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Cao X, Tang Y, Pan L, Yang J, Wu Y, Geng D, Zhang J. Assessment of carotid atherosclerotic plaque using 3D motion-sensitized driven-equilibrium prepared rapid gradient echo: a comparative study. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2021; 11:2744-2755. [PMID: 34079738 DOI: 10.21037/qims-20-869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Background 3D motion-sensitized driven-equilibrium prepared rapid gradient echo (MERGE) can characterize carotid atherosclerotic plaque morphology and composition. The present study aimed to evaluate its performance by comparing it with reference images and assessing the inter-reader agreement. Methods Eighty-four patients were prospectively recruited and scanned with 3D MERGE. Two trained magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) readers measured and calculated the maximum wall thickness (WT), maximum vessel diameter, total vessel area, lumen area, wall area, normalized wall index, plaque volume, intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) volume, and calcification volume independently. IPH, calcification, mixed calcification, and ulceration were identified. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the inter-reader agreement. MERGE performance was assessed in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, kappa value (κ), and the results of the Bland-Altman analysis and compared with reference images. Results MERGE showed excellent inter-reader agreement (All ICCs >0.90). MERGE and simultaneous non-contrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage (SNAP) showed excellent agreement in detecting IPH (κ=0.938) and measuring IPH volume (ICC =0.995; 95% CI: 0.991-0.997). MERGE and computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed strong consistency in detecting calcification (κ=0.814) and mixed calcification (κ=0.972), and in measuring calcification volume (ICC =0.996; 95% CI: 0.993-0.997). MERGE and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed relatively strong consistency in identifying ulceration (κ=0.737). Conclusions MERGE showed excellent performance in identifying and measuring IPH and calcification in carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, MERGE can be a promising imaging approach in atherosclerotic-vulnerable plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cao
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Tang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Pan
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinming Yang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Daoying Geng
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Normalized wall index, intraplaque hemorrhage and ulceration of carotid plaques correlate with the severity of ischemic stroke. Atherosclerosis 2020; 315:138-144. [PMID: 33183741 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2020.10.896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Carotid atherosclerosis is considered an important cause of ischemic stroke. Tthis study aimed to explore the relationship between plaque features and the severity of stroke, and to identify plaque risk factors for the assessment of the severity of ischemic stroke. METHODS Symptomatic patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques were prospectively recruited and underwent high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VW-MRI). Two trained MRI readers independently identified intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), calcification (CA), surface CA, deep CA, and ulceration. They measured and calculated the maximum vessel diameter (Max VD), maximum wall thickness (Max WT), total vessel area, lumen area, normalized wall index (NWI), plaque volume, IPH volume, IPH proportion, CA volume, and CA proportion. Patients were divided into two groups according to their National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (NIHSS ≤1 vs. NIHSS >1). Clinical characteristics and carotid plaque features were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test or Chi-square test as appropriate. Odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of plaque features to distinguish patients with NIHSS >1 were calculated. Spearman's rank correlations or Pearson correlations were determined for plaque features and NIHSS scores. RESULTS Of the 97 included patients, 34 (35.05%) with NIHSS >1 had significantly greater NWI (p < 0.05), larger IPH volume (p < 0.01), and greater IPH proportion (p < 0.01), and higher prevalence of IPH (OR, 5.654; 95%CI, 2.272-14.070; p < 0.01) and ulceration (OR, 2.891; 95%CI, 1.090-7.667; p = 0.033) than patients with NIHSS ≤1. Max WT (r = 0.24, p = 0.018), NWI (r = 0.22, p = 0.032), IPH (r = 0.27, p = 0.007), IPH volume (r = 0.35, p < 0.01), IPH proportion (r = 0.28, p = 0.005), and ulceration (r = 0.35, p < 0.01) had positive correlations with NIHSS scores. CONCLUSIONS NWI, IPH, and ulceration of carotid atherosclerotic plaque based on high-resolution VW-MRI may be useful indicators for assessing the severity of ischemic stroke in patients with atherosclerosis. NIHSS score is related to max WT, NWI, IPH, IPH volume, IPH proportion, and ulceration.
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Imaging Features of Vulnerable Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque and the Associated Clinical Implications. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11936-020-00821-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Gwak DS, Kim BK, Chung I, Han MK. The usefulness of Time-of-Flight MR angiography in detection of intraplaque hemorrhage in patients with acute ischemic stroke with symptomatic carotid stenosis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229024. [PMID: 32053703 PMCID: PMC7018040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Carotid intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is a well-known risk indicator of thromboembolism, but it is not easy to rapidly detect IPH in acute symptomatic carotid disease. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in the detection of IPH and evaluate the degree of stenosis and stroke patterns in patients with acute symptomatic carotid disease. Methods We retrospectively identified consecutive patients with acute symptomatic carotid disease who were admitted within 12 h after stroke onset. Fifty-nine patients underwent TOF MRA at admission and were categorized according to the presence or absence of intraplaque high signal intensity (HSI). The severity of carotid stenosis and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging lesion patterns were evaluated. Results Intraplaque HSI was detected in 28.8% of the enrolled patients (17/59). Mild-to-moderate symptomatic carotid stenosis was more frequent in the intraplaque HSI-positive group (70.6%) than in the intraplaque HSI-negative group (42.8%) (p = 0.015). The patients with intraplaque HSI more frequently exhibited a disseminated small infarction pattern (76.5% in the intraplaque HSI-positive group, 47.6% in the -negative group), and did not exhibit a border-zone infarction pattern (0% in the positive group, 16.7% in the negative group). Conclusions TOF MRA may be a useful noninvasive and rapid tool to detect IPH in patients with acute symptomatic carotid disease. IPH was common in those with a lower degree of carotid stenosis and manifested as a disseminated small infarction pattern. Intraplaque HSI on TOF MRA in acute symptomatic carotid disease may help to determine the mechanism of stroke and establish early treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Seok Gwak
- Department of Neurology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Baik-Kyun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Inyoung Chung
- Department of Medicare System, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Ku Han
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Song YJ, Kwak HS, Chung GH, Jo S. Quantification of Carotid Intraplaque Hemorrhage: Comparison between Manual Segmentation and Semi-Automatic Segmentation on Magnetization-Prepared Rapid Acquisition with Gradient-Echo Sequences. Diagnostics (Basel) 2019; 9:diagnostics9040184. [PMID: 31718016 PMCID: PMC6963393 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9040184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Carotid intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) increases risk of territorial cerebral ischemic events, but different sequences or criteria have been used to diagnose or quantify carotid IPH. The purpose of this study was to compare manual segmentation and semi-automatic segmentation for quantification of carotid IPH on magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient-echo (MPRAGE) sequences. Methods: Forty patients with 16–79% carotid stenosis and IPH on MPRAGE sequences were reviewed by two trained radiologists with more than five years of specialized experience in carotid plaque characterization with carotid plaque MRI. Initially, the radiologists manually viewed the IPH based on the MPRAGE sequence. IPH volume was then measured by three different semi-automatic methods, with high signal intensity 150%, 175%, and 200%, respectively, above that of adjacent muscle on the MPRAGE sequence. Agreement on measurements between manual segmentation and semi-automatic segmentation was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: There was near-perfect agreement between manual segmentation and the 150% and 175% criteria for semi-automatic segmentation in quantification of IPH volume. The ICC of each semi-automatic segmentation were as follows: 150% criteria: 0.861, 175% criteria: 0.809, 200% criteria: 0.491. The ICC value of manual vs. 150% criteria and manual vs. 175% criteria were significantly better than the manual vs. 200% criteria (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The ICC of 150% and 175% criteria for semi-automatic segmentation are more reliable for quantification of IPH volume. Semi-automatic classification tools may be beneficial in large-scale multicenter studies by reducing image analysis time and avoiding bias between human reviewers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Ju Song
- Department of Radiology of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeon-ju 54907, Korea;
| | - Hyo Sung Kwak
- Radiology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeon-ju 54907, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-63-250-2582; Fax: +82-63-272-0481
| | - Gyung Ho Chung
- Radiology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeon-ju 54907, Korea;
| | - Seongil Jo
- Department of Statistics (Institute of Applied Statistics), Chonbuk National University, Jeon-ju 54907, Korea;
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Luo L, Liu S, Tong X, Jiang P, Yuan C, Zhao X, Shang F. Carotid artery segmentation using level set method with double adaptive threshold (DATLS) on TOF-MRA images. Magn Reson Imaging 2019; 63:123-130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Wang T, Qiao H, Xu H, Xu D, Liu G, Yuan C, Zhao X. Identification of carotid non-hemorrhagic lipid-rich necrotic core by magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient-echo imaging: Validation by contrast-enhanced T1 weighted imaging. Magn Reson Imaging 2019; 63:155-158. [PMID: 31425806 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2019.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huiyu Qiao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Xu
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dongxiang Xu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gaifen Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China.
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Lipid-Rich Necrotic Core of Basilar Artery Atherosclerotic Plaque: Contrast-Enhanced Black Blood Imaging on Vessel Wall Imaging. Diagnostics (Basel) 2019; 9:diagnostics9030069. [PMID: 31269676 PMCID: PMC6787719 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9030069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We wished to evaluate the lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) using contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (CE-T1W) black-blood (BB) imaging for vessel walls. Methods: Ninety-five patients with basilar artery (BA) stenosis who underwent magnetic resonance angiography between January 2016 and August 2018 were enrolled into this present study. CE-T1W BB imaging was considered as a reference method for identifying an LRNC. Results: Ten (10.5%) patients were identified as having an LRNC on CE-T1W BB imaging. Of these patients, 9 had acute symptoms. The extent of stenosis in patients with an LRNC on CE-T1W BB imaging was significantly greater than that of patients without an LRNC (p < 0.001). The maximum wall thickness in patients with an LRNC on CE-T1W imaging was significantly thicker than that of patients without an LRNC (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Identification of an LRNC on CE-T1W BB imaging was associated with high-grade stenosis and massive plaque burden from BA atherosclerosis.
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Liu H, Sun J, Hippe DS, Wu W, Chu B, Balu N, Hatsukami T, Yuan C. Improved carotid lumen delineation on non-contrast MR angiography using SNAP (Simultaneous Non-Contrast Angiography and Intraplaque Hemorrhage) imaging. Magn Reson Imaging 2019; 62:87-93. [PMID: 31247251 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Simultaneous Non-Contrast Angiography and Intraplaque Hemorrhage (SNAP) was developed for improved imaging of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH). Its signal polarity also allows for non-contrast time-of-flight MR angiography (TOF). This study sought to compare SNAP and TOF in delineating carotid lumen using contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two hundred and eighty-nine matched slices from 15 arteries among 11 subjects (9 males and 2 females, mean age of 72.1 ± 8.6 years) with luminal stenosis on CE-MRA were studied. Cross-sectional slices centered around the carotid bifurcation were matched between the three MRA techniques (SNAP, TOF, and CE-MRA) and classified as slices with or without plaque (focal wall thickness ≥ 1.5 mm) by additional black-blood vessel wall MRI. Lumen area was measured using a Sobel gradient map for TOF and CE-MRA (magnitude images) and a polarity map for SNAP. Agreement between techniques for measuring lumen area and percent stenosis was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and paired t-test. RESULTS Among the 289 matched slices, SNAP showed a higher agreement with CE-MRA than TOF for measuring lumen area (ICC: 0.93 vs. 0.83; p = 0.03). Agreement with CE-MRA was high for both SNAP and TOF in slices without plaque (ICC: 0.91 vs. 0.89; p > 0.05) but favored SNAP over TOF in slices with plaque (ICC: 0.93 vs. 0.80; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION SNAP, assisted by signal polarity information, demonstrated a higher agreement with CE-MRA in delineating carotid lumen compared to TOF, particularly in slices with plaque where flow conditions may be more complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haining Liu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States.
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
| | - Daniel S Hippe
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States; Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Affiliated to Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Department of Radiology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Baocheng Chu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
| | - Niranjan Balu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
| | - Thomas Hatsukami
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States; Department of Bioengineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Yamada K, Yoshimura S, Shirakawa M, Uchida K, Nakahara S, Nishida S, Iwamoto Y, Sato Y, Kawasaki M. Asymptomatic moderate carotid artery stenosis with intraplaque hemorrhage: Progression of degree of stenosis and new ischemic stroke. J Clin Neurosci 2019; 63:95-99. [PMID: 30732983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2019.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Carotid intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) plays a critical role in the progression of carotid atherosclerotic disease. IPH was associated with high intensity signal (HIS) in the plaque on Maximum intensity projection (MIP) images from routine three dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3D-TOF MRA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships among HIS, new ipsilateral ischemic stroke and a progression rate in carotid plaques with moderate stenosis. We included 45 carotid plaques with moderate stenosis (50%-69%) in 45 patients who could be followed more than 12 months. Carotid IPH was defined as the presence of HIS on 3DTOF MRA using the criteria previously we published. We analyzed the relation between the presence of HIS and new ischemic strokes and annual progression rate of carotid stenosis. HIS was present in 21 (47%) carotid arteries. Over a follow-up period of 24 ± 9 months, six ischemic strokes occurred in ipsilateral side. New ipsilateral ischemic stroke occurred more frequently in HIS positive group (P group: 6 of 21, 29%) than negative group (N group: 0 of 24, 0%) (p = 0.017). Annual progression rate of carotid stenosis is significantly higher in P group (+3.35%/year) than N group (-0.02%/year) (p = 0.0026). In multivariate regression analysis, HIS positive was an independent predictor for annual progression rate of carotid stenosis (p = 0.003). Evaluation of HIS in asymptomatic moderate carotid stenosis can potentially provide risk stratification of new ipsilateral ischemic strokes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyofumi Yamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Shinichi Yoshimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan.
| | - Manabu Shirakawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Uchida
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | | | - Shuji Nishida
- Department of Radiology, Sato Daiichi Hospital, Usa, Japan
| | | | - Yoshikazu Sato
- Department of Radiology, Sato Daiichi Hospital, Usa, Japan
| | - Masanori Kawasaki
- Department of Cardiology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
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Identification of carotid lipid-rich necrotic core and calcification by 3D magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient-echo imaging. Magn Reson Imaging 2018; 53:71-76. [PMID: 30021124 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This study sought to investigate the feasibility of three-dimensional MPRAGE in identifying the lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) and calcification (CA) of carotid atherosclerotic plaques. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve patients (mean age 68.4 ± 11.8 years; 7 males) with carotid atherosclerotic plaques on ultrasound were included and underwent multicontrast magnetic resonance (MR) vessel wall imaging. The contrast enhanced T1W (CE-T1W) images were considered as reference for identifying LRNC. The signal intensity of LRNC, CA, sterno-cleidomastoid muscle and fibrous tissue (FT) was measured on CE-T1W, T1W, T2W, and MPRAGE images, respectively. The relative signal intensity (rSI) of LRNC and CA against muscle or FT was compared among four sequences. Area under the curve (AUC) of rSIs of LRNC, CA and FT against muscle on MPRAGE, T1W and T2W images in discriminating the LRNC or CA from FT and the other plaque component was calculated. RESULTS Of 352 slices, 88 (25.0%) had LRNC, 31 (8.8%) had CA, 14 (4.0%) had both LRNC and CA, and 247 (70.2%) had no components. Among four imaging sequences, MPRAGE images showed the lowest rSI of LRNC (0.34 ± 0.18) and CA (0.20 ± 0.16) against muscle, followed by T1W (0.48 ± 0.18 and 0.33 ± 0.21), CE-T1W (0.58 ± 0.23 and 0.40 ± 0.21) and T2W (0.71 ± 0.47 and 0.43 ± 0.40) images. In addition, the MPRAGE images showed the lowest rSI of LRNC (0.57 ± 0.26) and CA (0.33 ± 0.23) against FT. MPRAGE showed greater AUC than T2W and T1W in discriminating the LRNC (0.827 vs. 0.703 vs. 0.635) and CA (0.917 vs. 0.838 vs. 0.825). CONCLUSION MPRAGE sequence might be a potential non-contrast enhanced imaging tool for identification of carotid LRNC and CA.
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Kim S, Kwak HS, Hwang SB, Chung GH. Dynamic change of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage volume in subjects with mild carotid stenosis. Eur J Radiol 2018; 105:15-19. [PMID: 30017272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2018.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Early detection of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) in the carotid artery is important as it is correlated with an increased risk of cerebral ischemic events. We examined changes in IPH with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over an extended follow-up period in patients with mild carotid stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS From November 2013 to November 2015, we retrospectively reviewed cerebral MRI of 2036 patients, including magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient-echo (MPRAGE) sequences obtained with a 3.0 T (T) MRI unit. An experienced neuroradiologist reviewed all studies and found 38 patients with carotid IPH and carotid stenosis that were categorized as mild (<30%), according to the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) criteria. Twenty-five patients agreed to join this study and signed informed consent for (MPRAGE) sequence imaging. We used semi-automated software to measure IPH volume on both the initial and follow up scans. RESULTS The median follow-up time of patients with mild carotid stenosis and IPH was 33.3 months. IPH volume increased in 10 of 27 carotid arteries (37.0%), with a mean volume increase of 42.6 ± 44.0 mm3. IPH volume decreased in 17 of 27 carotid arteries (63%), with a mean volume decrease of 17.2 ± 22.8 mm3. Two patients without IPH at baseline showed IPH development on follow-up imaging. There were no significant differences in patient demographics between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Carotid IPH volume in subjects with mild carotid stenosis can change over time and may not be correlated with any typical patient demographics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangheon Kim
- Radiology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Sung Kwak
- Radiology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 561-756, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seung Bae Hwang
- Radiology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyung-Ho Chung
- Radiology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 561-756, Republic of Korea
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Yamada K, Yoshimura S, Shirakawa M, Uchida K, Maruyama F, Nakahara S, Nishida S, Iwamoto Y, Sato Y, Kawasaki M. High intensity signal in the plaque on routine 3D-TOF MRA is associated with ischemic stroke in the patients with low-grade carotid stenosis. J Neurol Sci 2018; 385:164-167. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2017.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Revised: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Renard D, Le Bars E, Arquizan C, Gaillard N, de Champfleur NM, Mourand I. Time-of-flight MR angiography in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Acta Neurol Belg 2017; 117:837-840. [PMID: 28936607 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-017-0835-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recently, time-of-flight (TOF) and gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography (MRA) imaging have been used to demonstrate subacute intramural hematoma in cervical artery dissection and to detect intraplaque haemorrhage. Our aim was to perform an exploratory study to analyse if venous thrombus-related signal changes (potentially showing iso- or hyperintensity) in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) could be observed on 3D-TOF MRA imaging. We analysed retrospectively MRIs of CVST patients in whom both contrast-enhanced MR venography (CEMRV) and 3D-TOF sequences were performed in the acute/subacute phase (i.e. < 31 days after symptom onset). The occluded sinus segments were defined on CEMRV. First, analyses of signal changes in occluded venous sinuses segments (defined by and unblinded to CEMRV) on native 3D-TOF images and morphological MRI sequences were performed. Second, a blinded (to CEMRV and other morphological MRI sequences) analysis was performed on 3D-TOF imaging assessing signal changes on 3D-TOF considering all sinus segments. Twenty-five CVST patients were included. 3D-TOF imaging showed signal changes (most often hyperintensity and less often isointensity) in 84% of the occluded sinus segments. Signal changes were observed in 91% of the occluded sinus segments on T1-weighted imaging, in 69% on T2-weighted imaging, in 68% on FLAIR, in 32% on DWI, and in 55% on T2*-weighted imaging. On blinded analysis, sensitivity of 3D-TOF sequences decreased to 80%, whereas specificity was only 65%. Abnormal signal in the venous sinuses on 3D-TOF may possibly help to suspect CVST, especially when CEMRV sequences lack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Renard
- Department of Neurology, Nîmes University Hospital, 4 Rue du Pr Debré, 30029, Nîmes Cedex 4, France.
| | - Emmanuelle Le Bars
- Department of Neurororadiology, Institut d, Imagerie Fonctionnelle Humaine, Montpellier University Hospital, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Caroline Arquizan
- Department of Neurology, Montpellier University Hospital, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Gaillard
- Department of Neurology, Montpellier University Hospital, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Isabelle Mourand
- Department of Neurology, Montpellier University Hospital, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, 34000, Montpellier, France
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Chung GH, Jeong JY, Kwak HS, Hwang SB. Associations between Cerebral Embolism and Carotid Intraplaque Hemorrhage during Protected Carotid Artery Stenting. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2015; 37:686-91. [PMID: 26542236 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Carotid artery stent placement in patients with intraplaque hemorrhage remains controversial because of the incidence of cerebral embolism after the procedure. The purpose of this study is to determine if intraplaque hemorrhage is a significant risk factor for cerebral embolism during carotid artery stent placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study assessed 94 consecutive patients with severe carotid stenosis. These patients underwent preprocedural carotid MR imaging and postprocedural DWI after carotid artery stent placement. Intraplaque hemorrhage was defined as the presence of high signal intensity within the carotid plaque that was >200% of the signal from the adjacent muscle on MPRAGE. We then analyzed the incidence of postprocedural ipsilateral ischemic events on DWI and primary outcomes within 30 days of carotid artery stent placement. RESULTS Forty-three patients (45.7%) had intraplaque hemorrhage on an MPRAGE image. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postprocedural ipsilateral ischemic events and primary outcomes between the intraplaque hemorrhage and non-intraplaque hemorrhage group. However, postprocedural ipsilateral ischemic events were more frequently observed in the symptomatic group (17/41 [41.5%]) than in the asymptomatic group (8/53 [15.1%]; P = .005). CONCLUSIONS Intraplaque hemorrhage was not a significant risk factor for cerebral embolism during carotid artery stent placement in patients with severe carotid stenosis. Symptomatic patients should receive more careful treatment during carotid artery stent placement because of the higher risk of postprocedural ipsilateral ischemic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- G H Chung
- From the Radiology and Research Institute, Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - J Y Jeong
- From the Radiology and Research Institute, Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - H S Kwak
- From the Radiology and Research Institute, Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea.
| | - S B Hwang
- From the Radiology and Research Institute, Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
There has been significant progress made in 3-dimensional (3D) carotid plaque MR imaging techniques in recent years. Three-dimensional plaque imaging clearly represents the future in clinical use. With effective flow-suppression techniques, choices of different contrast weighting acquisitions, and time-efficient imaging approaches, 3D plaque imaging offers flexible imaging plane and view angle analysis, large coverage, multivascular beds capability, and even can be used in fast screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yuan
- Vascular Imaging Lab, Department of Radiology, Bio-Molecular Imaging Center, University of Washington, Box 358050, 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109-4714, USA.
| | - Dennis L Parker
- Department of Radiology, Imaging & Neurosciences Center, Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research (UCAIR), University of Utah, 729 Arapeen Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
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Sakamoto S, Kiura Y, Okazaki T, Shinagawa K, Ishii D, Ichinose N, Kurisu K. Carotid artery stenting for vulnerable plaques on MR angiography and ultrasonography: utility of dual protection and blood aspiration method. J Neurointerv Surg 2015; 8:1011-5. [DOI: 10.1136/neurintsurg-2015-012052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundCarotid artery stenting (CAS) for internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis with vulnerable plaques is controversial. We analyzed the effect of a dual protection and blood aspiration method during CAS in patients with vulnerable plaques.MethodsA total of 111 patients with ICA stenosis underwent CAS using the dual protection (simultaneous flow reversal and distal filter) and blood aspiration method. In 103 of 111 patients, preoperative carotid plaque was estimated by both 3 T MRI and ultrasonography (US). ICA plaques with a high intensity signal on time-of-flight-MR angiography (TOF-MRA) and/or mobile component on US were defined as vulnerable plaques. We assessed major adverse events (MAE) (ie, major stroke, myocardial infarction, and death) and hyperintense spots on diffusion-weighted images (DWI) after CAS. We then evaluated the visible debris captured by dual protection and blood aspiration during CAS.ResultsThe preoperative ICA plaque on TOF-MRA and US was judged to be vulnerable in 48.5% (50/103 patients). The success rate of the CAS procedure was 100% with no MAE within 30 days. DWI showed small hyperintense spots in 18% (9/50 patients) and 18.9% (10/53 patients) in the vulnerable and non-vulnerable plaque groups, respectively. Visible debris was captured in 68% (34/50 patients) and 45.3% (24/53 patients) in the vulnerable and non-vulnerable plaque groups, respectively (p=0.0286).ConclusionsThe combination of dual protection and blood aspiration could provide effective distal embolic protection although vulnerable plaques on TOF-MRA and US had a high incidence of debris during CAS. Thus, CAS using dual protection and blood aspiration is safe in patients with vulnerable plaques.
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Yu JH, Kwak HS, Chung GH, Hwang SB, Park MS, Park SH. Association of Intraplaque Hemorrhage and Acute Infarction in Patients With Basilar Artery Plaque. Stroke 2015; 46:2768-72. [PMID: 26306752 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.115.009412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) is ideal for serial examination of diseased arterial walls because it is noninvasive and has superior capability of discriminating tissue characteristics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and clinical relevance of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) in patients with basilar artery (BA) atherosclerosis using HRMRI. METHODS We analyzed HRMRI and clinical data from 74 patients (45 symptomatic and 29 asymptomatic), all of whom had >50% BA stenosis. High-signal intensity within a BA plaque on magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient-echo was defined as an area with an intensity that was >150% of the signal from the adjacent muscle. The relationship between IPH within a BA plaque region and clinical presentation was analyzed. RESULTS Thirty patients were positive for IPH on HRMRI (42.3%, 24 symptomatic and 6 asymptomatic). Symptomatic lesions in the MR-positive IPH group were significantly more prevalent than in the MR-negative group (80.0% versus 48.8%; P<0.01). Also, MR-predicted IPH was significantly more prevalent in the high-grade stenosis group (P<0.001) than in the low-grade group. The relative risk of an acute focal stroke event among patients who were magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient-echo-positive for IPH compared with patients who were magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient-echo-negative was 1.64. CONCLUSIONS IPH within a BA plaque region on HRMRI is highly prevalent and is associated with acute stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hee Yu
- From the Radiology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea (J.H.Y., H.S.K., G.H.C., S.B.H.); and Institute for Metabolic Disease and Radiology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea (M.S.P., S.H.P.)
| | - Hyo Sung Kwak
- From the Radiology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea (J.H.Y., H.S.K., G.H.C., S.B.H.); and Institute for Metabolic Disease and Radiology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea (M.S.P., S.H.P.).
| | - Gyung Ho Chung
- From the Radiology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea (J.H.Y., H.S.K., G.H.C., S.B.H.); and Institute for Metabolic Disease and Radiology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea (M.S.P., S.H.P.)
| | - Seung Bae Hwang
- From the Radiology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea (J.H.Y., H.S.K., G.H.C., S.B.H.); and Institute for Metabolic Disease and Radiology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea (M.S.P., S.H.P.)
| | - Mi Sung Park
- From the Radiology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea (J.H.Y., H.S.K., G.H.C., S.B.H.); and Institute for Metabolic Disease and Radiology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea (M.S.P., S.H.P.)
| | - Seong Hoon Park
- From the Radiology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea (J.H.Y., H.S.K., G.H.C., S.B.H.); and Institute for Metabolic Disease and Radiology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea (M.S.P., S.H.P.)
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Gupta A, Marshall RS. Moving beyond luminal stenosis: imaging strategies for stroke prevention in asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Cerebrovasc Dis 2015; 39:253-61. [PMID: 25870952 DOI: 10.1159/000381108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With progressive improvements in medical therapy and resultant reductions in stroke risk, luminal stenosis criteria are no longer adequate to inform decisions to pursue surgical revascularization in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. SUMMARY In this evidence-based review, we discuss the imaging-based risk stratification strategies that take into account factors beyond luminal stenosis measurements, including cerebral hemodynamics and plaque composition. The existing literature lends support to the use of certain imaging tests in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis including cerebrovascular reserve testing, MRI of plaque composition, ultrasound of plaque echolucency, and transcranial Doppler evaluation for microemboli. The highest quality evidence thus far in the literature includes only systematic reviews and meta-analyses of cohort studies with no randomized trials having yet been performed to show how these newer imaging biomarkers could be used to inform treatment decisions in asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Beyond the need for randomized trials, there are additional important steps needed to improve the relevance of evidence supporting risk assessment strategies. Imaging studies evaluating the risk of stroke in carotid disease should clearly define asymptomatic versus symptomatic disease, use uniform definitions of clearly defined outcome measures such as ipsilateral stroke, ensure that imaging interpretations are performed in a manner blinded to treatments and other risk factors, and include cohorts which are on modern intensive medical therapy. Such studies of risk stratification for asymptomatic carotid stenosis will be most valuable if they can integrate multiple high-risk features (including clinical risk factors) into a multi-factorial risk assessment strategy in a manner that is relatively simple to implement and generalizable across a wide range of practice settings. Key Messages: Together, modern imaging strategies allow for a more mechanistic assessment of stroke risk in carotid disease compared to luminal stenosis measurements alone, which, with further validation in randomized controlled trials, may improve current efforts at stroke prevention in asymptomatic carotid stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Gupta
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, N.Y., USA
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20
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Park JS, Kwak HS, Lee JM, Koh EJ, Chung GH, Hwang SB. Association of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage and territorial acute infarction in patients with acute neurological symptoms using carotid magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient-echo. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2015; 57:94-9. [PMID: 25733989 PMCID: PMC4345200 DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2015.57.2.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of our study was to assess prevalence of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) and associations between territorial acute infarction and IPH on magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient-echo (MPRAGE) in patients with acute neurologic symptoms. Methods 83 patients with suspected acute neurologic symptoms were evaluated with both brain diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and carotid MPRAGE sequences. Carotid plaque with high signal intensity on MPRAGE of >200% that of adjacent muscle was categorized as IPH. We analyzed the prevalence of IPH and its correlation with territorial acute infarction. Results Of 166 arteries, 39 had a carotid artery plaque. Of these arteries, 26 had carotid artery stenosis less than 50%. In all carotid arteries, MR-depicted IPH was found in 7.2% (12/166). High-signal intensity on DWI was found in 17.5% (29/166). Combined lesion with ipsilateral high-signal intensity on DWI and IPH on carotid MPRAGE sequence was found in 6 lesions (6/166, 3.6%). Of patients with carotid artery plaque, MR-predicted IPH was found in 30.8% (12/39) and match lesions with high-signal intensity on DWI and MPRAGE was found in 15.4% (6/39). MR-predicted IPH was significantly higher prevalence in high-grade stenosis group (p=0.010). Relative risk between carotid MPRAGE-positive signal and ipsilateral high-signal intensity on DWI in arteries with carotid artery plaques was 6.8 (p=0.010). Conclusion Carotid MPRAGE-positive signal in patients was associated with an increased risk of territorial acute infarction as detected objectively by brain DWI. The relative risk of stroke was increased in high-grade stenosis categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Soo Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Hyo Sung Kwak
- Department of Radiology, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Korea. ; Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Jong Myong Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Eun Jeong Koh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Gyung Ho Chung
- Department of Radiology, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Seung Bae Hwang
- Department of Radiology, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
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Yamada K, Kawasaki M, Yoshimura S, Sasaki Y, Nakahara S, Sato Y. Asymptomatic moderate carotid artery stenosis with intraplaque hemorrhage: onset of new ischemic stroke. J Neurointerv Surg 2014; 8:130-4. [DOI: 10.1136/neurintsurg-2014-011317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundThe degree of stenosis of carotid arteries is recognized as an important risk factor for ischemic stroke. However, high-grade stenosis does not always cause cerebrovascular events, whereas low- to moderate-grade stenosis may often cause strokes. It has been reported that there is an association between carotid intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) and new brain ischemic events.Case presentationWe present three patients with asymptomatic moderate carotid artery stenosis and carotid IPH who underwent both neurological and MRI at baseline and after at least 1 year's follow-up. These patients were admitted to our hospital (after 15–35 months of follow-up) because of neurological deficits. Diffusion-weighted MRI of the brain showed ipsilateral new ischemic lesions due to carotid artery plaques. The patients were treated with carotid artery stenting and discharged uneventfully.ConclusionsWhether plaques with severe stenosis already had severe stenosis at the onset of events or plaques with moderate stenosis progressed owing to an acute change, such as growth of an IPH, remains unclear, because no carotid imaging was carried out just before the events. This is the first case report which presents neurological symptoms and MRI at both baseline and follow-up in patients with asymptomatic moderate carotid artery stenosis and carotid IPH.
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Pennell DJ, Baksi AJ, Kilner PJ, Mohiaddin RH, Prasad SK, Alpendurada F, Babu-Narayan SV, Neubauer S, Firmin DN. Review of Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 2013. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2014; 16:100. [PMID: 25475898 PMCID: PMC4256918 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-014-0100-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
There were 109 articles published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (JCMR) in 2013, which is a 21% increase on the 90 articles published in 2012. The quality of the submissions continues to increase. The editors are delighted to report that the 2012 JCMR Impact Factor (which is published in June 2013) has risen to 5.11, up from 4.44 for 2011 (as published in June 2012), a 15% increase and taking us through the 5 threshold for the first time. The 2012 impact factor means that the JCMR papers that were published in 2010 and 2011 were cited on average 5.11 times in 2012. The impact factor undergoes natural variation according to citation rates of papers in the 2 years following publication, and is significantly influenced by highly cited papers such as official reports. However, the progress of the journal's impact over the last 5 years has been impressive. Our acceptance rate is <25% and has been falling because the number of articles being submitted has been increasing. In accordance with Open-Access publishing, the JCMR articles go on-line as they are accepted with no collating of the articles into sections or special thematic issues. For this reason, the Editors have felt that it is useful once per calendar year to summarize the papers for the readership into broad areas of interest or theme, so that areas of interest can be reviewed in a single article in relation to each other and other recent JCMR articles. The papers are presented in broad themes and set in context with related literature and previously published JCMR papers to guide continuity of thought in the journal. We hope that you find the open-access system increases wider reading and citation of your papers, and that you will continue to send your quality manuscripts to JCMR for publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dudley John Pennell
- />Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP UK
- />Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Arun John Baksi
- />Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP UK
- />Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Philip John Kilner
- />Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP UK
- />Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Raad Hashem Mohiaddin
- />Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP UK
- />Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Sanjay Kumar Prasad
- />Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP UK
- />Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Francisco Alpendurada
- />Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP UK
- />Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Sonya Vidya Babu-Narayan
- />Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP UK
- />Imperial College, London, UK
| | | | - David Nigel Firmin
- />Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP UK
- />Imperial College, London, UK
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van Engelen A, Niessen WJ, Klein S, Groen HC, Verhagen HJM, Wentzel JJ, van der Lugt A, de Bruijne M. Atherosclerotic plaque component segmentation in combined carotid MRI and CTA data incorporating class label uncertainty. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94840. [PMID: 24762678 PMCID: PMC3999092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic plaque composition can indicate plaque vulnerability. We segment atherosclerotic plaque components from the carotid artery on a combination of in vivo MRI and CT-angiography (CTA) data using supervised voxelwise classification. In contrast to previous studies the ground truth for training is directly obtained from 3D registration with histology for fibrous and lipid-rich necrotic tissue, and with μCT for calcification. This registration does, however, not provide accurate voxelwise correspondence. We therefore evaluate three approaches that incorporate uncertainty in the ground truth used for training: I) soft labels are created by Gaussian blurring of the original binary histology segmentations to reduce weights at the boundaries between components, and are weighted by the estimated registration accuracy of the histology and in vivo imaging data (measured by overlap), II) samples are weighted by the local contour distance of the lumen and outer wall between histology and in vivo data, and III) 10% of each class is rejected by Gaussian outlier rejection. Classification was evaluated on the relative volumes (% of tissue type in the vessel wall) for calcified, fibrous and lipid-rich necrotic tissue, using linear discriminant (LDC) and support vector machine (SVM) classification. In addition, the combination of MRI and CTA data was compared to using only one imaging modality. Best results were obtained by LDC and outlier rejection: the volume error per vessel was 0.9±1.0% for calcification, 12.7±7.6% for fibrous and 12.1±8.1% for necrotic tissue, with Spearman rank correlation coefficients of 0.91 (calcification), 0.80 (fibrous) and 0.81 (necrotic). While segmentation using only MRI features yielded low accuracy for calcification, and segmentation using only CTA features yielded low accuracy for necrotic tissue, the combination of features from MRI and CTA gave good results for all studied components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arna van Engelen
- Biomedical Imaging Group Rotterdam, Departments of Medical Informatics & Radiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wiro J. Niessen
- Biomedical Imaging Group Rotterdam, Departments of Medical Informatics & Radiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Imaging Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Klein
- Biomedical Imaging Group Rotterdam, Departments of Medical Informatics & Radiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harald C. Groen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jolanda J. Wentzel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Marleen de Bruijne
- Biomedical Imaging Group Rotterdam, Departments of Medical Informatics & Radiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Teng Z, Sadat U, Brown AJ, Gillard JH. Plaque hemorrhage in carotid artery disease: pathogenesis, clinical and biomechanical considerations. J Biomech 2014; 47:847-58. [PMID: 24485514 PMCID: PMC3994507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2014.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Stroke remains the most prevalent disabling illness today, with internal carotid artery luminal stenosis due to atheroma formation responsible for the majority of ischemic cerebrovascular events. Severity of luminal stenosis continues to dictate both patient risk stratification and the likelihood of surgical intervention. But there is growing evidence to suggest that plaque morphology may help improve pre-existing risk stratification criteria. Plaque components such a fibrous tissue, lipid rich necrotic core and calcium have been well investigated but plaque hemorrhage (PH) has been somewhat overlooked. In this review we discuss the pathogenesis of PH, its role in dictating plaque vulnerability, PH imaging techniques, marterial properties of atherosclerotic tissues, in particular, those obtained based on in vivo measurements and effect of PH in modulating local biomechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongzhao Teng
- University Department of Radiology, University of Cambridge, UK; Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK.
| | - Umar Sadat
- Department of Surgery, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Adam J Brown
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
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Gupta A, Baradaran H, Kamel H, Mangla A, Pandya A, Fodera V, Dunning A, Sanelli PC. Intraplaque high-intensity signal on 3D time-of-flight MR angiography is strongly associated with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2013; 35:557-61. [PMID: 24008170 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a3732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Intraplaque hemorrhage in carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque has been shown to be a marker of risk, associated with prior and future ischemic events, and has been associated with regions of intraplaque high-intensity signal on 3D-TOF MRA. We assessed the association of intraplaque high-intensity signal determined on 3D-TOF MRA with the incidence of prior ipsilateral stroke or TIA. MATERIALS AND METHODS We assessed intraplaque hemorrhage by evaluating for intraplaque high-intensity signal adapting a recently validated technique on 3D-TOF source images in participants with high-grade (≥ 70%) extracranial carotid stenosis. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the strength of association between the presence of intraplaque high-intensity signal on routine MRA sequences and prior stroke or TIA. RESULTS Intraplaque high-intensity signal was present in 22 (41.5%) of 53 carotid arteries studied in 51 patients. Ipsilateral ischemic events occurred in 15 (68.1%) of 22 in the intraplaque high-intensity signal-positive group (10 strokes, 5 TIAs) and in 4 (12.9%) of 31 in the intraplaque high-intensity signal-negative group (3 strokes, 1 TIA). Ischemic events occurred within the 6-month period preceding imaging in 18 (94.7%) of 19 cases. The univariate odds ratio of the association of intraplaque high-intensity signal with any prior ischemic event was 14.5 (95% CI, 3.6-57.6), and the multivariate age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio was 14.2 (95% CI, 3.3-60.5). The association remained present across 1.5 T and 3T magnet field strengths. CONCLUSIONS Intraplaque high-intensity signal determined from MRA sequences already in place to measure luminal stenosis is strongly associated with prior ipsilateral ischemic events. Prospective validation of these findings to predict outcome in carotid artery stenosis could provide a valuable and widely accessible stroke risk stratification tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gupta
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.G., H.B., V.F., P.C.S.)
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Pennell DJ, Baksi AJ, Carpenter JP, Firmin DN, Kilner PJ, Mohiaddin RH, Prasad SK. Review of Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 2012. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2013; 15:76. [PMID: 24006874 PMCID: PMC3847143 DOI: 10.1186/1532-429x-15-76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There were 90 articles published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (JCMR) in 2012, which is an 8% increase in the number of articles since 2011. The quality of the submissions continues to increase. The editors are delighted to report that the 2011 JCMR Impact Factor (which is published in June 2012) has risen to 4.44, up from 3.72 for 2010 (as published in June 2011), a 20% increase. The 2011 impact factor means that the JCMR papers that were published in 2009 and 2010 were cited on average 4.44 times in 2011. The impact factor undergoes natural variation according to citation rates of papers in the 2 years following publication, and is significantly influenced by highly cited papers such as official reports. However, the progress of the journal's impact over the last 5 years has been impressive. Our acceptance rate is approximately 25%, and has been falling as the number of articles being submitted has been increasing. In accordance with Open-Access publishing, the JCMR articles go on-line as they are accepted with no collating of the articles into sections or special thematic issues. For this reason, the Editors have felt that it is useful once per calendar year to summarize the papers for the readership into broad areas of interest or theme, so that areas of interest can be reviewed in a single article in relation to each other and other recent JCMR articles. The papers are presented in broad themes and set in context with related literature and previously published JCMR papers to guide continuity of thought in the journal. We hope that you find the open-access system increases wider reading and citation of your papers, and that you will continue to send your quality manuscripts to JCMR for publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dudley J Pennell
- Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP, UK
- Imperial College, London, UK
| | - A John Baksi
- Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP, UK
- Imperial College, London, UK
| | - John Paul Carpenter
- Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP, UK
- Imperial College, London, UK
| | - David N Firmin
- Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP, UK
- Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Philip J Kilner
- Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP, UK
- Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Raad H Mohiaddin
- Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP, UK
- Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Sanjay K Prasad
- Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP, UK
- Imperial College, London, UK
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