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刘 颖, 霍 然, 徐 慧, 王 筝, 王 涛, 袁 慧. [Correlations between plaque characteristics and cerebral blood flow in patients with moderate to severe carotid stenosis using magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging]. BEIJING DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY. HEALTH SCIENCES 2023; 55:646-651. [PMID: 37534646 PMCID: PMC10398768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlations between carotid plaque characteristics and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in patients with unilateral moderate to severe carotid stenosis using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) and 3D pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (3D pcASL). METHODS A total of 43 patients with unilateral moderate to severe carotid stenosis were recruited. The degree of carotid stenosis, maximum wall thickness (Max WT) and normalized wall index (NWI) were measured using HR-MRI. The plaque characteristics were analyzed. Presence or absence of plaque components including intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), lipid-rich necrotic nucleus (LRNC), calcification and ulcer were identified, and the grades of calcification and LRNC were recorded. CBF values within the region of interest representing the bilateral middle cerebral artery distribution were acquired using 3D pcASL. Paired sample t test was used to compare the differences of CBF values between the index side and the contralateral side. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the correlations of CBF values with the degree of carotid stenosis, Max WT and NWI. The differences of CBF values between the patients with or without IPH and ulcer were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Different levels of calcification and LRNC were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test, respectively. RESULTS The ave-rage degree of carotid stenosis at the index side was 77.30%±11.79%. The mean CBF value of the index side was (46.77±11.65) mL/(100 g·min), and that of the contralateral side was (49.92±9.95) mL/(100 g·min), and the difference was statistically significant (t=-2.474, P=0.017). The mean Max WT and NWI of the carotid plaques at the index side was (6.40±1.87) mm and 62.91%±8.87%, respectively. There were no significant correlations of CBF values with the degrees of stenosis, Max WT and NMI (P>0.05). Plaque composition analysis showed that the CBF values of the index side were different when there was calcification or not and the degrees of calcification were different (P=0.030), but there were no differences between the CBF values on the index sides with or without IPH, ulcer and LRNC. CONCLUSION In patients with unilateral moderate to severe carotid stenosis, calcification might affect CBF perfusion. When there is no calcification, the plaque components need attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- 颖 刘
- 北京大学第三医院放射科,北京 100191Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 然 霍
- 北京大学第三医院放射科,北京 100191Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 慧敏 徐
- 北京大学第三医院放射科,北京 100191Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 筝 王
- 北京大学第三医院放射科,北京 100191Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 涛 王
- 北京大学第三医院神经外科,北京 100191Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 慧书 袁
- 北京大学第三医院放射科,北京 100191Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
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Tao L, Wang XH, Li XQ, Dai YJ, Yang BQ, Chen HS. Intracranial plaque with large lipid core is associated with embolic stroke of undetermined source. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:363-372. [PMID: 36599316 PMCID: PMC10014002 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate an association between percentage lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) and an index ischemic stroke in an embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) cohort. METHODS A total of 167 ESUS patients with 259 non-stenotic intracranial plaques including 155 ipsilateral and 104 contralateral to stroke were finally enrolled in the current analysis. The multi-dimensional parameters involving remodeling index (RI), plaque burden (PB), LRNC, discontinuity of plaque surface (DPS), intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), and vulnerable plaque defined as presence of complicated plaque were evaluated by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS We found that %LRNC was an independent predictor for ESUS in model 1 (OR: 2.574, 95% CI: 1.854-3.573, P < 0.001), and model 2 (OR: 2.550, 95% CI: 1.835-3.545, P < 0.001), but the association was not seen in PB. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the discrimination of LRNC for ESUS was significantly superior to that of PB (absolute difference: 0.121, 95% CI: 0.056-0.205, P < 0.001). Importantly, a significantly positive synergy between the remodeling pattern and LRNC in response to plaque vulnerability was found by Sankey diagram (P for interaction = 0.001). CONCLUSION This is the first report that LRNC, beyond PB, may be correlated with an index ESUS, and a synergistic effect between positive remodeling and larger LRNC could promote plaque vulnerability. The findings suggest that a potential target subgroup may benefit from stroke prevention with intensive statin, although this must be confirmed in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Tao
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, ShenYang, China
| | - Xin-Hong Wang
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, ShenYang, China
| | - Xiao-Qiu Li
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, ShenYang, China
| | - Ying-Jie Dai
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, ShenYang, China
| | - Ben-Qiang Yang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, ShenYang, China
| | - Hui-Sheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, ShenYang, China
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Li Y, Chen F, Yang B, Xie S, Wang C, Guo R, Zhang X, Liu Z. Effect of Mid-Basilar Artery Angle and Plaque Characteristics on Pontine Infarction in Patients with Basilar Artery Plaque. J Atheroscler Thromb 2023; 30:182-191. [PMID: 35418542 PMCID: PMC9925201 DOI: 10.5551/jat.63520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The basilar artery (BA) geometry and plaque characteristics may play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. This study was performed to explore the relationship between the mid-BA angle and plaque characteristics and its effect on pontine infarction using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography. METHODS In total, 77 patients with BA plaques were included in this study. According to the presence of acute pontine infarction on diffusion-weighted imaging, the patients were divided into a pontine infarction group and pontine non-infarction group. The mid-BA angle, plaque burden, stenosis ratio, positive remodeling, and intraplaque hemorrhage were evaluated to investigate their effects on stroke. RESULTS The pontine infarction group had a greater plaque burden, stenosis ratio, positive remodeling, and mid-BA angle than the pontine non-infarction group. The correlation between the plaque burden and mid-BA angle was the highest (r=0.441, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the plaque burden (odds ratio, 1.164; 95% confidence interval, 1.093-1.241; P<0.001) was an independent risk factor for pontine infarction. CONCLUSION The mid-BA angle may increase the incidence of pontine infarction by increasing the plaque burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangchen Li
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China,Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fengxin Chen
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Sheng Xie
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China,Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ce Wang
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Runcai Guo
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuebing Zhang
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zunjing Liu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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Shen R, Tong X, Li D, Ning Z, Han H, Han Y, Yang D, Du C, Wang T, Cao J, Xu Y, Huo R, Qiao H, Zhao X. Slice-based and time-specific hemodynamic measurements discriminate carotid artery vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2022; 225:107050. [PMID: 35985150 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2022.107050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Hemodynamic patterns play key roles in progression of carotid vulnerable plaques. However, most of previous studies utilized maximum or averaged value of hemodynamic measurements which is not an ideal representative of hemodynamic patterns. This study aimed to investigate the association of slice-based and time-specific hemodynamic measurements with carotid vulnerable plaque using magnetic resonance (MR) vessel wall imaging and histology. METHODS Thirty-two patients (mean age: 63.9±8.1 years; 25 males) with carotid atherosclerotic stenosis (≥50% stenosis) referred to carotid endarterectomy were recruited and underwent MR vessel wall imaging. Carotid plaque burden was evaluated on MR images and vulnerable plaque features including calcification, lipid-rich necrotic core, and intra-plaque hemorrhage (IPH) were identified by histology. The slice-based and time-specific hemodynamic measurements were extracted from computational fluid dynamics simulation of 3D carotid arterial model. Correlation coefficients between hemodynamic measurements and carotid plaque features were calculated and the logistic regressions with generalized estimating equation (GEE) were conducted. The value in discriminating carotid vulnerable plaque features was determined by receiver-operating-characteristic analysis. RESULTS Of 102 MR-histology matched slices from 32 patients, time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) (r=0.263, p=0.008), oscillatory shear index (OSI) (r=-0.374, p<0.001), and peakWSS (r=0.232, p=0.019) were significantly associated with carotid IPH. The logistic regression with GEE revealed that peakWSS (OR, 1.206; 95% CI, 1.026-1.418; p, 0.023) and TAWSS (OR, 0.364, 95% CI, 0.138-0.959; p, 0.041) were significantly associated with presence of IPH after adjusting for age and BMI. In discriminating carotid IPH, the AUC of TAWSS, OSI, combined TAWSS with maximum wall thickness (MWT) and combined OSI with MWT was 0.656, 0.722, 0.761, and 0.764, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Slice-based and time-specific hemodynamic characteristics could effectively discriminate carotid IPH. Combination of hemodynamic measurements with carotid plaque burden might be a stronger indicator for carotid vulnerable plaque features than each measurement alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Shen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Tong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life and Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Dongye Li
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zihan Ning
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hualu Han
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongjun Han
- Department of Radiology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chenlin Du
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jingli Cao
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yilan Xu
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Huo
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huiyu Qiao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Wan M, Yan L, Xu Z, Hou Z, Kang K, Cui R, Yu Y, Song J, Hui F, Wang Y, Miao Z, Lou X, Ma N. Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Chronic Carotid Artery Occlusion on High-Resolution MR Vessel Wall Imaging. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2022; 43:110-116. [PMID: 34857516 PMCID: PMC8757554 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chronic carotid artery occlusion remains a poorly understood risk factor for subsequent stroke, and potential revascularization is dependent on understanding the anatomy and nature of the occlusion. Luminal imaging cannot assess the nature of an occlusion, so the internal structure of the occlusion must be inferred. The present study examines the signal characteristics of symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid occlusion that may point to management differentiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS We prospectively recruited patients who were diagnosed with chronic carotid artery occlusion defined as longer than 4 weeks and confirmed by DSA. All patients underwent high-resolution MR vessel wall imaging examinations after enrollment. Baseline characteristics, vessel wall imaging features, and DSA features were collected and evaluated. The vessel wall imaging features included segment involvement, signal intensity, contrast enhancement, and vessel wall thickness. The symptomatic and asymptomatic chronic carotid artery occlusions were compared. RESULTS A total of 44 patients with 48 lesions were included in this study from February 2020 to December 2020. Of the 48 lesions, 35 (72.9%) were symptomatic and 13 (27.1%) were asymptomatic. There was no difference in baseline and DSA features. On vessel wall imaging, C1 and C2 were the most commonly involved segments (91.7% and 68.8%, respectively). Compared with symptomatic lesions, asymptomatic lesions were more often isointense (69.2%) in the distal segment (P = .03). Both groups had diffuse wall thickening (80% and 100%). CONCLUSIONS Signal characteristics between those with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery occlusions differ in a statistically significant fashion, indicating a different structure of the occlusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Wan
- From the Department of Interventional Neuroradiology (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Z.M., N.M.),China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., K.K., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Y.W., Z.M., N.M.), Beijing, China,Department of Neurology (M.W.), Shijingshan Teaching Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing Shijingshan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - L. Yan
- From the Department of Interventional Neuroradiology (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Z.M., N.M.),China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., K.K., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Y.W., Z.M., N.M.), Beijing, China
| | - Z. Xu
- Department of Neurology (Z.X.), The First Affiliated Hospital of College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Z. Hou
- From the Department of Interventional Neuroradiology (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Z.M., N.M.),China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., K.K., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Y.W., Z.M., N.M.), Beijing, China
| | - K. Kang
- Neurology (K.K., Y.W.), Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., K.K., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Y.W., Z.M., N.M.), Beijing, China
| | - R. Cui
- From the Department of Interventional Neuroradiology (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Z.M., N.M.),China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., K.K., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Y.W., Z.M., N.M.), Beijing, China
| | - Y. Yu
- From the Department of Interventional Neuroradiology (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Z.M., N.M.),China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., K.K., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Y.W., Z.M., N.M.), Beijing, China
| | - J. Song
- From the Department of Interventional Neuroradiology (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Z.M., N.M.),China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., K.K., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Y.W., Z.M., N.M.), Beijing, China
| | - F.K. Hui
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences (F.K.H.), Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Y. Wang
- Neurology (K.K., Y.W.), Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., K.K., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Y.W., Z.M., N.M.), Beijing, China
| | - Z. Miao
- From the Department of Interventional Neuroradiology (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Z.M., N.M.),China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., K.K., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Y.W., Z.M., N.M.), Beijing, China
| | - X. Lou
- Department of Radiology (X.L.), Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - N. Ma
- From the Department of Interventional Neuroradiology (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Z.M., N.M.),China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases (M.W., L.Y., Z.H., K.K., R.C., Y.Y., J.S., Y.W., Z.M., N.M.), Beijing, China
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Liu Y, Xu L, Gu Y, Zhang Y, Miao C. Impact of H-Type Hypertension on Pericarotid Adipose Tissue and Plaque Characteristics Based on Computed Tomography (CT) Angiography: A Propensity Score Matching Study. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e933351. [PMID: 34857728 PMCID: PMC8650409 DOI: 10.12659/msm.933351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We analyzed the correlation among the inflammatory changes in pericarotid adipose tissue (PCAT), plaque characteristics, and H-type hypertension on CT angiography (CTA) and explored the utility of CTA in the prevention and treatment of carotid atherosclerosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 135 patients who underwent head and neck CTA to investigate carotid artery atherosclerosis were retrospectively analyzed. The plaque characteristic parameters (plaque burden and remodeling index), PCAT attenuation value, and net enhancement value around the carotid artery, where the plaques were located, were recorded, and confounding factors were matched by propensity score analysis. A paired t test was used to compare the differences in fat tissue inflammatory changes and plaque characteristic parameters between the 2 groups, and logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between plaque characteristics and the attenuation values and net enhancement values of PCAT. The correlation coefficient was calculated between type H hypertension and plaque risk grade. RESULTS The results of the experiment indicate that PCAT attenuation values and net enhancement values gradually increased as the degree of hypertension increased. Compared with those of patients in the normal Hcy group, these values increased more clearly in patients with high Hcy (HHcy) (r=0.641, P<0.001, r=0.581, P<0.001), although, regardless of whether the Hcy value increased, there were significant differences between the groups. However, this effect was more pronounced in patients with H-type hypertension. Logistic regression analysis of risk factors for carotid atherosclerotic plaque suggests that Hcy (OR=1.391, 95% CI 1.146-1.689, P=0.001), PCAT attenuation values (OR=1.212, 95% CI 1.074-1.367, P=0.002), and net enhancement values (OR=1.201, 95% CI 1.042-1.383, P=0.011) were independent risk factors for plaque vulnerability. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that H-type hypertension is significantly associated with PCAT attenuation and net enhancement and that PCAT net enhancement values are useful in predicting plaque risk as attenuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Lun Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lianyungang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Yan Gu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Yonggang Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Chongchang Miao
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
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Baylam Geleri D, Watase H, Chu B, Chen L, Zhao H, Zhao X, Hatsukami TS, Yuan C. Detection of Advanced Lesions of Atherosclerosis in Carotid Arteries Using 3-Dimensional Motion-Sensitized Driven-Equilibrium Prepared Rapid Gradient Echo (3D-MERGE) Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Screening Tool. Stroke 2021; 53:194-200. [PMID: 34587796 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.032505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Two-dimensional high-resolution multicontrast magnetic resonance imaging (2D-MC MRI) is currently the most reliable and reproducible noninvasive carotid vessel wall imaging technique. However, the long scan time required for 2D-MC MRI restricts its practical clinical application. Alternatively, 3-dimensional motion-sensitized driven-equilibrium prepared rapid gradient echo (3D-MERGE) vessel wall MRI can provide high isotropic resolution with extensive coverage in two minutes. In this study, we sought to prove that 3D-MERGE alone can serve as a screening tool to identify advanced carotid lesions. METHODS Two hundred twenty-seven subjects suspected of recent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were imaged using 2D-MC MRI with an imaging time of 30 minutes, then with 3D-MERGE with an imaging time of 2 minutes, on 3T-MRI scanners. Two experienced reviewers interpreted plaque components using 2D-MC MRI as the reference standard and categorized plaques using a modified American Heart Association lesion classification for MRI. Plaques of American Heart Association type IV and above were classified as advanced. Arteries of American Heart Association types I to II and III were categorized as normal or with early lesions, respectively. One radiologist independently reviewed only 3D-MERGE and labeled the plaques as advanced if they had a wall thickness of >2 mm with high or low signal intensity compared with the adjacent sternocleidomastoid muscle. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for 3D-MERGE were calculated. RESULTS Four hundred forty-nine arteries from 227 participants (mean age 61.2 years old, 64% male) were included in the analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for identification of advanced lesions on 3D-MERGE were 95.0% (95% CI, 91.8-97.2), 86.9% (95% CI, 81.4-92.0), 93.8% (95% CI, 91.1-95.8), respectively. CONCLUSIONS 3D-MERGE can accurately identify advanced carotid atherosclerotic plaques in patients suspected of stroke or transient ischemic attack. It has a more extensive coverage and higher sensitivity and specificity for advanced plaque detection with a much shorter acquisition time than 2D-MC MRI. REGISTRATION URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02017756.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duygu Baylam Geleri
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (D.B.G, B.C., C.Y.)
| | - Hiroko Watase
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (H.W., T.S.H.)
| | - Baocheng Chu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (D.B.G, B.C., C.Y.).,BioMolecular Imaging Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (B.C., C.Y.)
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (L.C.)
| | - Huilin Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai, China (H.Z.)
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (X.Z.)
| | - Thomas S Hatsukami
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (H.W., T.S.H.)
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (D.B.G, B.C., C.Y.).,BioMolecular Imaging Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (B.C., C.Y.)
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Siniscalchi A, Murphy S, Gray C, De Sarro G, Gallelli L. Biomarkers in unstable carotid plaque: Physiopathology and Prediction. Cardiovasc Hematol Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:13-19. [PMID: 34468303 DOI: 10.2174/1871525719666210901131509] [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: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To study the role of cytokines and vascular inflammatory biomarkers in unstable carotid plaque. BACKGROUND Clinical studies showed that not only the degree of stenosis but also the type of carotid plaque can be responsible for ipsilateral ischemic stroke. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to suggest a role for vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic disease in the occurrence of ischemic stroke. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and reference lists have been used to evaluate articles published until February 15, 2021. RESULTS Several factors may be involved in unstable plaque. Clinical studies support the involvement of brain inflammatory biomarkers as well as cytokines in the unstable carotid plaque. CONCLUSIONS Biomarkers could help to stratify patients with a vulnerable carotid plaque and to personalize the drug treatment. In this review, we briefly discuss the characteristics of vulnerable plaque and the role of biomarkers in the vulnerable carotid plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Siniscalchi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, Annunziata Hospital of Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Sean Murphy
- General Medicine, Stroke Unit, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cleona Gray
- Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Unit, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Chair of Pharmacology, Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Mater Domini University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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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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10
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Jiang C, Zhang J, Zhu J, Wang X, Wen Z, Zhao X, Yuan C. Association between coexisting intracranial artery and extracranial carotid artery atherosclerotic diseases and ipsilateral cerebral infarction: a Chinese Atherosclerosis Risk Evaluation (CARE-II) study. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2021; 6:595-602. [PMID: 33903178 PMCID: PMC8717767 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2020-000538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the association between coexisting intracranial and extracranial carotid artery atherosclerotic diseases and ipsilateral acute cerebral infarct (ACI) in symptomatic patients by using magnetic resonance (MR) vessel wall imaging. METHODS Symptomatic patients were recruited from a cross-sectional, multicentre study of Chinese Atherosclerosis Risk Evaluation (CARE-II). All patients underwent MR imaging for extracranial carotid arterial wall, intracranial artery and brain. Coexisting intracranial stenosis ≥50% and extracranial carotid artery mean wall thickness (MWT) ≥1 mm and plaque compositions at the same side were evaluated and the ipsilateral ACI was identified. The association between coexisting atherosclerotic diseases and ACI was evaluated using logistic regression. RESULTS 351 patients were recruited. Patients with ipsilateral ACI had significantly greater prevalence of coexisting intracranial stenosis ≥50% and carotid MWT ≥1 mm (20.5% vs 4.9%, p<0.001), calcification (15.1% vs 4.4%, p=0.001) and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) (19.2% vs 7.8%, p=0.002) compared with those without. Coexisting intracranial artery stenosis ≥50% and carotid MWT ≥1 mm (OR 5.043, 95% CI 2.378 to 10.694; p<0.001), calcification (OR 3.864, 95% CI 1.723 to 8.664; p=0.001) and LRNC (OR 2.803, 95% CI 1.455 to 5.401; p=0.002) were significantly associated with ipsilateral ACI. After adjusting for confounding factors, the aforementioned associations remained statistically significant (intracranial stenosis ≥50% coexisting with carotid MWT ≥1 mm: OR 4.313, 95% CI 1.937 to 9.601, p<0.001; calcification: OR 3.606, 95% CI 1.513 to 8.593, p=0.004; LRNC: OR 2.358, 95% CI 1.166 to 4.769, p=0.017). CONCLUSIONS Coexistence of intracranial artery severe stenosis and extracranial carotid artery large burden and intraplaque components of calcification and LRNC are independently associated with ipsilateral ACI. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT02017756.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiu Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Foshan Women and Children Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Jianbin Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianlong Wang
- Department of Radiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhibo Wen
- Department of Radiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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11
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The composition of vulnerable plaque and its effect on arterial waveforms. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2021; 119:104491. [PMID: 33901965 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104491] [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: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Carotid plaque composition is a key factor of plaque stability and it carries significant prognostic information. The carotid unstable plaques are characterized by a thin fibrous cap (FC) ≤65μm with large lipid core (LC), while stable plaques have a thicker FC and less LC. Identifying the percentage of plaque compositions could help surgeons to make a precise decision for their patients' treatment protocol. This study aims to distinguish between stable and unstable plaque by defining the relationship between plaque composition and arterial waveform non-invasively. An in-vitro arterial system, composed of a Harvard pulsatile flow pump and artificial circulation system, was used to investigate the effect of the plaque compositions on the pulsatile arterial waveforms. Five types of arterial plaques, composed of the LC, FC, Collagen (Col) and Calcium (Ca), were implemented into the artificial carotid artery to represent the diseased arterial system with 30% of blockage. The pulsatile pressure, velocity and arterial wall movement were measured simultaneously at the site proximal to the plaque. Non-invasive wave intensity analysis (Non-WIA) was used to separate the waves into forward and backward components. The correlation between the plaque compositions and the reflected waveforms was quantitatively analysed. The experimental results indicate that the reflected waveforms are strongly correlated with the plaque compositions, where the percentages of the Col are linearly correlated with the amplitude of the backward diameter (correlation coefficient, r = 0.74) and the lipid content has a strong negative correlation with the backward diameter (r = 0.82). A slight weak correlation exists between the reflected waveform and the percentage of Ca. The strong correlation between the compositions of the plaques with the backward waveforms observed in this study demonstrates that the components of the arterial plaques could be distinguished by the arterial waveforms. This finding might lead to a potential novel non-invasive clinical tool to determine the composition of the plaques and distinguish between stable and vulnerable arterial plaques at the early stage.
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12
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Zhou J, Cai SF, Yuan XS, Pang ZY, Yu BX, Yao H, Xu JJ, Pang YJ, Guo N, Liu XP. Remodeling of occluded internal carotid artery in vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging. Int J Neurosci 2020; 132:860-867. [PMID: 33153335 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2020.1847105] [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: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study was to investigate the remodeling pattern of the extracranial occluded internal carotid artery (OICA) by vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VWI). METHODS Thirty-nine atherosclerotic OICAs from 32 consecutive cases underwent 3-Tesla VWI to acquire pre- and post-contrast T1-weighted two-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery fast spin echo sequences. 25 symptomatic CAs exhibited ipsilateral downstream cerebral ischemia or ophthalmic artery embolism within last three months. The 14 remaining CAs were asymptomatic. Twenty-four CAs from 22 patients with atherosclerosis but no stenosis were recruited as control group. The outer wall area (OWA) was calculated based on the outer contour of the carotid artery drawn on the pre-contrast VWI. Negative remodeling was defined as a lower OWA compared to that of control group. RESULTS Clinical characteristics including age, sex and vascular risk factors showed no significant difference between the occluded and control group. However, the OWA was lower in the occluded group than in the control group (0.63 versus 0.90 cm2, p = 0.004). For all OICAs, the OWA was larger in symptomatic cases than asymptomatic cases (0.71 versus 0.49cm2, p = 0.025). Using a cutoff value of 0.44, the sensitivity and specificity of OWA for detecting symptomatic OICA were 0.88 and 0.57, respectively. Heterogeneous signal intensity and enhancement were more often observed at the proximal than the distal segment of occlusion (p < 0.001). The inter-observer agreement regarding the evaluation of VWI characteristics was desirable (κ = 0.805 ∼ 0.847). CONCLUSIONS Negative remodeling is prevalent in OICA, especially in asymptomatic cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- Department of Senile Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shi-Feng Cai
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xian-Shun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zai-Ying Pang
- Department of Senile Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bing-Xin Yu
- Department of Health Management, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Yao
- Department of Senile Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jing-Jing Xu
- Department of Senile Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yue-Jiu Pang
- Department of Senile Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ning Guo
- Department of Senile Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xue-Ping Liu
- Department of Senile Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Department of Senile Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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13
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Sakai O. Editorial for "Associations Between Carotid Plaque Characteristics and Improvement of Cerebral Blood Perfusion in Patients With Carotid Moderate to Severe Stenosis Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy". J Magn Reson Imaging 2020; 53:626-627. [PMID: 33103791 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Sakai
- Department of Radiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, One Boston Medical Center Place, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, One Boston Medical Center Place, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, One Boston Medical Center Place, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Yang D, Ji Y, Wang D, Watase H, Hippe DS, Zhao X, Yuan C. Comparison of carotid atherosclerotic plaques between subjects in Northern and Southern China: a Chinese atherosclerosis risk evaluation study. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2020; 5:138-145. [PMID: 32404502 PMCID: PMC7337372 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2019-000288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose To investigate differences in the characteristics of carotid atherosclerotic plaques of symptomatic subjects in northern and southern China using MRI. Methods Sixty-three subjects in northern China (mean age: 59.1±8.6 years, 45 men) and 56 subjects in southern China (mean age: 60.4±8.6 years, 38 men) were included. All subjects underwent carotid artery multicontrast vessel wall MRI. Plaque morphology, calcification, lipid-rich necrotic core, intraplaque haemorrhage, luminal surface disruption and high-risk plaque were measured and identified. All plaque characteristics were compared between subjects in northern and southern China using Mann-Whitney U test or χ2 test. Results Compared with subjects in southern China, those in northern China had significantly greater areas for lumen (57.7±14.9 mm2 vs 50.4±18.3 mm2, p=0.009), wall (38.4±13.1 mm2 vs 31.9±11.7 mm2, p<0.001) and total vessel (96.1±20.2 mm2 vs 82.4±22.7 mm2, p=0.001) and mean wall thickness (1.25±0.43 mm vs 1.13±0.40 mm, p=0.019). χ2 analysis showed that subjects in northern China tended to have a higher prevalence of intraplaque haemorrhage (14.3% vs 5.4%, p=0.106) and high-risk plaque (20.6% vs 10.7%, p=0.140) than those in southern China, although these differences were not statistically significant (all p>0.05). Conclusion Subjects in northern China have significantly larger vessel size and may have a higher prevalence of vulnerable plaques than those in southern China. Our findings provide additional perspective to optimise the management of cerebrovascular disease in individuals in different regions in China. Trial registration number NCT02017756
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Yang
- Center for Brain Disorders Research, Capital Medical University and Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Ji
- Department of Radiology, Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Radiology, Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hiroko Watase
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Daniel S Hippe
- 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, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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15
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Yang D, Liu Y, Han Y, Li D, Wang W, Li R, Yuan C, Zhao X. Signal of Carotid Intraplaque Hemorrhage on MR T1-Weighted Imaging: Association with Acute Cerebral Infarct. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2020; 41:836-843. [PMID: 32273265 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Identifying the mere presence of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage would be insufficient to accurately discriminate the presence of acute cerebral infarct. We aimed to investigate the association between signal intensity ratios of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage on T1-weighted MR imaging and acute cerebral infarct in patients with hemorrhagic carotid plaques using MR vessel wall imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Symptomatic patients with carotid intraplaque hemorrhage were included. The signal intensity ratios of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage against muscle on T1-weighted, TOF, and MPRAGE images were measured. The acute cerebral infarct was determined on the hemisphere ipsilateral to the carotid intraplaque hemorrhage. The association between signal intensity ratios of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage and acute cerebral infarct was analyzed. RESULTS Of 109 included patients (mean, 66.8 ± 9.9 years of age; 96 men), 40 (36.7%) had acute cerebral infarct. Patients with acute cerebral infarct had significantly higher signal intensity ratios of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage on T1-weighted images than those without (Median, 1.44; 25-75 Percentiles, 1.14-1.82 versus Median, 1.27; 25-75 Percentiles, 1.06-1.55, P = .022). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the signal intensity ratio of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage on T1-weighted images was significantly associated with acute cerebral infarct before (OR, 4.08; 95% CI, 1.34-12.40; P = .013) and after (OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.08-10.31; P = .036) adjustment for clinical confounding factors. However, this association was not significant when further adjusted for occlusion of the carotid artery (P = .058) and volumes of intraplaque hemorrhage and lipid-rich necrotic core (P = .458). CONCLUSIONS The signal intensity ratio of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage on T1-weighted images is associated with acute cerebral infarct in symptomatic patients with carotid hemorrhagic plaques. This association is independent of traditional risk factors but not of the size of plaque composition. The possibility of applying T1 signals of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage to predict subsequent cerebrovascular ischemic events needs to be prospectively verified.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Yang
- From the Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders (D.Y., Y.H., D.L.), Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering (D.Y., Y.H., D.L., R.L., X.Z.), Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Y Liu
- Department of Radiology (Y.L., W.W.), The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Y Han
- From the Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders (D.Y., Y.H., D.L.), Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering (D.Y., Y.H., D.L., R.L., X.Z.), Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - D Li
- From the Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders (D.Y., Y.H., D.L.), Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering (D.Y., Y.H., D.L., R.L., X.Z.), Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - W Wang
- Department of Radiology (Y.L., W.W.), The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - R Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (D.Y., Y.H., D.L., R.L., X.Z.), Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - C Yuan
- Department of Radiology (C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - X Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (D.Y., Y.H., D.L., R.L., X.Z.), Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
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16
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Jiang P, Chen Z, Hippe DS, Watase H, Sun B, Lin R, Yang Z, Xue Y, Zhao X, Yuan C. Association Between Carotid Bifurcation Geometry and Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability: A Chinese Atherosclerosis Risk Evaluation Study. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:1383-1391. [PMID: 32160772 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.119.313830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Carotid bifurcation geometry has been believed to be a risk factor for the initiation of atherosclerosis because of its influence on hemodynamics. However, the relationships between carotid bifurcation geometry and plaque vulnerability are not fully understood. This study aimed to determine the association between carotid bifurcation geometry and plaque vulnerability using magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging. Approach and Results: A total of 501 carotid arteries with nonstenotic atherosclerosis were included from the cross-sectional, multicenter CARE II study (Chinese Atherosclerosis Risk Evaluation). Four standardized carotid bifurcation geometric parameters (bifurcation angle, internal carotid artery planarity, luminal expansion FlareA, and tortuosity Tort2D) were derived from time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography. Presence of vulnerable plaque, which was characterized by intraplaque hemorrhage, large lipid-rich necrotic core, or disrupted luminal surface, was determined based on multicontrast carotid magnetic resonance vessel wall images. Vulnerable plaques (N=43) were found to occur at more distal locations (ie, near the level of flow divider) than stable plaques (N=458). Multivariable logistic regression showed that the luminal expansion FlareA (odds ratio, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.25-0.81]; P=0.008) was associated with plaque vulnerability after adjustment for age, sex, maximum wall thickness, plaque location, and other geometric parameters. CONCLUSIONS Smaller luminal expansion at carotid bifurcation is associated with vulnerable plaque. The finding needs to be verified with longitudinal studies and the underlying mechanism should be further explored with hemodynamics measurement in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peirong Jiang
- From the Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China (P.J., B.S., R.L., Z.Y., Y.X.)
| | - Zhensen Chen
- Department of Radiology (Z.C., D.S.H., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Daniel S Hippe
- Department of Radiology (Z.C., D.S.H., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Hiroko Watase
- Department of Surgery (H.W.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Bin Sun
- From the Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China (P.J., B.S., R.L., Z.Y., Y.X.)
| | - Ruolan Lin
- From the Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China (P.J., B.S., R.L., Z.Y., Y.X.)
| | - Zheting Yang
- From the Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China (P.J., B.S., R.L., Z.Y., Y.X.)
| | - Yunjing Xue
- From the Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China (P.J., B.S., R.L., Z.Y., Y.X.)
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (X.Z.)
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology (Z.C., D.S.H., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
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Cao Y, Zhao X, Watase H, Hippe DS, Wu Y, Zhang H, Yue L, Canto GM, Song Y, Shi H, Wang G, Li R, Bao H, Yuan C. Comparison of Carotid Atherosclerosis between Patients at High Altitude and Sea Level: A Chinese Atherosclerosis Risk Evaluation Study. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 29:104448. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.104448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
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18
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Murata K, Murata N, Chu B, Watase H, Hippe DS, Balu N, Sun J, Zhao X, Hatsukami TS, Yuan C. Characterization of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques Using 3-Dimensional MERGE Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Correlation With Stroke Risk Factors. Stroke 2020; 51:475-480. [PMID: 31902332 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.119.027779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose- High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging is capable of characterizing carotid atherosclerotic plaque morphology and composition. Most reported carotid plaque imaging techniques are 2-dimensional (2D) based with limited longitudinal coverage of ≈30 mm, which may be insufficient for complete visualization of extracranial carotid atheroma. A 3D black-blood imaging technique, motion-sensitized driven equilibrium prepared rapid gradient echo technique (3D-MERGE) can provide larger coverage. We sought to use 3D-MERGE to investigate carotid atherosclerosis plaque distribution and to analyze their correlation with clinical information and stroke risk factors. Methods- From 5 hospitals in China, 97 subjects suspected of recent stroke or transient ischemic attack were imaged with 3D-MERGE within 2 weeks of symptoms using 3T magnetic resonance imaging. Images were analyzed by 2 reviewers. Plaque length was calculated and categorized as plaques within, partially outside, or completely outside of typical 2D magnetic resonance imaging coverage. Associations between plaque features and clinical information, stroke risk factors were assessed. Results- Ninety-seven subjects with 194 carotid arteries (70 men and 27 women, mean age 60 years) were analyzed. Of the 136 plaques identified, 68 (50%) were within, 46 (33.8%) were partially outside, and 22 (16.2%) were completely outside of 2D magnetic resonance imaging coverage. Total plaque length was significantly positively associated with male sex (P<0.001), hypertension (P=0.011), and history of smoking (P<0.001). Hypertensive subjects were more likely to have at least one plaque completely outside the 2D magnetic resonance imaging coverage than nonhypertensive subjects (P=0.007). Conclusions- The 3D-MERGE allows for the identification of substantially more carotid plaques than 2D black-blood techniques. The extent and distribution of plaque, identified by the larger coverage afforded by 3D-MERGE, were found to correlate significantly with male sex and risk factors that are common among patients with stroke, including hypertension and history of cigarette smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoko Murata
- From the Department of Radiology (K.M., N.M., B.C., D.S.H., N.B., J.S., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Department of Neurology, Toho University Omori Medical center, Tokyo, Japan (K.M.)
| | - Nozomu Murata
- From the Department of Radiology (K.M., N.M., B.C., D.S.H., N.B., J.S., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Department of Radiology, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan (N.M.)
| | - Baocheng Chu
- From the Department of Radiology (K.M., N.M., B.C., D.S.H., N.B., J.S., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Hiroko Watase
- Department of Surgery (H.W., T.S.H.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Daniel S Hippe
- From the Department of Radiology (K.M., N.M., B.C., D.S.H., N.B., J.S., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Niranjan Balu
- From the Department of Radiology (K.M., N.M., B.C., D.S.H., N.B., J.S., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Jie Sun
- From the Department of Radiology (K.M., N.M., B.C., D.S.H., N.B., J.S., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (X.Z.)
| | | | - Chun Yuan
- From the Department of Radiology (K.M., N.M., B.C., D.S.H., N.B., J.S., C.Y.), University of Washington, Seattle
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Watase H, Canton G, Sun J, Zhao X, Hatsukami TS, Yuan C. Four Different Carotid Atherosclerotic Behaviors Based on Luminal Stenosis and Plaque Characteristics in Symptomatic Patients: An in Vivo Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2019; 9:diagnostics9040137. [PMID: 31581663 PMCID: PMC6963409 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9040137] [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: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Correct stratification of ischemic stroke risk allows for the proper treatment of carotid atherosclerotic disease. We seek to differentiate plaque types based on stenosis level and plaque morphology. The Chinese Atherosclerosis Risk Evaluation (CARE-II) study is a cross-sectional, observational, multicenter study to assess carotid atherosclerotic plaques in symptomatic subjects using vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging. Plaque morphology and presence of plaque components were reviewed using multi-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. The carotid arteries were divided into four groups based on stenosis level and plaque components. Out of 1072 ischemic stroke subjects, 452 ipsilateral side carotid arteries were included. Significant stenosis (SS) (≥50% stenosis) with high-risk plaque (HRP) features was present in 37 arteries (8.2%), SS(+)/HRP(-) in 29 arteries (6.4%), SS(-)/HRP(+) in 57 arteries (12.6%), and SS(-)/HRP(-) in 329 arteries (72.8%). The prevalence of SS(-)/HRP(+) arteries in this cohort was substantial and had greater wall thickness than the SS(+)/HRP(-) group. These arteries may be misclassified for carotid revascularization by current guidelines based on the degree of luminal stenosis only. These findings have implications for further studies to assess stroke risk using vessel wall imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Watase
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, United States 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Gador Canton
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, United States 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, United States 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, China Haidian District, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Thomas S Hatsukami
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, United States 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, United States 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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20
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Analysis of interleukin-17 and interleukin-18 levels in animal models of atherosclerosis. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:517-522. [PMID: 31281442 PMCID: PMC6580100 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the correlation between the levels of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-18 and atherosclerotic plaques. A total of 60 Apo E gene (Apo E-/-) mice were fed with high-fat diet in the model group and 20 wild male C57BL/6 mice were fed with the basic diet in the control group. The serum levels of IL-17 and IL-18 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Carotid artery ultrasonography was performed and divided into stable plaque, unstable plaque and non-plaque groups. The severity of plaque was estimated by semi-quantitative method and divided into grades I, II and III. The expression levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, plasma total cholesterol and blood glucose level in the model group induced by high-fat diet were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The level in the model group was significantly higher than in the control group at the 16th week (P<0.05). The expression of IL-17 and IL-18 in the model group was significantly higher than that in the control group (t=6.903, 11.02, P<0.05). The concentration of IL-17 and IL-18 in the non-plaque group was significantly lower than that in the stable plaque and unstable plaque groups (P<0.05). The concentration of IL-17 and IL-18 in the stable plaque group was significantly lower than that in the unstable plaque group (P<0.05). Based on the correlation of IL-17 and IL-18 expressions in the model group, the expression of IL-18 increased with the expression of IL-17, indicating that the expression of IL-17 was positively correlated with that of IL-18 (r=0.7195, P<0.001). In conclusion, serum IL-17 and IL-18 played an important role in the formation and development of atherosclerotic plaque, and were related to the stability and severity of plaque. The expression of IL-17 and IL-18 was positively correlated.
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21
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Liu Z, Bai Z, Huang C, Huang M, Huang L, Xu D, Zhang H, Yuan C, Luo J. Interoperator Reproducibility of Carotid Elastography for Identification of Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2019; 66:505-516. [PMID: 30575532 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2018.2888479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound-based carotid elastography has been developed to evaluate the vulnerability of carotid atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo interoperator reproducibility of carotid elastography for the identification of vulnerable plaques, with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as reference. Ultrasound radio-frequency data of 45 carotid arteries (including 53 plaques) from 32 volunteers were acquired separately by two experienced operators in the longitudinal view and then were used to estimate the interframe axial strain rate (ASR) with a two-step optical flow method. The maximum 99th percentile of absolute ASR of all plaques in a carotid artery was used as the elastographic index. MRI scanning was also performed on each volunteer to identify the vulnerable plaque. The results showed no systematic bias in the Bland-Altman plot and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.66 between the two operators. In addition, no statistical significance was found between the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves from the two operators ( ), and their areas under the ROC curves were 0.83 and 0.77, respectively. Using the mean measurements of the two operators as the classification criterion, a sensitivity of 71.4%, a specificity of 87.1%, and an accuracy of 82.2% were obtained with a cutoff value of 1.37 [Formula: see text]. This study validates the interoperator reproducibility of ultrasound-based carotid elastography for identifying vulnerable carotid plaques.
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22
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Li RX, Apostolakis IZ, Kemper P, McGarry MDJ, Ip A, Connolly ES, McKinsey JF, Konofagou EE. Pulse Wave Imaging in Carotid Artery Stenosis Human Patients in Vivo. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2019; 45:353-366. [PMID: 30442386 PMCID: PMC6375685 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Carotid stenosis involves narrowing of the lumen in the carotid artery potentially leading to a stroke, which is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Several recent investigations have found that plaque structure and composition may represent a more direct biomarker of plaque rupture risk compared with the degree of stenosis. In this study, pulse wave imaging was applied in 111 (n = 11, N = 13 plaques) patients diagnosed with moderate (>50%) to severe (>80%) carotid artery stenosis to investigate the feasibility of characterizing plaque properties based on the pulse wave-induced arterial wall dynamics captured by pulse wave imaging. Five (n = 5 patients, N = 20 measurements) healthy volunteers were also imaged as a control group. Both conventional and high-frame-rate plane wave radiofrequency imaging sequences were used to generate piecewise maps of the pulse wave velocity (PWV) at a single depth along stenotic carotid segments, as well as intra-plaque PWV mapping at multiple depths. Intra-plaque cumulative displacement and strain maps were also calculated for each plaque region. The Bramwell-Hill equation was used to estimate the compliance of the plaque regions based on the PWV and diameter. Qualitatively, wave convergence, elevated PWV and decreased cumulative displacement around and/or within regions of atherosclerotic plaque were observed and may serve as biomarkers for plaque characterization. Intra-plaque mapping revealed the potential to capture wave reflections between calcified inclusions and differentiate stable (i.e., calcified) from vulnerable (i.e., lipid) plaque components based on the intra-plaque PWV and cumulative strain. Quantitatively, one-way analysis of variance indicated that the pulse wave-induced cumulative strain was significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the moderately and severely calcified plaques compared with the normal controls. As expected, compliance was also significantly lower in the severely calcified plaques regions compared with the normal controls (p < 0.01). The results from this pilot study indicated the potential of pulse wave imaging coupled with strain imaging to differentiate plaques of varying stiffness, location and composition. Such findings may serve as valuable information to compensate for the limitations of currently used methods for the assessment of stroke risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronny X Li
- Ultrasound and Elasticity Imaging Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Iason Z Apostolakis
- Ultrasound and Elasticity Imaging Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Paul Kemper
- Ultrasound and Elasticity Imaging Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Matthew D J McGarry
- Ultrasound and Elasticity Imaging Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ada Ip
- Ultrasound and Elasticity Imaging Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Edward S Connolly
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - James F McKinsey
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Interventions, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elisa E Konofagou
- Ultrasound and Elasticity Imaging Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
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23
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Zhao X, Hippe DS, Li R, Canton GM, Sui B, Song Y, Li F, Xue Y, Sun J, Yamada K, Hatsukami TS, Xu D, Wang M, Yuan C. Prevalence and Characteristics of Carotid Artery High-Risk Atherosclerotic Plaques in Chinese Patients With Cerebrovascular Symptoms: A Chinese Atherosclerosis Risk Evaluation II Study. J Am Heart Assoc 2017; 6:JAHA.117.005831. [PMID: 28862936 PMCID: PMC5586432 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.117.005831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Carotid atherosclerotic plaque rupture is an important source of ischemic stroke. However, the prevalence of high‐risk plaque (HRP) defined as plaques with luminal surface disruption, a lipid‐rich necrotic core occupying >40% of the wall, or intraplaque hemorrhage in Chinese population remains unclear. This study uses carotid magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) to investigate HRP prevalence in carotid arteries of Chinese patients with cerebrovascular symptoms. Methods and Results Patients with cerebral ischemic symptoms in the anterior circulation within 2 weeks and carotid plaque determined by ultrasound were recruited and underwent CMRI. The HRP features were identified and compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic arteries. Receiver‐operating‐characteristic analysis was used to calculate area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) of stenosis and maximum wall thickness for discriminating presence of HRP. In 1047 recruited subjects, HRP detected by CMRI was nearly 1.5 times more prevalent than severe stenosis (≥50%) in this cohort (28% versus 19%, P<0.0001). Approximately two thirds of HRPs were found in arteries with <50% stenosis. The prevalence of HRP in symptomatic carotid arteries was significantly higher than that of the contralateral asymptomatic carotid arteries (23.0% versus 16.4%, P=0.001). Maximum wall thickness was found to be a stronger discriminator than stenosis for HRP (AUC: 0.93 versus 0.81, P<0.0001). Conclusions There are significantly more high‐risk carotid plaques than carotid arteries with ≥50% stenosis in symptomatic Chinese patients. A substantial number of HRPs were found in arteries with lower grade stenosis and maximum wall thickness was a stronger indicator for HRP than luminal stenosis. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT02017756.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Daniel S Hippe
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Rui Li
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Gador M Canton
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Binbin Sui
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Song
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Feiyu Li
- Department of Radiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yunjing Xue
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Kiyofumi Yamada
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Dongxiang Xu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Maoxue Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Yuan
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China .,Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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24
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LeBlanc S, Bibeau K, Bertrand OF, Lévesque V, Deschênes St-Pierre B, Pibarot P, Després JP, Larose E. Carotid versus coronary atherosclerosis burdens in acute compared with chronic symptomatic coronary artery disease. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2017; 95:878-887. [PMID: 28520469 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2016-0588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Prediction of coronary events remains elusive. Carotid atherosclerosis may be a surrogate for coronary risk, as carotid and coronary diseases occur simultaneously - albeit at times with a weak association - depending on clinical presentation. We investigated carotid and coronary atherosclerosis in men with new-onset unstable coronary artery disease (CAD) presenting with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) vs. long-standing severe chronic stable angina (CSA). Bilateral carotid artery and 3-vessel coronary artery atherosclerosis burdens were measured within 1 month, respectively, by 3D-volumetric carotid magnetic resonance imaging and coronary angiography-derived modified CASS-50 score. Men with STEMI (n = 50) and long-standing CSA (n = 50), matched for age, were enrolled (58.6 ± 8.8 years). All of them had carotid atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis burden was greater in the carotid arteries of STEMI vs. CSA (wall volume: 196.2 ± 44.4 vs. 169.2 ± 38.0 mm3/4 mm, p = 0.002), but greater in the coronary arteries of CSA vs. STEMI (modified CASS-50 score: 3 vs. 1, p < 0.0001). Normalized wall index (NWI) of internal carotid was associated with modified CASS-50 score in STEMI (ρ = 0.40, p = 0.022) and in CSA (ρ = -0.39, p = 0.031). Carotid atherosclerosis was observed in all CAD patients, and atherosclerosis burden in carotid and in coronary arteries varied according to clinical presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie LeBlanc
- a Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada.,b Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Karine Bibeau
- a Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Olivier F Bertrand
- a Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada.,b Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Valérie Lévesque
- a Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada.,b Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Béatrice Deschênes St-Pierre
- a Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada.,b Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Philippe Pibarot
- a Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada.,b Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Després
- a Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada.,b Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Eric Larose
- a Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada.,b Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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25
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Huang C, He Q, Huang M, Huang L, Zhao X, Yuan C, Luo J. Non-Invasive Identification of Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques Using Texture Analysis in Ultrasound Carotid Elastography: An In Vivo Feasibility Study Validated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2017; 43:817-830. [PMID: 28153351 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to quantify the textural information of strain rate images in ultrasound carotid elastography and evaluate the feasibility of using the textural features in discriminating stable and vulnerable plaques with magnetic resonance imaging as an in vivo reference. Ultrasound radiofrequency data were acquired in 80 carotid plaques from 52 patients, mainly in the longitudinal imaging view, and axial strain rate images were estimated with an ultrasound carotid elastography technique based on an optical flow algorithm. Four textural features of strain rate images-contrast, homogeneity, correlation and angular second moment-were derived based on the gray-level co-occurrence matrix in plaque regions to quantify the deformation distribution pattern. Conventional elastographic indices based on the magnitude of the absolute strain rate, such as the maximum, mean, median, standard deviation and 99th percentile of the axial strain rate, were also obtained for comparison. Composition measurement with magnetic resonance imaging identified 30 plaques as vulnerable and the other 50 as stable. The four textural features, as well as the magnitude of strain rate images, significantly differed between the two groups of plaques. The best performing features for plaque classification were found to be the contrast and 99th percentile of the absolute strain rate, with a comparative area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81; a slightly higher maximum accuracy of plaque classification can be achieved by the textural feature of contrast (83.8% vs. 81.3%). The results indicate that the use of texture analysis in plaque classification is feasible and that larger local deformations and higher level of complexity in deformation patterns (associated with the elastic or stiffness heterogeneity of plaque tissues) are more likely to occur in vulnerable plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwu Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Manwei Huang
- Department of Sonography, China Meitan General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyun Huang
- Clinical Sites Research Program, Philips Research China, Shanghai, China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jianwen Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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26
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van den Bouwhuijsen QJA, Selwaness M, Tang H, Niessen WJ, Hofman A, Franco OH, van der Lugt A, Vernooij MW. Change in Carotid Intraplaque Hemorrhage in Community-dwelling Subjects: A Follow-up Study Using Serial MR Imaging. Radiology 2017; 282:526-533. [DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2016151806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Relationship between Framingham risk score and subclinical atherosclerosis in carotid plaques: an in vivo study using multi-contrast MRI. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2017; 60:23-27. [PMID: 28078510 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-016-0385-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The assessment and management of early-stage atherosclerosis are important for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, we used multi-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate the carotid plaque feature in asymptomatic, at-risk subjects; we also evaluated the correlation between MRI findings and Framingham risk score (FRS). One hundred sixty-six asymptomatic individuals with risk factors for CVD underwent multi-contrast MRI. After the arterial morphology and plaque components were outlined, the differences in carotid plaque burden among the various risk categories were analyzed. The FRS analysis showed that high-risk individuals had thicker vessel wall and higher plaque lipid content than did low risk participants. A substantial proportion of advanced carotid plaques occurred in low and intermediate-risk groups. Multi-contrast MRI may provide incremental value to the FRS in managing asymptomatic at-risk population.
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28
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Imam YZ, D'Souza A, Malik RA, Shuaib A. Secondary Stroke Prevention: Improving Diagnosis and Management with Newer Technologies. Transl Stroke Res 2016; 7:458-477. [PMID: 27586681 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-016-0494-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking cessation, and healthy lifestyle have all contributed to the decline in the incidence of vascular disease over the last several decades. Patients who suffer an acute stroke are at a high risk for recurrence. Introduction of newer technologies and their wider use allows for better identification of patients in whom the risk of recurrence following an acute stroke may be very high. Traditionally, the major focus for diagnosis and management has focused on patient history, examination, imaging for carotid stenosis/occlusion, and detection of AF and paroxysmal AF (PAF) with 24-48 h cardiac monitoring. This review focuses on the usefulness of three newer investigative tools that are becoming widely available and lead to better prevention. Continuous ambulatory blood pressure measurements for 24 h or longer and 3D Doppler measures of the carotid arteries provide key useful information on the state of vascular health and enhance our ability to monitor the response to preventive therapies. Furthermore, the detection of PAF can be significantly improved with prolonged cardiac monitoring for 3 weeks or longer, enabling the initiation of appropriate prevention therapy. This review will focus on the potential impact and importance of these emerging technologies on the prevention of recurrent stroke in high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahia Z Imam
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Rayaz A Malik
- University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. .,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
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29
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Zhang M, Zhao Q, Gao Y, Wu X, Wang J. Prediction for rupture risk of carotid artery plaques: A comparative study of 3D-GSM and CAS system. Eur J Radiol 2016; 85:1659-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2016.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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30
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Li F, Wang X. Bilateral symmetry of human carotid artery atherosclerosis: a multi-contrast weighted MR study. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2016; 32:1219-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s10554-016-0890-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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31
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Huang C, Pan X, He Q, Huang M, Huang L, Zhao X, Yuan C, Bai J, Luo J. Ultrasound-Based Carotid Elastography for Detection of Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques Validated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2016; 42:365-377. [PMID: 26553205 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2015.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound-based carotid elastography has been developed to estimate the mechanical properties of atherosclerotic plaques. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vivo capability of carotid elastography in vulnerable plaque detection using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging as reference. Ultrasound radiofrequency data of 46 carotid plaques from 29 patients (74 ± 5 y old) were acquired and inter-frame axial strain was estimated with an optical flow method. The maximum value of absolute strain rate for each plaque was derived as an indicator for plaque classification. Magnetic resonance imaging of carotid arteries was performed on the same patients to classify the plaques into stable and vulnerable groups for carotid elastography validation. The maximum value of absolute strain rate was found to be significantly higher in vulnerable plaques (2.15 ± 0.79 s(-1), n = 27) than in stable plaques (1.21 ± 0.37 s(-1), n = 19) (p < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed, and the area under the curve was 0.848. Therefore, the in vivo capability of carotid elastography to detect vulnerable plaques, validated by magnetic resonance imaging, was proven, revealing the potential of carotid elastography as an important tool in atherosclerosis assessment and stroke prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwu Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochang Pan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Manwei Huang
- Department of Sonography, China Meitan General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyun Huang
- Clinical Sites Research Program, Philips Research China, Shanghai, China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jing Bai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianwen Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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DeMarco JK, Spence JD. Plaque Assessment in the Management of Patients with Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2015; 26:111-27. [PMID: 26610664 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The continued occurrence of stroke despite advances in medical therapy for asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) strongly indicates that individual response to medical therapy may vary widely. This article reviews the literature that identifies MR imaging and ultrasound plaque features which are seen in patients at increased risk of future cardiovascular events. Imaging can identify plaque phenotype that is the most amendable to intensive medical therapy. There is also good evidence that plaque imaging can measure the individual response to medical therapy and the lack of response identifies a high-risk group of ACS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kevin DeMarco
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, Radiology Building, 846 Service Road, Room 184, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - J David Spence
- Departments of Neurology and Clinical Pharmacology, Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, 1400 Western Road, London, Ontario N6G 2V4, Canada
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Usman A, Sadat U, Graves MJ, Gillard JH. Magnetic resonance imaging of atherothrombotic plaques. J Clin Neurosci 2015; 22:1722-6. [PMID: 26254092 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2015.03.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of long term morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite significant advances in its management. Vulnerable atherothrombotic plaques are predominantly responsible for thromboembolic ischaemic events in arterial beds, such as the carotid, coronary and lower limb arteries. MRI has emerged as a non-invasive, non-irradiating and highly reproducible imaging technique which allows detailed morphological and functional assessment of such plaques. It also has the potential to monitor the efficacy of established and evolving anti-atherosclerosis drugs. It is envisaged that by careful identification and understanding of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern atherosclerosis, novel treatment strategies can be formulated which may reduce the persistent high mortality and morbidity rates associated with this disease. MRI shows promise in achieving this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammara Usman
- University Department of Radiology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Post Office Box 218, Level 5, Hills Road, Cambridge CB20QQ, UK.
| | - Umar Sadat
- Cambridge Vascular Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin J Graves
- University Department of Radiology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Post Office Box 218, Level 5, Hills Road, Cambridge CB20QQ, UK
| | - Jonathan H Gillard
- University Department of Radiology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Post Office Box 218, Level 5, Hills Road, Cambridge CB20QQ, UK
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Clinical factors associated with high-risk carotid plaque features as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging in patients with established vascular disease (from the AIM-HIGH Study). Am J Cardiol 2014; 114:1412-9. [PMID: 25245415 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Association between clinical factors and high-risk plaque features, such as, thin or ruptured cap, intraplaque hemorrhage, presence of lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), and increased LRNC volume as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), was examined in patients with established vascular disease in the Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome With Low HDL/High Triglycerides (AIM-HIGH) trial. A total of 214 subjects underwent carotid MRI and had acceptable image quality for assessment of plaque burden, tissue contents, and MRI-modified American Heart Association lesion type by a core laboratory. We found that 77% of subjects had carotid plaques, 52% had lipid-containing plaques, and 11% had advanced American Heart Association type-VI lesions with possible surface defect, intraplaque hemorrhage, or mural thrombus. Type-VI lesions were associated with older age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.6 per 5 years increase, p <0.001). After adjusting for age, these lesions were associated with history of cerebrovascular disease (OR = 4.1, p = 0.01), higher levels of lipoprotein(a) (OR = 2.0 per 1 SD increase, p = 0.02), and larger percent wall volume (PWV [OR = 4.6 per 1 SD increase, p <0.001]) but, were negatively associated with metabolic syndrome (OR = 0.2, p = 0.02). Presence of LRNC was associated with the male gender (OR = 3.2, p = 0.02) and PWV (OR = 3.8 per 1 SD, p <0.001); however, it was negatively associated with diabetes (OR = 0.4, p = 0.02) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (OR = 0.7 per 1 SD, p = 0.02). Increased percent LRNC was associated with PWV (regression coefficient = 0.36, p <0.001) and negatively associated with ApoA1 levels (regression coefficient = -0.20, p = 0.03). In conclusion, older age, male gender, history of cerebrovascular disease, larger plaque burden, higher lipoprotein(a), and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or ApoA1 level have statistically significant associations with high-risk plaque features. Metabolic syndrome and diabetes showed negative associations in this population.
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DeMarco JK, Huston J. Imaging of high-risk carotid artery plaques: current status and future directions. Neurosurg Focus 2014; 36:E1. [PMID: 24380475 DOI: 10.3171/2013.10.focus13384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, the authors review the definition of high-risk plaque as developed by experienced researchers in atherosclerosis, including pathologists, clinicians, molecular biologists, and imaging scientists. Current concepts of vulnerable plaque are based on histological studies of coronary and carotid artery plaque as well as natural history studies and include the presence of a lipid-rich necrotic core with an overlying thin fibrous cap, plaque inflammation, fissured plaque, and intraplaque hemorrhage. The extension of these histologically identified high-risk carotid plaque features to human in vivo MRI is reviewed as well. The authors also assess the ability of in vivo MRI to depict these vulnerable carotid plaque features. Next, the ability of these MRI-demonstrated high-risk carotid plaque features to predict the risk of ipsilateral carotid thromboembolic events is reviewed and compared with the risk assessment provided by simple carotid artery stenosis measurements. Lastly, future directions of high-risk carotid plaque MRI are discussed, including the potential for increased clinical availability and more automated analysis of carotid plaque MRI. The ultimate goal of high-risk plaque imaging is to design and run future multicenter trials using carotid plaque MRI to guide individual patient selection and decisions about optimal atherosclerotic treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kevin DeMarco
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; and
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Xu D, Hippe DS, Underhill HR, Oikawa-Wakayama M, Dong L, Yamada K, Yuan C, Hatsukami TS. Prediction of high-risk plaque development and plaque progression with the carotid atherosclerosis score. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2014; 7:366-73. [PMID: 24631510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2013.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The goal of this prospective study was to evaluate the carotid atherosclerosis score (CAS) for predicting the development of high-risk plaque features and plaque burden progression. BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that carotid intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) and a disrupted luminal surface (DLS), as identified by using magnetic resonance imaging, are associated with greater risk for cerebrovascular events. On the basis of data from a large cross-sectional study, a scoring system was developed to determine which plaque features are associated with the presence of IPH and DLS. However, the predictive value of CAS has not been previously tested in a prospective, longitudinal study. METHODS A total of 120 asymptomatic subjects with 50% to 79% carotid stenosis underwent carotid magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline and 3 years thereafter. Presence of IPH and DLS, wall volume, maximum wall thickness, and maximum percent lipid-rich necrotic core area were measured at both time-points. Baseline CAS values were calculated on the basis of previously published criteria. RESULTS Of the 73 subjects without IPH or DLS at baseline, 9 (12%) developed 1 or both of these features during follow-up. There was a significant increasing trend between CAS and the development of new DLS (p < 0.001) and with plaque burden progression (p = 0.03) but not with the development of new IPH (p = 0.3). Percent carotid stenosis was not significantly associated with new DLS (p = 0.2), new IPH (p = 0.1), or plaque progression (p = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS CAS was found to have a significant increasing relationship with incident DLS and plaque progression in this prospective study. CAS can potentially provide improved risk stratification beyond luminal stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxiang Xu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Daniel S Hippe
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Hunter R Underhill
- Departments of Neurological Surgery and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Li Dong
- Department of Radiology, Anzhen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kiyofumi Yamada
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Grimm JM, Schindler A, Freilinger T, Cyran CC, Bamberg F, Yuan C, Reiser MF, Dichgans M, Freilinger C, Nikolaou K, Saam T. Comparison of symptomatic and asymptomatic atherosclerotic carotid plaques using parallel imaging and 3 T black-blood in vivo CMR. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2013; 15:44. [PMID: 23705576 PMCID: PMC3693990 DOI: 10.1186/1532-429x-15-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine if black-blood 3 T cardiovascular magnetic resonance (bb-CMR) can depict differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaques in acute ischemic stroke patients. METHODS In this prospective monocentric observational study 34 patients (24 males; 70 ±9.3 years) with symptomatic carotid disease defined as ischemic brain lesions in one internal carotid artery territory on diffusion weighted images underwent a carotid bb-CMR at 3 T with fat-saturated pre- and post-contrast T1w-, PDw-, T2w- and TOF images using surface coils and Parallel Imaging techniques (PAT factor = 2) within 10 days after symptom onset. All patients underwent extensive clinical workup (lab, brain MR, duplex sonography, 24-hour ECG, transesophageal echocardiography) to exclude other causes of ischemic stroke. Prevalence of American Heart Association lesion type VI (AHA-LT6), status of the fibrous cap, presence of hemorrhage/thrombus and area measurements of calcification, necrotic core and hemorrhage were determined in both carotid arteries in consensus by two reviewers who were blinded to clinical information. McNemar and Wilcoxon's signed rank tests were use for statistical comparison. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Symptomatic plaques showed a higher prevalence of AHA-LT6 (67.7% vs. 11.8%; p < 0.001; odds ratio = 12.5), ruptured fibrous caps (44.1% vs. 2.9%; p < 0.001; odds ratio = 15.0), juxtaluminal thrombus (26.5 vs. 0%; p < 0.01; odds ratio = 7.3) and intraplaque hemorrhage (58.6% vs. 11.8%; p = 0.01; odds ratio = 3.8). Necrotic core and hemorrhage areas were greater in symptomatic plaques (14.1 mm2 vs. 5.5 mm2 and 13.6 mm2 vs. 5.3 mm2; p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION 3 T bb-CMR is able to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques, demonstrating the potential of bb-CMR to differentiate between stable and vulnerable lesions and ultimately to identify patients with low versus high risk for cardiovascular complications. Best predictors of the symptomatic side were a ruptured fibrous cap, AHA-LT 6, juxtaluminal hemorrhage/thrombus, and intraplaque hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen M Grimm
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Schindler
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Freilinger
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-UniversityHospital, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Clemens C Cyran
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Fabian Bamberg
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of WashingtonSchool of Medicine, Seattle, USA
| | - Maximilian F Reiser
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Dichgans
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-UniversityHospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Caroline Freilinger
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Konstantin Nikolaou
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Saam
- Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Pettenkoferstr 8a, Munich, 80336, Germany
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Ota H, Reeves MJ, Zhu DC, Majid A, Collar A, Yuan C, DeMarco JK. Sex differences of high-risk carotid atherosclerotic plaque with less than 50% stenosis in asymptomatic patients: an in vivo 3T MRI study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2013. [PMID: 23194832 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a3399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Men have a greater prevalence of high-risk carotid plaque features associated with stroke compared with women who have ≥50% stenosis, but little is known about these features in less significantly stenotic carotid arteries. This study aims to evaluate sex differences in complicated carotid plaque features in asymptomatic patients with <50% stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-six patients (50 men, 46 women) with <50% carotid stenosis on MRA who had been referred for analysis of contralateral >50% carotid stenosis were included. The associations between sex and plaque features as identified by 3T MR carotid plaque imaging were examined by using logistic and linear regression models controlling for demographic characteristics, MRA stenosis, and the presence of contralateral plaque features. RESULTS The presence of a thin/ruptured fibrous cap (16% versus 2%, adjusted odds ratio = 8.57, P = .047), IPH (24% versus 6%, adjusted odds ratio = 4.53, P = .027), and American Heart Association type VI plaque (26% versus 6%, adjusted odds ratio = 5.04, P = .017) was significantly higher in men than in women. These associations remained significant following adjustment for contralateral plaque features. Men demonstrated a larger percentage volume of LR/NC (median, 1.66% versus -0.21%; P < .01). Calcification was not significantly associated with sex. CONCLUSIONS There is a sex difference of higher risk carotid plaque features during the early stage of disease seen in patients recruited for MR imaging evaluation of contralateral moderate-to-severe stenosis. Given the potential of using LR/NC without or with IPH to monitor therapy, these results indicate the possible importance of sex-based management in patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis across all stages of carotid stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ota
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1303, USA
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Sun J, Underhill HR, Hippe DS, Xue Y, Yuan C, Hatsukami TS. Sustained acceleration in carotid atherosclerotic plaque progression with intraplaque hemorrhage: a long-term time course study. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2013; 5:798-804. [PMID: 22897993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2012.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study sought to determine the immediate and long-term effects of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) on plaque progression in the carotid artery. BACKGROUND Previous studies have associated IPH in the carotid artery with more rapid plaque progression. However, the time course and long-term effect remain unknown. Carotid magnetic resonance imaging is a noninvasive imaging technique that has been validated with histology for the accurate in vivo detection of IPH and measurement of plaque burden. METHODS Asymptomatic subjects with 50% to 79% carotid stenosis underwent carotid magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and then serially every 18 months for a total of 54 months. Subjects with IPH present in at least 1 carotid artery at 54 months were selected. Subsequently, presence/absence of IPH and wall volume were determined independently in all time points for both sides. A piece-wise progression curve was fit by using a linear mixed model to compare progression rates described as annualized changes in wall volume between periods defined by their relationship to IPH development. RESULTS From 14 subjects who exhibited IPH at 54 months, 12 arteries were found to have developed IPH during the study period. The progression rates were -20.5 ± 13.1, 20.5 ± 13.6, and 16.5 ± 10.8 mm(3)/year before, during, and after IPH development, respectively. The progression rate during IPH development tended to be higher than the period before (p = 0.080) but comparable to the period after (p = 0.845). The progression rate in the combined period during/after IPH development was 18.3 ± 6.5 mm(3)/year, which indicated significant progression (p = 0.008 compared with a slope of 0) and was higher than the period before IPH development (p = 0.018). No coincident ischemic events were noted for new IPH. CONCLUSIONS The development of IPH posed an immediate and long-term promoting effect on plaque progression. IPH seems to alter the biology and natural history of carotid atherosclerosis. Early identification of patients with IPH may prove invaluable in optimizing management to minimize future sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Sun
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Kerwin WS. Carotid artery disease and stroke: assessing risk with vessel wall MRI. ISRN CARDIOLOGY 2012; 2012:180710. [PMID: 23209940 PMCID: PMC3504380 DOI: 10.5402/2012/180710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although MRI is widely used to diagnose stenotic carotid arteries, it also detects characteristics of the atherosclerotic plaque itself, including its size, composition, and activity. These features are emerging as additional risk factors for stroke that can be feasibly acquired clinically. This paper summarizes the state of evidence for a clinical role for MRI of carotid atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William S Kerwin
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA ; VPDiagnostics Incorporation, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
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What Will Noninvasive Carotid Atherosclerosis Imaging Show Us About High-Risk Coronary Plaques? J Am Coll Cardiol 2011; 58:423-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2011.02.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Comparison of carotid arterial morphology and plaque composition between patients with acute coronary syndrome and stable coronary artery disease: a high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging study. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2011; 27:715-26. [PMID: 21468749 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-011-9858-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2011] [Accepted: 03/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in carotid arterial morphology and plaque composition between patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). Twenty-eight patients (12 ACS patients and 16 SCAD patients) underwent carotid high-resolution MRI examination using a 3.0-Tesla (3.0T) MRI scanner. The indicators of carotid arterial morphology included the maximum total vessel area (Max-TVA), mean TVA, minimum lumen area (Min-LA), mean LA, maximum wall area (Max-WA), mean WA, maximum wall thickness (Max-WT), mean WT, maximum normalized wall index (Max-NWI), mean NWI, and maximum stenosis (Max-stenosis). The indicators of plaque composition included the prevalence and mean area percentage (%) of lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), calcification (Ca), intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), and fibrous cap rupture (FCR). None of the indicators of carotid arterial morphology had significant differences (all P > 0.05) between the ACS and SCAD patients. The prevalence and plaque composition area percentage of LRNC, Ca, and IPH did not exhibit significant differences between the two groups. However, carotid plaques in the ACS patients presented a higher prevalence of FCR than SCAD patients (P < 0.05). This study revealed a similar carotid arterial morphology between ACS and SCAD patients. However, FCR is more common in carotid plaques with ACS than in those with SCAD. Ruptured carotid plaques may be a forewarning factor for those patients who are at high risk of ACS.
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Underhill HR, Yuan C. Carotid MRI: a tool for monitoring individual response to cardiovascular therapy? Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2011; 9:63-80. [PMID: 21166529 DOI: 10.1586/erc.10.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Stroke remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. While stroke-related mortality has declined over the past four decades, data indicate that the mortality rate has begun to plateau. This change in trend may be attributable to variation in individual response to therapies that were derived from population-based studies. Further reductions in stroke mortality may require individualized care governed by directly monitoring the effects of cardiovascular therapy. In this article, carotid MRI is considered as a tool for monitoring in vivo carotid atherosclerotic disease, a principal etiology of stroke. Carotid MRI has been previously utilized to identify specific plaque features beyond luminal stenosis that are predictive of transient ischemic attack and stroke. To gain perspective on the possibility of monitoring plaque change within the individual, clinical trials and natural history studies that have used serial carotid MRI are considered. Data from these studies indicate that patients with a lipid-rich necrotic core with or without intraplaque hemorrhage may represent the desired phenotype for monitoring treatment effects in the individual. Advances in tissue-specific sequences, acquisition resolution, scan time, and techniques for monitoring inflammation and mechanical forces are expected to enable earlier detection of response to therapy. In so doing, cost-effective multicenter studies can be conducted to confirm the anticipated positive effects on outcomes of using carotid MRI for individualized care in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. In accordance, carotid MRI is poised to emerge as a powerful clinical tool for individualized management of carotid atherosclerotic disease to prevent stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter R Underhill
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, 1705 NE Pacific Street, K253, Box 357720, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Zhao X, Zhao Q, Chu B, Yang Y, Li F, Zhou XH, Cai J, Cai Z, Yuan C. Prevalence of compositional features in subclinical carotid atherosclerosis determined by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in chinese patients with coronary artery disease. Stroke 2010; 41:1157-62. [PMID: 20395607 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.110.580027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Previous studies have reported that carotid atherosclerosis frequently can be seen in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. This study sought to determine the prevalence of compositional features in subclinical carotid atherosclerosis by MRI in CAD patients. METHODS Ninety-six subjects with suspected CAD but free of neurological symptoms underwent coronary CT angiography and carotid MRI including 3-dimensional time-of-flight, T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and proton density-weighted sequences at 3 T within a 2-week interval. The coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and degree of stenosis were measured. Areas for carotid lumen, wall, total vessel, and percent wall volume (wall volume/total vessel volume) were measured. The prevalence of carotid calcification, lipid-rich necrotic core, intraplaque hemorrhage, and surface disruption in coronary stenosis and CACS categories were determined. RESULTS Carotid percent wall volume was correlated with CACS (P=0.001). Both coronary stenosis and CACS were significantly associated with presence of carotid calcification (OR=5.79 for 1%-49% vs 0% stenosis; OR=10.23 for >50% vs 0% stenosis; OR=10.65 for CACS 1-399 vs CACS 0; and OR=20.28 for CACS >400 vs CACS 0; all P<0.05) and lipid-rich necrotic core (OR=10.29 for 1%-49% vs 0% stenosis; OR=4.66 for >50% vs 0% stenosis; OR=8.23 for CACS 1-399 vs CACS 0; and OR=11.87 for CACS >400 vs CACS 0; all P<0.05) High prevalence of lipid-rich necrotic core was found in low-grade coronary stenosis (75.6% in 1%-49% stenosis) and CACS (73.5% in CACS 1-399). CONCLUSIONS Carotid plaque burden and compositional features are significantly associated with CAD severity. The finding of high prevalence of lipid-rich necrotic core in patients with low-grade coronary stenosis and CACS suggests the need for early monitoring of carotid atherosclerosis in CAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xihai Zhao
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, 815 Mercer Street, Box 358050, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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