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Abdalkader M, Miller MI, Klein P, Hui FK, Siracuse JJ, Mian AZ, Sakai O, Nguyen TN, Setty BN. Differential Assessment of Internal Jugular Vein Stenosis in Patients Undergoing CT and MRI with Contrast. Tomography 2024; 10:266-276. [PMID: 38393289 PMCID: PMC10893318 DOI: 10.3390/tomography10020021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Internal Jugular Vein Stenosis (IJVS) is hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of diverse neurological diseases. We sought to evaluate differences in IJVS assessment between CT and MRI in a retrospective patient cohort. METHODS We included consecutive patients who had both MRI of the brain and CT of the head and neck with contrast from 1 June 2021 to 30 June 2022 within the same admission. The degree of IJVS was categorized into five grades (0-IV). RESULTS A total of 35 patients with a total of 70 internal jugular (IJ) veins were included in our analysis. There was fair intermodality agreement in stenosis grades (κ = 0.220, 95% C.I. = [0.029, 0.410]), though categorical stenosis grades were significantly discordant between imaging modalities, with higher grades more frequent in MRI (χ2 = 27.378, p = 0.002). On CT-based imaging, Grade III or IV stenoses were noted in 17/70 (24.2%) IJs, whereas on MRI-based imaging, Grade III or IV stenoses were found in 40/70 (57.1%) IJs. Among veins with Grade I-IV IJVS, MRI stenosis estimates were significantly higher than CT stenosis estimates (77.0%, 95% C.I. [35.9-55.2%] vs. 45.6%, 95% C.I. [35.9-55.2%], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION MRI with contrast overestimates the degree of IJVS compared to CT with contrast. Consideration of this discrepancy should be considered in diagnosis and treatment planning in patients with potential IJVS-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Abdalkader
- Department of Radiology, Boston Medical, 840 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, USA (A.Z.M.); (O.S.); (T.N.N.); (B.N.S.)
| | - Matthew I. Miller
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Piers Klein
- Department of Radiology, Boston Medical, 840 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, USA (A.Z.M.); (O.S.); (T.N.N.); (B.N.S.)
| | - Ferdinand K. Hui
- Neuroscience Institute, The Queen’s Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA;
- Department of Radiology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | | | - Asim Z. Mian
- Department of Radiology, Boston Medical, 840 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, USA (A.Z.M.); (O.S.); (T.N.N.); (B.N.S.)
| | - Osamu Sakai
- Department of Radiology, Boston Medical, 840 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, USA (A.Z.M.); (O.S.); (T.N.N.); (B.N.S.)
| | - Thanh N. Nguyen
- Department of Radiology, Boston Medical, 840 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, USA (A.Z.M.); (O.S.); (T.N.N.); (B.N.S.)
| | - Bindu N. Setty
- Department of Radiology, Boston Medical, 840 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, USA (A.Z.M.); (O.S.); (T.N.N.); (B.N.S.)
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Saba L, Antignani PL, Gupta A, Cau R, Paraskevas KI, Poredos P, Wasserman B, Kamel H, Avgerinos ED, Salgado R, Caobelli F, Aluigi L, Savastano L, Brown M, Hatsukami T, Hussein E, Suri JS, Mansilha A, Wintermark M, Staub D, Montequin JF, Rodriguez RTT, Balu N, Pitha J, Kooi ME, Lal BK, Spence JD, Lanzino G, Marcus HS, Mancini M, Chaturvedi S, Blinc A. International Union of Angiology (IUA) consensus paper on imaging strategies in atherosclerotic carotid artery imaging: From basic strategies to advanced approaches. Atherosclerosis 2022; 354:23-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2022.06.1014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Wang X, Benson JC, Jagadeesan B, McKinney A. Giant Cerebral Aneurysms: Comparing CTA, MRA, and Digital Subtraction Angiography Assessments. J Neuroimaging 2020; 30:335-341. [PMID: 32324333 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Comprehensive imaging characterization of the morphology and luminal patency of cerebral aneurysms are cornerstones of their successful treatment and subsequent appropriate management. Giant cerebral aneurysms (GCAs), a distinct subgroup of aneurysms, are defined by large size (≥ 25 mm in greatest diameter), complex blood flow dynamics, and a high risk of rupture. The purpose of this study is to explore compare multiple imaging modalities in the assessment of GCAs. METHODS This study retrospectively evaluated CT angiography (CTA), 3D time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography (MRA), contrast-enhanced MRA (CEMRA), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in characterizing GCAs in 21 patients. RESULTS Aneurysm size ranged from 26 to 58 mm (mean 31.3 ± 12.2) and 18/21 (85.7%) had intraluminal thrombus. No significant difference was found between the aneurysmal sizes of any two modalities regarding comparisons of CTA, 3D TOFMRA, and CEMRA. However, there were significant differences in the aneurysmal patency visibility grade between CTA versus TOFMRA and CTA versus CEMRA. Moreover, the patent luminal size measured on CTA was significantly larger than DSA. CONCLUSIONS CTA, 3D TOFMRA, and CEMRA are equivalent in the delineation of size of GCAs. Nevertheless, 3D TOFMRA and CEMRA seem to be inferior to CTA in demonstrating luminal size/patency, likely because of the signal loss resulting from the presence of intraluminal thrombus and flow turbulence. Moreover, CTA is superior to DSA in determining lumen patency in GCAs, probably due to CTA's multipass-related luminal enhancement while DSA general fills the lesion via the first pass of enhancement or soon thereafter. In addition, CTA may also better demonstrate intraluminal thrombus, adjacent anatomical structures, and calcified rims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | - Bharathi Jagadeesan
- Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Alexander McKinney
- Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
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4
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Ball S, Rogers S, Kanesalingam K, Taylor R, Katsogridakis E, McCollum C. Carotid plaque volume in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Br J Surg 2018; 105:262-269. [PMID: 29315509 PMCID: PMC5873399 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.10670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main indication for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is severity of carotid artery stenosis, even though most strokes in carotid disease are embolic. The relationship between carotid plaque volume (CPV) and symptoms of cerebral ischaemia, and the measurement of CPV by minimally invasive tomographic ultrasound imaging, were investigated. METHODS The volume of the endarterectomy specimen was measured using a validated saline suspension technique in patients undergoing CEA. Time from last symptom and severity of stenosis measured by duplex ultrasonography were recorded. Middle cerebral artery emboli were counted using transcranial Doppler imaging (TCD) in a subset of patients. RESULTS Some 339 patients were included, 270 with symptomatic and 69 with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Mean(s.d.) CPV was higher in symptomatic than in asymptomatic patients (0·97(0·43) versus 0.74(0·41) cm3 ; P < 0·001). CPV did not correlate with severity of carotid stenosis (P = 0·770). Mean CPV was highest at 1·03(0·46) cm3 in the 4 weeks following cerebral symptoms, declining to 0·78(0·36) cm3 beyond 8 weeks. Among 33 patients who had TCD, mean CPV was 1·00(0·48) cm3 in the 27 patients with ipsilateral cerebral emboli compared with 0·67(0·16) cm3 in those without (P = 0·142). There was excellent correlation between CPV measured by tomographic ultrasound imaging and the endarterectomy specimen in 34 patients (r = 0·93, P < 0·001). CONCLUSION CPV correlated with symptoms of cerebral ischaemia, but not carotid stenosis. It could be a potential indicator for CEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ball
- Academic Surgery Unit, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - S Rogers
- Academic Surgery Unit, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Independent Vascular Services Ltd, University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - K Kanesalingam
- Academic Surgery Unit, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - R Taylor
- Academic Surgery Unit, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - E Katsogridakis
- Academic Surgery Unit, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - C McCollum
- Academic Surgery Unit, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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5
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Kerwin WS, Miller Z, Yuan C. Imaging of the high-risk carotid plaque: magnetic resonance imaging. Semin Vasc Surg 2017; 30:54-61. [PMID: 28818259 DOI: 10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of the concept of high-risk atherosclerotic plaque has led to considerable interest in noninvasive imaging techniques to identify high-risk features before clinical sequelae. For plaques in the carotid arteries, magnetic resonance imaging has undergone considerable histologic validation to link imaging features to indicators of plaque instability, including plaque burden, intraplaque hemorrhage, fibrous cap disruption, lipid rich necrotic core, and calcification. Recently introduced imaging technologies, especially those focused on three-dimensional imaging sequences, are now poised for integration into the clinical workup of patients with suspected carotid atherosclerosis. The purpose of this article is to review the carotid plaque magnetic resonance imaging techniques that are most ready for integration into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- William S Kerwin
- University of Washington Vascular Imaging Lab, Department of Radiology, 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Zach Miller
- University of Washington Vascular Imaging Lab, Department of Radiology, 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Chun Yuan
- University of Washington Vascular Imaging Lab, Department of Radiology, 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109.
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Cogswell PM, Davis TL, Strother MK, Faraco CC, Scott AO, Jordan LC, Fusco MR, Frederick BD, Hendrikse J, Donahue MJ. Impact of vessel wall lesions and vascular stenoses on cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with intracranial stenotic disease. J Magn Reson Imaging 2017; 46:1167-1176. [PMID: 28061015 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.25602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) and CVR lagtimes in flow territories perfused by vessels with vs. without proximal arterial wall disease and/or stenosis, separately in patients with atherosclerotic and nonatherosclerotic (moyamoya) intracranial stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Atherosclerotic and moyamoya patients with >50% intracranial stenosis and <70% cervical stenosis underwent angiography, vessel wall imaging (VWI), and CVR-weighted imaging (n = 36; vessel segments evaluated = 396). Angiography and VWI were evaluated for stenosis locations and vessel wall lesions. Maximum CVR and CVR lagtime were contrasted between vascular territories with and without proximal intracranial vessel wall lesions and stenosis, and a Wilcoxon rank-sum was test used to determine differences (criteria: corrected two-sided P < 0.05). RESULTS CVR lagtime was prolonged in territories with vs. without a proximal vessel wall lesion or stenosis for both patient groups: moyamoya (CVR lagtime = 45.5 sec ± 14.2 sec vs. 35.7 sec ± 9.7 sec, P < 0.001) and atherosclerosis (CVR lagtime = 38.2 sec ± 9.1 sec vs. 35.0 sec ± 7.2 sec, P = 0.001). For reactivity, a significant decrease in maximum CVR in the moyamoya group only (maximum CVR = 9.8 ± 2.2 vs. 12.0 ± 2.4, P < 0.001) was observed. CONCLUSION Arterial vessel wall lesions detected on noninvasive, noncontrast intracranial VWI in patients with intracranial stenosis correlate on average with tissue-level impairment on CVR-weighted imaging. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1167-1176.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petrice M Cogswell
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Taylor L Davis
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Carlos C Faraco
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Allison O Scott
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lori C Jordan
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Matthew R Fusco
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Jeroen Hendrikse
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Manus J Donahue
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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7
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Sun J, Hatsukami TS. Plaque Imaging to Decide on Optimal Treatment: Medical Versus Carotid Endarterectomy Versus Carotid Artery Stenting. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2016; 26:165-73. [PMID: 26610667 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Many of the current guidelines for the management of carotid atherosclerosis are based on clinical trial findings published more than 2 decades ago. The lack of plaque information in clinical decision making represents a major shortcoming and highlights the need for contemporary trials based on characteristics of the atherosclerotic lesion itself, rather than luminal stenosis alone. This article summarizes the major dilemmas clinicians face in current practice, and discusses the rationale and evidence that plaque imaging may help to address these challenges and optimize the clinical management of carotid artery disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Sun
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Thomas S Hatsukami
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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8
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Qiao Y, Anwar Z, Intrapiromkul J, Liu L, Zeiler SR, Leigh R, Zhang Y, Guallar E, Wasserman BA. Patterns and Implications of Intracranial Arterial Remodeling in Stroke Patients. Stroke 2016; 47:434-40. [PMID: 26742795 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.115.009955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Preliminary studies suggest that intracranial arteries are capable of accommodating plaque formation by remodeling. We sought to study the ability and extent of intracranial arteries to remodel using 3-dimensional high-resolution black blood magnetic resonance imaging and investigate its relation to ischemic events. METHODS Forty-two patients with cerebrovascular ischemic events underwent 3-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography and contrast-enhanced black blood magnetic resonance imaging examinations at 3 T for intracranial atherosclerotic disease. Each plaque was classified by location (eg, posterior versus anterior circulation) and its likelihood to have caused a stroke identified on magnetic resonance imaging (culprit, indeterminate, or nonculprit). Lumen area, outer wall area, and wall area were measured at the lesion and reference sites. Plaque burden was calculated as wall area divided by outer wall area. The arterial remodeling ratio (RR) was calculated as outer wall area at the lesion site divided by outer wall area at the reference site after adjusting for vessel tapering. Arterial remodeling was categorized as positive if RR>1.05, intermediate if 0.95≤RR≤1.05, and negative if RR<0.95. RESULTS One hundred and thirty-seven plaques were identified in 42 patients (37% [50] posterior and 63% [87] anterior). Compared with anterior circulation plaques, posterior circulation plaques had a larger plaque burden (77.7±15.7 versus 69.0±14.0; P=0.008), higher RR (1.14±0.38 versus 0.95±0.32; P=0.002), and more often exhibited positive remodeling (54.0% versus29.9%; P=0.011). Positive remodeling was marginally associated with downstream stroke presence when adjusted for plaque burden (odds ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval: 0.99-1.81). CONCLUSIONS Intracranial arteries remodel in response to plaque formation, and posterior circulation arteries have a greater capacity for positive remodeling and, consequently, may more likely elude angiographic detection. Arterial remodeling may provide insight into stroke risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Qiao
- From The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (Y.Q., Z.A., J.I., L.L., B.A.W.); Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (S.R.Z., R.L.); and Department of Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (Y.Z., E.G.)
| | - Zeeshan Anwar
- From The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (Y.Q., Z.A., J.I., L.L., B.A.W.); Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (S.R.Z., R.L.); and Department of Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (Y.Z., E.G.)
| | - Jarunee Intrapiromkul
- From The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (Y.Q., Z.A., J.I., L.L., B.A.W.); Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (S.R.Z., R.L.); and Department of Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (Y.Z., E.G.)
| | - Li Liu
- From The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (Y.Q., Z.A., J.I., L.L., B.A.W.); Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (S.R.Z., R.L.); and Department of Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (Y.Z., E.G.)
| | - Steven R Zeiler
- From The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (Y.Q., Z.A., J.I., L.L., B.A.W.); Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (S.R.Z., R.L.); and Department of Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (Y.Z., E.G.)
| | - Richard Leigh
- From The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (Y.Q., Z.A., J.I., L.L., B.A.W.); Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (S.R.Z., R.L.); and Department of Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (Y.Z., E.G.)
| | - Yiyi Zhang
- From The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (Y.Q., Z.A., J.I., L.L., B.A.W.); Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (S.R.Z., R.L.); and Department of Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (Y.Z., E.G.)
| | - Eliseo Guallar
- From The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (Y.Q., Z.A., J.I., L.L., B.A.W.); Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (S.R.Z., R.L.); and Department of Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (Y.Z., E.G.)
| | - Bruce A Wasserman
- From The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (Y.Q., Z.A., J.I., L.L., B.A.W.); Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (S.R.Z., R.L.); and Department of Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (Y.Z., E.G.).
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Pizzolato R, Romero JM. Neurosonology and noninvasive imaging of the carotid arteries. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2016; 135:165-191. [PMID: 27432665 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-53485-9.00009-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In this chapter, we review imaging of the extracranial carotid arteries and the indications for noninvasive carotid artery evaluation, measuring the degree of arterial stenosis and plaque morphology. We also analyze the types of noninvasive imaging, including carotid duplex ultrasound, transcranial Doppler, magnetic resonance angiography, and computer tomography angiography. We look at each of these modalities, briefly discussing techniques, benefits, limitations, and sources of error. Furthermore, we discuss the apparent accuracy and the need for multimodality imaging. Finally, an imaging algorithm for the evaluation of the extracranial carotid arteries is proposed, which is in routine use at our hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Pizzolato
- Department of Neuroradiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Javier M Romero
- Department of Neuroradiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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Wang J, Helle M, Zhou Z, Börnert P, Hatsukami TS, Yuan C. Joint blood and cerebrospinal fluid suppression for intracranial vessel wall MRI. Magn Reson Med 2015; 75:831-8. [DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jinnan Wang
- Philips Research North AmericaBriarcliff Manor New York USA
| | - Michael Helle
- Philips GmbH Innovative Technologies, Research LaboratoriesHamburg Germany
| | | | - Peter Börnert
- Philips GmbH Innovative Technologies, Research LaboratoriesHamburg Germany
| | | | - Chun Yuan
- CBIR, Tsinghua UniversityBeijing China
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattle Washington USA
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11
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Blankholm AD, Ringgaard S. Non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography: techniques and applications. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2014; 10:75-88. [DOI: 10.1586/erc.11.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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12
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Sui B, Gao P, Lin Y, Jing L, Qin H, Wang T, An J. Association of plaque compositions and stenosis patterns in carotid bifurcation using MR imaging. Neurol Res 2013; 34:366-72. [DOI: 10.1179/1743132812y.0000000031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yan Lin
- Department of Neuroradiology
| | | | - Haiqiang Qin
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Neurosurgical Institute, Affiliated Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tony Wang
- NeurosurgeryWayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jing An
- Siemens Mindit Magnetic Resonance LtdShenzhen, China
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13
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although MRI is widely used to observe atherosclerosis impacts on the vessel lumen, MRI also depicts the size of the plaque itself, its composition, and plaque inflammation, providing information beyond simple stenosis. This article summarizes the state of evidence for a clinical role for MRI of carotid atherosclerosis. CONCLUSION MRI of carotid atherosclerosis has a proven role in pharmaceutical trials and may improve patient management once large-scale clinical trials have been completed.
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14
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Mihai G, Winner MW, Raman SV, Rajagopalan S, Simonetti OP, Chung YC. Assessment of carotid stenosis using three-dimensional T2-weighted dark blood imaging: Initial experience. J Magn Reson Imaging 2011; 35:449-55. [PMID: 22147541 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.22839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the use of a T2-weighted SPACE sequence (T2w-SPACE) to assess carotid stenosis via several methods and compare its performance with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (ceMRA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen patients with carotid atherosclerosis underwent dark blood (DB)-MRI using a 3D turbo spin echo with variable flip angles sequence (T2w-SPACE) and ceMRA. Images were coregistered and evaluated by two observers. Comparisons were made for luminal diameter, luminal area, degree of luminal stenosis (NASCET: North American Symptomatic Endarterectomy Trial; ECST: European Carotid Surgery Trial, and area stenosis), and vessel wall area. Degree of NASCET stenosis was clinically classified as mild (<50%), moderate (50%-69%), or severe (>69%). RESULTS Excellent agreement was seen between ceMRA and T2w-SPACE and between observers for assessment of lumen diameter, lumen area, vessel wall area, and degree of NASCET stenosis (r > 0.80, P < 0.001). ECST stenosis was consistently higher than NASCET stenosis (48 ± 14% vs. 24 ± 22%, P < 0.001). Area stenosis (72 ± 2%) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than both ESCT and NASCET stenosis. CONCLUSION DB-MRI of carotid arteries using T2w-SPACE is clinically feasible. It provides accurate measurements of lumen size and degree of stenosis in comparison with ceMRA and offers a more reproducible measure of ECST stenosis than ceMRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgeta Mihai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
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15
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Abstract
The goal of stroke imaging is to appropriately select patients for different types of therapeutic management in order to optimize outcome and minimize potential complications. To accomplish this, the radiologist has to evaluate each case and tailor an imaging protocol to fit the patient's needs and best answer the clinical question. This review outlines the routinely used, current neuroimaging techniques and their role in the evaluation of the acute stroke patient. The ability of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to adequately evaluate the infarcted brain parenchyma, the cerebral vasculature, and the ischemic, but potentially viable tissue, often referred to as the "ischemic penumbra," is compared The authors outline an imaging algorithm that has been employed at their institution, and briefly review endovascular therapies that can be used in specific patients for stroke treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara M Kunst
- Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, USA.
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16
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Zhao X, Underhill HR, Zhao Q, Cai J, Li F, Oikawa M, Dong L, Ota H, Hatsukami TS, Chu B, Yuan C. Discriminating carotid atherosclerotic lesion severity by luminal stenosis and plaque burden: a comparison utilizing high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0 Tesla. Stroke 2010; 42:347-53. [PMID: 21183749 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.110.597328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To determine associations between stenosis, measures of plaque burden, and compositional features of carotid atherosclerosis, including high-risk features of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) and surface disruption. METHODS Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent for all participants were obtained before study initiation. Patients with either carotid stenosis >50% by duplex ultrasound or suspected coronary artery disease underwent multi-contrast carotid MRI at 3.0 T. For each artery, stenosis, percent wall volume (PWV=100%×wall volume/total vessel volume), and mean wall thickness (MWT) were measured. Presence or absence of a lipid-rich necrotic core, calcification, IPH, and surface disruption were recorded. RESULTS One hundred eighty-one patients were included in the final analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) calculated from receiver-operating-characteristics analysis found the presence of IPH was similarly classified by stenosis (AUC=0.82), PWV (AUC=0.88), and MWT (AUC=0.88). Notably, IPH was present in the lowest category of each parameter. Prevalence of IPH in arteries with 0% stenosis was 4.4%. In arteries with PWV <40%, prevalence was 3.2%; in arteries with MWT <1.0 mm, prevalence was 2.3%. Strength of classification for surface disruption was similarly classified by stenosis (AUC=0.87), PWV (AUC=0.93), and MWT (AUC=0.94). CONCLUSIONS Measures of plaque burden do not substantially improve disease assessment compared to stenosis. The finding of IPH in all categories of stenosis and plaque burden suggests that direct characterization of plaque composition and surface status is necessary to fully discriminate disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xihai Zhao
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current clinical techniques that rely on stenosis measurement alone appear to be insufficient for risk prediction in atherosclerosis patients. Many novel imaging methods have been developed to study atherosclerosis progression and to identify new features that can predict future clinical risk. MRI of atherosclerotic vessel walls is one such method. It has the ability to noninvasively evaluate multiple biomarkers of the disease such as luminal stenosis, plaque burden, tissue composition and plaque activity. In addition, the accuracy of in vivo MRI has been validated against histology with high reproducibility, thus paving the way for application to epidemiological studies of disease pathogenesis and, by serial MRI, in monitoring the efficacy of therapeutic intervention. In this review, we describe the various MR techniques used to evaluate aspects of plaque progression, discuss imaging-based measurements (imaging biomarkers), and also detail their validation. The application of plaque MRI in clinical trials as well as emerging imaging techniques used to evaluate plaque compositional features and biological activities are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinnan Wang
- Clinical Sites Research Program, Philips Research North America, Briarcliff Manor, NY, 10510
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109
| | - Niranjan Balu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109
| | - Gador Canton
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109
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Astor BC, Sharrett AR, Coresh J, Chambless LE, Wasserman BA. Remodeling of carotid arteries detected with MR imaging: atherosclerosis risk in communities carotid MRI study. Radiology 2010; 256:879-86. [PMID: 20651061 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.10091162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the extent of thickening of the carotid arterial walls that may be accommodated by outward remodeling. MATERIALS AND METHODS Institutional review board approval was obtained at each participating site, and informed consent was obtained from each participant. All study sites conducted this study in compliance with HIPAA requirements. A total of 2066 participants (age range, 60-85 years) from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study were enrolled in the ARIC Carotid MRI Study. Maximum wall thickness and luminal area were measured with gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in both common carotid arteries (CCAs) and in one internal carotid artery (ICA) 2 mm above the flow divider. Complete data were available for 1064 ICAs and 3348 CCAs. The association of maximum wall thickness with lumen area was evaluated with linear regression, and adjustments were made for participant age, sex, race, height, and height squared. RESULTS In the ICA, lumen area was relatively constant across patients with a wall thickness of 1.38 mm or less. In patients with a wall thickness of more than 1.38 mm, however, lumen area decreased linearly as wall thickness increased. Wall area represented a median of 61.9% of the area circumscribed by the vessel at a maximum wall thickness of 1.50 mm +/- 0.05 (standard deviation) and 75.4% at a maximum wall thickness of 4.0 mm +/- 0.10. In the CCA, lumen area was preserved across wall thicknesses less than 2.06 mm, representing 99% of vessels. CONCLUSION Atherosclerotic thickening in the ICA appears to be accommodated for vessels with a maximum wall thickness of less than 1.5 mm. Beyond this threshold, greater thickness is associated with a smaller lumen. The CCA appears to accommodate a wall thickness of less than 2.0 mm. These estimates indicate that the carotid arteries are able to compensate for a greater degree of thickening than are the coronary arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad C Astor
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research and Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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Hatsukami TS, Yuan C. MRI in the early identification and classification of high-risk atherosclerotic carotid plaques. IMAGING IN MEDICINE 2010; 2:63-75. [PMID: 20953294 PMCID: PMC2953811 DOI: 10.2217/iim.09.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term morbidity. As a means for stroke prevention, an estimated 99,000 carotid endarterectomy procedures were performed in the USA in 2006. Traditionally, the degree of luminal stenosis has been used as a marker of the stage of atherosclerosis and as an indication for surgical intervention. However, prospective clinical trials have shown that the majority of patients with a history of recent transient ischemic attack or stroke have mild-to-moderate carotid stenosis. Using stenosis criteria, many of these symptomatic individuals would be considered to have early-stage carotid atherosclerosis. It is evident that improved criteria are needed for identifying the high-risk carotid plaque across a range of stenoses. Histological studies have led to the hypothesis that plaques with larger lipid-rich necrotic cores, thin fibrous cap rupture, intraplaque hemorrhage, plaque neovasculature and vessel wall inflammation are characteristics of the high-risk, 'vulnerable plaque'. Despite the widespread consensus on the importance of these plaque features, testing the vulnerable plaque hypothesis in prospective clinical studies has been hindered by the lack of reliable imaging tools for in vivo plaque characterization. MRI has been shown to accurately identify key carotid plaque features, including the fibrous cap, lipid-rich necrotic core, intraplaque hemorrhage, neovasculature and vascular wall inflammation. Thus, MRI is a histologically validated technique that will permit prospective testing of the vulnerable plaque hypothesis. This article will provide a summary of the histological validation of carotid MRI, and highlight its application in prospective clinical studies aimed at early identification of the high-risk atherosclerotic carotid plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Hatsukami
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Imaging Lab, University of Washington, 815 Mercer Street, Box 358050, Seattle, WA 98109, USA, Tel.: +1 206 543 3061, ,
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Underhill HR, Hatsukami TS, Cai J, Yu W, DeMarco JK, Polissar NL, Ota H, Zhao X, Dong L, Oikawa M, Yuan C. A noninvasive imaging approach to assess plaque severity: the carotid atherosclerosis score. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2010; 31:1068-75. [PMID: 20093315 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The presence of IPH and/or FCR in the carotid atherosclerotic plaque indicates a high-risk lesion. The aim of this multicenter cross-sectional study was to establish the characteristics of lesions that may precede IPH and/or FCR. We further sought to construct a CAS that stratifies carotid disease severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three hundred forty-four individuals from 4 imaging centers with 16%-99% carotid stenosis by duplex sonography underwent carotid MR imaging. In approximately 60% of the study sample (training group), multivariate analysis was used to determine factors associated with IPH and FCR. Statistically significant parameters identified during multivariate analysis were used to construct CAS. CAS was then applied to the remaining arteries (40%, test group), and the accuracy of classification for determining the presence versus absence of IPH or, separately, FCR was determined by ROC analysis and calculation of the AUC. RESULTS The maximum proportion of the arterial wall occupied by the LRNC was the strongest predictor of IPH (P < .001) and FCR (P < .001) during multivariate analysis of the training group. The subsequently derived CAS applied to the test group was an accurate classifier of IPH (AUC = 0.91) and FCR (AUC = 0.93). Compared with MRA stenosis, CAS was a stronger classifier of both IPH and FCR. CONCLUSIONS LRNC quantification may be an effective complementary strategy to stenosis for classifying carotid atherosclerotic disease severity. CAS forms the foundation for a simple imaging-based risk-stratification system in the carotid artery to classify severity of atherosclerotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H R Underhill
- Department of Radiology, Vascular Imaging Lab, University of Washington, 815 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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Underhill HR, Yuan C, Yarnykh VL, Chu B, Oikawa M, Dong L, Polissar NL, Garden GA, Cramer SC, Hatsukami TS. Predictors of surface disruption with MR imaging in asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2009; 31:487-93. [PMID: 19833801 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a1842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Surface disruption, either ulceration or fibrous cap rupture, has been identified as a key feature of the unstable atherosclerotic plaque. In this prospective observational study, we sought to determine the characteristics of the carotid lesion that predict the development of new surface disruption. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred eight asymptomatic individuals with 50%-79% carotid stenosis underwent carotid MR imaging at baseline and at 3 years. Multicontrast imaging criteria were used to determine the presence or absence of calcification, LRNC, intraplaque hemorrhage, and surface disruption. Volume measurements of plaque morphology and the LRNC and calcification, when present, were collected. RESULTS At baseline, 21.3% (23/108) of participants were identified with a surface disruption. After 3 years, 9 (10.6%) of the remaining 85 individuals without disruption at baseline developed a new surface disruption during follow-up. Among all baseline variables associated with new surface disruption during regression analysis, the proportion of wall volume occupied by the LRNC (percentage LRNC volume; OR per 5% increase, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.5-4.6) was the strongest classifier (AUC = 0.95) during ROC analysis. New surface disruption was associated with a significant increase in percentage LRNC volume (1.7 +/- 2.0% per year, P = .035). CONCLUSIONS This prospective investigation of asymptomatic individuals with 50%-79% stenosis provides compelling evidence that LRNC size may govern the risk of future surface disruption. Identification of carotid plaques in danger of developing new surface disruption may prove clinically valuable for preventing the transition from stable to unstable atherosclerotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H R Underhill
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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22
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Dong L, Underhill HR, Yu W, Ota H, Hatsukami TS, Gao TL, Zhang Z, Oikawa M, Zhao X, Yuan C. Geometric and compositional appearance of atheroma in an angiographically normal carotid artery in patients with atherosclerosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2009; 31:311-6. [PMID: 19779001 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a1793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Arterial remodeling may enable atherosclerotic disease without luminal stenosis. We sought to assess the prevalence and characteristics of atherosclerosis in angiographically normal carotid arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-six arteries with 0% stenosis by MRA were evaluated with multicontrast carotid MR imaging at 3T. For each artery, the percentage wall volume (wall volume/[lumen volume + wall volume] x 100%) and the presence versus absence of an LRNC, calcification, IPH, and fibrous cap rupture were recorded. In addition, the relative size of each plaque component (eg, percentage LRNC = LRNC volume/wall volume x 100%), when present, was calculated. RESULTS The mean of percentage wall volume in arteries with 0% stenosis was 43.0 +/- 6.9% with a range from 31.6% to 60.1%. An LRNC was present in 67.4% (31/46) of arteries, calcification was present in 65.2% (30/46), IPH was present in 8.7% (4/46), and fibrous cap rupture was present in 4.3% (2/46). In arteries with an LRNC (n = 31), the average percentage LRNC volume was 8.8 +/- 7.3% with a range from 1.0% to 31.5%. For calcification (n = 30), the mean percentage calcification volume was 3.8 +/- 4.2% with a range of 0.1%-17.4%. The mean percentage IPH volume (n = 4) was 2.7 +/- 1.7% with a range of 0.5%-4.1%. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that stenosis by MRA may underestimate the presence of carotid atherosclerosis, and they demonstrate the need for improved methods for accurately identifying carotid atherosclerotic plaque severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dong
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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Yu W, Underhill HR, Ferguson MS, Hippe DS, Hatsukami TS, Yuan C, Chu B. The added value of longitudinal black-blood cardiovascular magnetic resonance angiography in the cross sectional identification of carotid atherosclerotic ulceration. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2009; 11:31. [PMID: 19689816 PMCID: PMC2737539 DOI: 10.1186/1532-429x-11-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2009] [Accepted: 08/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carotid atherosclerotic ulceration is a significant source of stroke. This study evaluates the efficacy of adding longitudinal black-blood (BB) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) angiography to cross-sectional CMR images in the identification of carotid atherosclerotic ulceration. METHODS Thirty-two subjects (30 males and two females with ages between 48 and 83 years) scheduled for carotid endarterectomy were imaged on a 1.5T GE Signa scanner using multisequence [3D time-of-flight, T1, proton density, T2, contrast enhanced T1], cross-sectional CMR images and longitudinal BB CMR angiography (0.625 x 0.625 mm/pixel). Two rounds of review (round 1: cross-sectional CMR images alone and round 2: cross-sectional CMR images plus longitudinal BB CMR angiography) were conducted for the presence and volume measurements of ulceration. Ulceration was defined as a distinct depression into the plaque containing blood flow signal on cross-sectional CMR and longitudinal BB CMR angiography. RESULTS Of the 32 plaques examined by histology, 17 contained 21 ulcers. Using the longitudinal BB CMR angiography sequence in addition to the cross-sectional CMR images in round 2, the sensitivity improved to 80% for ulcers of at least 6 mm3 in volume by histology and 52.4% for all ulcers, compared to 30% and 23.8% in round 1, respectively. There was a slight decline in specificity from 88.2% to 82.3%, though both the positive and negative predictive values increased modestly from 71.4% to 78.6% and from 48.4% to 58.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION The addition of longitudinal BB CMR angiography to multisequence cross-sectional CMR images increases accuracy in the identification of carotid atherosclerotic ulceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | | | | | - Daniel S Hippe
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas S Hatsukami
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Surgery Division, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Baocheng Chu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Derakhshan JJ, Griswold MA, Sunshine JL, Duerk JL. Halting the effects of flow enhancement with effective intermittent zeugmatographic encoding (HEFEWEIZEN) in SSFP. J Magn Reson Imaging 2009; 29:1163-74. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.21744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Babiarz LS, Romero JM, Murphy EK, Brobeck B, Schaefer PW, González RG, Lev MH. Contrast-enhanced MR angiography is not more accurate than unenhanced 2D time-of-flight MR angiography for determining > or = 70% internal carotid artery stenosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2009; 30:761-8. [PMID: 19164440 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a1464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Internal carotid artery (ICA) atheromatous disease is an important cause of ischemic stroke, and endarterectomy or stent placement is typically indicated for symptomatic patients with > or = 70% stenosis. Our purpose was to compare contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) with unenhanced 2D time-of-flight MR angiography (2D TOF MRA) in detecting hemodynamically significant ICA stenosis, by using CT angiography (CTA) as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was an institutional review board-approved retrospective study. We identified 177 consecutive patients (354 ICAs) who received correlative CE-MRA, 2D TOF MRA, and CTA. Two neuroradiologists blinded to the CTA data graded the degree of ICA stenosis according to a 5-point scale. Additionally, luminal signal-intensity characteristics including 1) signal intensity drop-out, 2) distal-vessel narrowing, and 3) distal-vessel signal-intensity reduction were recorded. MRA results were correlated with those of CTA, and receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed. RESULTS On CTA, there were 55 ICAs with and 299 without > or = 70% stenosis. CE-MRA was 84% sensitive and 96% specific for detecting > or = 70% stenosis; 2D TOF MRA was 80% sensitive and 95% specific. The area under the ROC curve was 0.97 for CE-MRA and 0.95 for 2D TOF MRA (P = .51, not significant). For both MRA studies, each of the luminal signal-intensity characteristics had high specificity (> 98%) but poor-to-mild sensitivity (35%-66%) in detecting > or = 70% stenosis. CONCLUSIONS Although it is established that CE-MRA more accurately delineates neurovascular anatomy than does unenhanced 2D TOF MRA, the administration of gadolinium did not offer a significant advantage in distinguishing surgically treatable ICA stenosis. This conclusion may be important in patients with contraindications to gadolinium.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Babiarz
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. 02114, USA
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Kock SA, Nygaard JV, Eldrup N, Fründ ET, Klaerke A, Paaske WP, Falk E, Yong Kim W. Mechanical stresses in carotid plaques using MRI-based fluid-structure interaction models. J Biomech 2008; 41:1651-8. [PMID: 18485351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2008.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2007] [Revised: 03/14/2008] [Accepted: 03/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Risk assessment in patients with carotid atherosclerosis relies on the degree of luminal stenosis. Incorporating morphological information on plaque composition obtained noninvasively through the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could include other variables besides the degree of stenosis into carotid plaque risk assessment. Knowledge of the morphologic composition of the plaque allows determination of mechanic stresses exerted on the protective fibrous cap, which may be of importance in the assessment of plaque vulnerability. Based on image processing of transverse MRI scans, longitudinal 2D fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations of carotid atherosclerotic plaques were performed facilitating in-vivo estimation of longitudinal internal fibrous cap stresses. The FSI simulation combined finite element analysis (FEA) with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of blood-flow variables. Preliminary results from two symptomatic patients revealed longitudinal stress levels (max. 254.1 and 143.2 kPa) approaching established criteria for plaque rupture at known predilection sites of plaque rupture. Determination of longitudinal fibrous cap stresses may prove useful in assessing plaque vulnerability and improve risk stratification in patients with carotid atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A Kock
- MR-Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Brendstrupgaardsvej 100, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
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Ma ZL, Teng GJ, Chen J, Zhang HY, Cao AH, Ni Y. A rabbit model of atherosclerosis at carotid artery: MRI visualization and histopathological characterization. Eur Radiol 2008; 18:2174-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-008-0978-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2007] [Revised: 02/06/2008] [Accepted: 03/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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