.N.) and Radiology (M.M.), Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Nagasaki, Japan
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