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Wang J, Yu F, Zhang M, Lu J, Qian Z. A 3D framework for segmentation of carotid artery vessel wall and identification of plaque compositions in multi-sequence MR images. Comput Med Imaging Graph 2024; 116:102402. [PMID: 38810486 DOI: 10.1016/j.compmedimag.2024.102402] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Accurately assessing carotid artery wall thickening and identifying risky plaque components are critical for early diagnosis and risk management of carotid atherosclerosis. In this paper, we present a 3D framework for automated segmentation of the carotid artery vessel wall and identification of the compositions of carotid plaque in multi-sequence magnetic resonance (MR) images under the challenge of imperfect manual labeling. Manual labeling is commonly done in 2D slices of these multi-sequence MR images and often lacks perfect alignment across 2D slices and the multiple MR sequences, leading to labeling inaccuracies. To address such challenges, our framework is split into two parts: a segmentation subnetwork and a plaque component identification subnetwork. Initially, a 2D localization network pinpoints the carotid artery's position, extracting the region of interest (ROI) from the input images. Following that, a signed-distance-map-enabled 3D U-net (Çiçek etal, 2016)an adaptation of the nnU-net (Ronneberger and Fischer, 2015) segments the carotid artery vessel wall. This method allows for the concurrent segmentation of the vessel wall area using the signed distance map (SDM) loss (Xue et al., 2020) which regularizes the segmentation surfaces in 3D and reduces erroneous segmentation caused by imperfect manual labels. Subsequently, the ROI of the input images and the obtained vessel wall masks are extracted and combined to obtain the identification results of plaque components in the identification subnetwork. Tailored data augmentation operations are introduced into the framework to reduce the false positive rate of calcification and hemorrhage identification. We trained and tested our proposed method on a dataset consisting of 115 patients, and it achieves an accurate segmentation result of carotid artery wall (0.8459 Dice), which is superior to the best result in published studies (0.7885 Dice). Our approach yielded accuracies of 0.82, 0.73 and 0.88 for the identification of calcification, lipid-rich core and hemorrhage components. Our proposed framework can be potentially used in clinical and research settings to help radiologists perform cumbersome reading tasks and evaluate the risk of carotid plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Institute of Intelligent Diagnostics, Beijing United-Imaging Research Institute of Intelligent Imaging, Building 3-4F, 9 Yongteng N. Road, Beijing 100080, China.
| | - Fan Yu
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Changchun Street, No. 45, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing 100053, China.
| | - Mengze Zhang
- Institute of Intelligent Diagnostics, Beijing United-Imaging Research Institute of Intelligent Imaging, Building 3-4F, 9 Yongteng N. Road, Beijing 100080, China.
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Changchun Street, No. 45, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing 100053, China.
| | - Zhen Qian
- Institute of Intelligent Diagnostics, Beijing United-Imaging Research Institute of Intelligent Imaging, Building 3-4F, 9 Yongteng N. Road, Beijing 100080, China.
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Elsaid NMH, Peters DC, Galiana G, Sinusas AJ. Clinical physiology: the crucial role of MRI in evaluation of peripheral artery disease. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H1304-H1323. [PMID: 38517227 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00533.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common vascular disease that primarily affects the lower limbs and is defined by the constriction or blockage of peripheral arteries and may involve microvascular dysfunction and tissue injury. Patients with diabetes have more prominent disease of microcirculation and develop peripheral neuropathy, autonomic dysfunction, and medial vascular calcification. Early and accurate diagnosis of PAD and disease characterization are essential for personalized management and therapy planning. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides excellent soft tissue contrast and multiplanar imaging capabilities and is useful as a noninvasive imaging tool in the comprehensive physiological assessment of PAD. This review provides an overview of the current state of the art of MRI in the evaluation and characterization of PAD, including an analysis of the many applicable MR imaging techniques, describing the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. We also present recent developments, future clinical applications, and future MRI directions in assessing PAD. The development of new MR imaging technologies and applications in preclinical models with translation to clinical research holds considerable potential for improving the understanding of the pathophysiology of PAD and clinical applications for improving diagnostic precision, risk stratification, and treatment outcomes in patients with PAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla M H Elsaid
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Dana C Peters
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Gigi Galiana
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Albert J Sinusas
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
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3
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Lu Y, Cao R, Jiao S, Li L, Liu C, Hu H, Ma Z, Jiang Y, Chen J. A novel method of carotid artery wall imaging: black-blood CT. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:2407-2415. [PMID: 37736805 PMCID: PMC10957584 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10247-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the application of black-blood CT (BBCT) in carotid artery wall imaging and its accuracy in disclosing stenosis rate and plaque burden of carotid artery. METHODS A total of 110 patients underwent contrast-enhanced CT scan with two phases, and BBCT images were obtained using contrast-enhancement (CE)-boost technology. Two radiologists independently scored subjective image quality on black-blood computerized tomography (BBCT) images using a 4-point scale and then further analyzed plaque types. The artery stenosis rate on BBCT was measured and compared with CTA. The plaque burden on BBCT was compared with that on high-resolution intracranial vessel wall MR imaging (VW-MR imaging). The kappa value and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used for consistency analysis. The diagnostic accuracy of BBCT for stenosis rate and plaque burden greater than 50% was evaluated by AUC. RESULTS The subjective image quality scores of BBCT had good consistency between the two readers (ICC = 0.836, p < 0.001). BBCT and CTA had a good consistency in the identification of stenosis rate (p < 0.001). There was good consistency between BBCT and VW-MR in diagnosis of plaque burden (p < 0.001). As for plaque burden over 50%, BBCT had good sensitivity (93.10%) and specificity (73.33%), with an AUC of 0.950 (95%CI 0.838-0.993). Compared with CTA, BBCT had higher consistency with VW-MR in disclosing low-density plaques and mixed plaques (ICC = 0.931 vs 0.858, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS BBCT can not only display the carotid artery wall clearly but also accurately diagnose the stenosis rate and plaque burden of carotid artery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Black-blood CT, as a novel imaging technology, can assist clinicians and radiologists in better visualizing the structure of the vessel wall and plaques, especially for patients with contraindication to MRI. KEY POINTS • Black-blood CT can clearly visualize the carotid artery wall and plaque burden. • Black-blood CT is superior to conventional CTA with more accurate diagnosis of the carotid stenosis rate and plaque burden features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Lu
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of GeriatricsInstitute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1, DaHua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruoyao Cao
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1, DaHua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Jiao
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1, DaHua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1, DaHua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailong Hu
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1, DaHua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuangfei Ma
- CT Clinical Research Department, CT Business Unit, Canon Medical Systems (China) CO., LTD., Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Chen
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1, DaHua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.
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Kotsugi M, Nakagawa I, Sasaki H, Okamoto A, Nakase K, Maeoka R, Yokoyama S, Yamada S, Nakase H. Thin Calcification Predicts Lipid Component in Carotid Plaque-Relationship Between Lipid Distribution and Thin Calcification. World Neurosurg 2024; 183:e715-e721. [PMID: 38191057 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurately evaluating plaque characteristics is essential because lesions with lipid-rich plaque put patients at risk of thromboembolic complications from carotid artery stenting. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a diagnostic imaging modality that identifies lipid components from the near-infrared absorption pattern but does not reveal the distribution of calcification. The purpose of this study was to investigate the calcification characteristics of unstable carotid plaques, focusing on relationships between the calcification characteristics revealed by computed tomography angiography and the lipid core distribution derived from NIRS. METHODS Participants in this retrospective analysis comprised 35 patients (29 men, 6 women; mean age, 76.0 years; range, 52-89 years) who underwent carotid artery stenting in our institute between January 2021 and December 2022. We evaluated the thickness and length of carotid calcifications at the minimal lumen level from preoperative computed tomography angiography and analyzed the relationship with maximum lipid core burden index (max-LCBI) from NIRS. RESULTS Strong negative linear correlations were observed between the thickness of calcification and max-LCBI at Area (any segment in a target lesion) (r = -0.795, P < 0.001), max-LCBI at minimal lumen area (r = -0.795, P < 0.001) and lipid core burden index (LCBI) at lesion (rate of LCBI in entire plaque lesion) (r = -0.788, P < 0.001), respectively. Significant negative linear correlations were observed between distribution of calcification length and max-LCBI at area (r = -0.429, P = 0.01), max-LCBI at minimal lumen area (r = -0.373, P = 0.027), and LCBI at lesion (r = -0.443, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS Thin and ubiquitous carotid calcification was associated with LCBI values derived from NIRS indicative of carotid lipid plaque distribution, implying the possibility of predicting lesion instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Kotsugi
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakagawa
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan.
| | - Hiromitsu Sasaki
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Ai Okamoto
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Kenta Nakase
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Maeoka
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Shohei Yokoyama
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Shuichi Yamada
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakase
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
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Zhezhi D, Zhihui Z, Shifeng Z, Minping L, Xue X, Weiwei Q, Junjie G, Dongxiao Z, Qian M, Yuemin Q, Deng DX, Haiwei H. HDL subfractions determined by microfluidic chip electrophoresis predict the vulnerability of intracranial plaque: A HRMRI study. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 553:117713. [PMID: 38104956 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117713] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM High-density lipoprotein (HDL) can be divided into several subfractions based on density, size and composition. Accumulative evidence strongly suggests that the subfractions of HDL have very different roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to further delineate the relationship between HDL subfractions extracted by microfluidic chip electrophoresis and the vulnerability of plaques in patients with intracranial atherosclerosis with a high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) study. METHODS We prospectively enrolled patients with single atherosclerotic plaque in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) or basilar artery (BA) between July 2020 and Dec 2022 and performed 3-tesla HRMRI on the relevant artery. The HDL cholesterol concentration and HDL subfractions (HDL-2a, HDL-2b and HDL-3) percentage were analyzed in serum samples from the same patients by electrophoresis on a microfluidics system. RESULTS A total of 81 MCA or BA plaques [38 (46.9%) symptomatic and 43 (53.1%) asymptomatic] in 81 patients were identified on HRMRI. Patients with symptomatic plaques had a significantly lower HDL-2b level than asymptomatic plaques [symptomatic vs. asymptomatic: 0.16 (0.10-0.18) vs. 0.27(0.21-0.34), p = 0.001]. After adjusting for demographics and vascular risk factors, logistic regression showed that HDL-2b was inversely associated with asymptomatic plaques (B = -0.04, P = 0.017). According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve model analysis, the cutoff point of HDL-2b in predicting asymptomatic plaques was 0.21 mmol/L (Area under curve: 0.719, specificity: 73.7%, sensitivity: 72.1%). Furthermore, plaque enhancement on HRMRI (P < 0.001), positive remodeling (P < 0.001), plaque load (P < 0.001) and luminal stenosis (P < 0.001) were superior among patients with HDL-2b < 0.21 mmol/L. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed that serum HDL-2b levels may serve as a biomarker for predicting vulnerability in intracranial atherosclerotic plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng Zhezhi
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zheng Zhihui
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhang Shifeng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li Minping
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xu Xue
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qi Weiwei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Guo Junjie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhou Dongxiao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ma Qian
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qiu Yuemin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | | | - Huang Haiwei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Ma X, Yan P, Ju J, Yang Z, Wang W, Wang Q, Liu X, Xia Z, Sun Q. Vessel wall MRI characteristics associated with intraprocedural stent thrombosis during angioplasty for intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. J Neurointerv Surg 2023:jnis-2023-020941. [PMID: 37989580 DOI: 10.1136/jnis-2023-020941] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have so far explored plaque characteristics on high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) associated with intraprocedural stent thrombosis (IPST) during angioplasty for intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). We aimed to investigate the plaque features on HR-VWI associated with IPST during stenting for ICAS. METHODS This study recruited 77 patients with ICAS who underwent intracranial stenting using the Gateway-Wingspan system, and were performed with enhanced pre- and post-contrast T1-weighted HR-VWI on a 3.0T MRI scanner before angioplasty. During stenting for ICAS, eight patients (male: 100%, age mean ± standard deviation (SD): 58.7±2.47) developed IPST within 30 minutes after stenting. To ensure comparability, 16 patients who had undergone intracranial stenting but did not develop IPST were matched as controls for this study. Univariable and binary logistic models were used to explore the plaque characteristics on HR-VWI associated with IPST. RESULTS Patients who developed IPST had less plaque diffusion (37.50% vs 81.25%, p=0.036), a more severe degree of area stenosis (median 96.30% vs 81.65%, p<0.01), and a higher plaque enhancement index (median 37.99 vs 13.12, p<0.01) compared with those who did not. After multivariate adjustment, IPST was independently associated with a more severe degree of area stenosis (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.43, p=0.044) and a higher plaque enhancement index (adjusted OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.36, p=0.036). CONCLUSION Intraprocedural stent thrombosis during intracranial angioplasty for patients with ICAS may be independently associated with a higher plaque enhancement index and a more severe degree of area stenosis on HR-VWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education; Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Shandong University, Liaocheng, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Peng Yan
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education; Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Jiachen Ju
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education; Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Zhengyu Yang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education; Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Qiuting Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education; Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Zhangyong Xia
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Shandong University, Liaocheng, Shandong, P.R. China
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong, P.R. China
- Department of Neurology, the second People's Hospital of Liaocheng, Liaocheng, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Qinjian Sun
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education; Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
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Kassem M, Nies KPH, Boswijk E, van der Pol J, Aizaz M, Gijbels MJJ, Li D, Bucerius J, Mess WH, Wildberger JE, van Oostenbrugge RJ, Moonen RPM, Fan Z, Kooi ME. Quantification of carotid plaque composition with a multi-contrast atherosclerosis characterization (MATCH) MRI sequence. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1227495. [PMID: 37680565 PMCID: PMC10481960 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1227495] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Carotid atherosclerotic plaques with a large lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), and a thin or ruptured fibrous cap are associated with increased stroke risk. Multi-sequence MRI can be used to quantify carotid atherosclerotic plaque composition. Yet, its clinical implementation is hampered by long scan times and image misregistration. Multi-contrast atherosclerosis characterization (MATCH) overcomes these limitations. This study aims to compare the quantification of plaque composition with MATCH and multi-sequence MRI. Methods MATCH and multi-sequence MRI were used to image 54 carotid arteries of 27 symptomatic patients with ≥2 mm carotid plaque on a 3.0 T MRI scanner. The following sequence parameters for MATCH were used: repetition time/echo time (TR/TE), 10.1/4.35 ms; field of view, 160 mm × 160 mm × 2 mm; matrix size, 256 × 256; acquired in-plane resolution, 0.63 mm2× 0.63 mm2; number of slices, 18; and flip angles, 8°, 5°, and 10°. Multi-sequence MRI (black-blood pre- and post-contrast T1-weighted, time of flight, and magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo; acquired in-plane resolution: 0.63 mm2 × 0.63 mm2) was acquired according to consensus recommendations, and image quality was scored (5-point scale). The interobserver agreement in plaque composition quantification was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The sensitivity and specificity of MATCH in identifying plaque composition were calculated using multi-sequence MRI as a reference standard. Results A significantly lower image quality of MATCH compared to that of multi-sequence MRI was observed (p < 0.05). The scan time for MATCH was shorter (7 vs. 40 min). Interobserver agreement in quantifying plaque composition on MATCH images was good to excellent (ICC ≥ 0.77) except for the total volume of calcifications and fibrous tissue that showed moderate agreement (ICC ≥ 0.61). The sensitivity and specificity of detecting plaque components on MATCH were ≥89% and ≥91% for IPH, ≥81% and 85% for LRNC, and ≥71% and ≥32% for calcifications, respectively. Overall, good-to-excellent agreement (ICC ≥ 0.76) of quantifying plaque components on MATCH with multi-sequence MRI as the reference standard was observed except for calcifications (ICC = 0.37-0.38) and fibrous tissue (ICC = 0.59-0.70). Discussion and conclusion MATCH images can be used to quantify plaque components such as LRNC and IPH but not for calcifications. Although MATCH images showed a lower mean image quality score, short scan time and inherent co-registration are significant advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Kassem
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Kelly P. H. Nies
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ellen Boswijk
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jochem van der Pol
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Mueez Aizaz
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Marion J. J. Gijbels
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Experimental Vascular Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Debiao Li
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jan Bucerius
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Georg-August University Göttingen, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Werner H. Mess
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Joachim E. Wildberger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Robert J. van Oostenbrugge
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Rik P. M. Moonen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Zhaoyang Fan
- Department of Radiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - M. Eline Kooi
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Basiak M, Hachula M, Kosowski M, Machnik G, Maliglowka M, Dziubinska-Basiak M, Krysiak R, Okopien B. The Effect of PCSK9 Inhibition on the Stabilization of Atherosclerotic Plaque Determined by Biochemical and Diagnostic Imaging Methods. Molecules 2023; 28:5928. [PMID: 37570897 PMCID: PMC10421011 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial, progressive, chronic inflammatory disease. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are the most accurate predictors of atherosclerotic plaque instability (MRI). Cytokines such as osteopontin, osteoprotegerin, and metalloproteinase 9 could be used as the most recent markers to identify and track the efficacy of anti-atherosclerotic therapy. Patients with USG and MRI-verified unstable atherosclerotic plaque were included in the study. Biomarker concentrations were measured and compared before and after PCSK9 inhibitor therapy. Additionally, concentrations prior to treatment were correlated with MRI images of the carotid artery. After treatment with alirocumab, the concentrations of MMP-9 (p < 0.01) and OPN, OPG (p < 0.05) decreased significantly. Furthermore, the results of OPN, OPG, and MMP 9 varied significantly depending on the type of atherosclerotic plaque in the MRI assay. In stable atherosclerotic plaques, the concentrations of OPN and OPG were greater (p < 0.01), whereas the concentration of MMP9 correlated with the instability of the plaque (p < 0.05). We demonstrated, probably for the first time, that alirocumab therapy significantly decreased the serum concentration of atherosclerotic plaque markers. In addition, we demonstrated the relationship between the type of atherosclerotic plaque as determined by carotid MRI and the concentration of these markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Basiak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Marcin Hachula
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Michal Kosowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Machnik
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Mateusz Maliglowka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Robert Krysiak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Boguslaw Okopien
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
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9
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Mohd AB, Alabdallat Y, Mohd OB, Ghannam RA, Sawaqed S, Hasan H, Ellebedy M, Turkmani K, Al-Ezzi S. Medical and Surgical Management of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Comprehensive Literature Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e43263. [PMID: 37692579 PMCID: PMC10491926 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Carotid artery stenosis is a condition where the carotid artery is blocked by fatty cholesterol deposits called plaque, increasing the risk of stroke. Elderly individuals with high cardiovascular risk are more susceptible, along with smokers, those with high cholesterol, males, and older individuals. Young females may also be affected by fibromuscular dysplasia. Carotid stenosis significantly raises stroke risk, and the severity is closely linked to stroke incidence and other cardiovascular events. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent complications. Treatment options include medical and surgical interventions, such as carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS). The choice between surgery and medical management varies depending on patient characteristics and risk factors. This review explores carotid artery stenosis pathophysiology, risk factors, the importance of early detection and treatment, and the surgical approaches of CEA and CAS, addressing their roles and controversies. Healthcare professionals must understand these aspects to provide optimal care to patients with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed B Mohd
- Faculty of Medicine, Hashemite University, Zarqa, JOR
| | | | - Omar B Mohd
- Faculty of Medicine, Hashemite University, Zarqa, JOR
| | | | - Seri Sawaqed
- Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Hashemite University, Zarqa, JOR
| | - Hanan Hasan
- Medical Laboratory, The Lab Medical Laboratories, Amman, JOR
| | | | | | - Shakir Al-Ezzi
- Internal Medicine, Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) Medical City Arlington, Dallas, USA
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10
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Peret A, Romero-Sanchez G, Dabiri M, McNally JS, Johnson KM, Mossa-Basha M, Eisenmenger LB. MR Angiography of Extracranial Carotid Disease. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2023; 31:395-411. [PMID: 37414468 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance angiography sequences, such as time-of-flight and contrast-enhanced angiography, provide clear depiction of vessel lumen, traditionally used to evaluate carotid pathologic conditions such as stenosis, dissection, and occlusion; however, atherosclerotic plaques with a similar degree of stenosis may vary tremendously from a histopathological standpoint. MR vessel wall imaging is a promising noninvasive method to evaluate the content of the vessel wall at high spatial resolution. This is particularly interesting in the case of atherosclerosis as vessel wall imaging can identify higher risk, vulnerable plaques as well as has potential applications in the evaluation of other carotid pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Peret
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Griselda Romero-Sanchez
- Department of Radiology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Avenida Vasco de Quiroga No.15, Colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Delegación Tlalpan C.P.14080, Ciudad de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mona Dabiri
- Radiology Department, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, No 63, Gharib Avenue, Keshavarz Blv, Tehran 1419733151, Iran
| | - Joseph Scott McNally
- Department of Radiology, University of Utah, 50 N Medical Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Kevin M Johnson
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mahmud Mossa-Basha
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Laura B Eisenmenger
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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11
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Lu M, Zhang H, Liu D, Hao F, Zhang L, Peng P, Yuan F, Liu S, Sheng F, Liu Y, Zhao X, He Y, Han C, Cai J. Vessel wall enhancement as a predictor of arterial stenosis progression and poor outcomes in moyamoya disease. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:2489-2499. [PMID: 36334103 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-09223-2] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the association between vessel wall enhancement and progression of arterial stenosis and clinical outcomes in patients with moyamoya (MMD) using high-resolution magnetic resonance (HRMR) vessel wall imaging. METHODS Consecutive participants diagnosed with MMD were prospectively recruited and underwent HRMR at baseline and during follow-up, which had an interval period of ≥ 6 months and were clinically followed up for ≤ 24 months to record the occurrence of ischemic stroke. The relationship between vessel wall enhancement and arterial stenosis progression and stroke occurrence was evaluated. RESULTS HRMR vessel wall imaging was used to identify 309 stenotic lesions at the internal carotid artery (ICA) in 170 participants (mean age: 37.7 ± 11.3 years old, male: 44.1%). The baseline presence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.97-6.44, p < 0.001) and progression (aOR = 2.96, 95% CI = 1.29-6.80, p = 0.010) of vessel wall enhancement and middle cerebral artery (MCA) involvement (aOR = 4.98, 95% CI = 1.50-16.52, p = 0.009) were significantly associated with rapid progression of arterial stenosis. Furthermore, vessel wall enhancement (adjusted HR = 3.59, 95% CI = 1.33-9.70, p = 0.011) and rapid progression of arterial stenosis (adjusted HR = 4.52, 95% CI = 1.48-13.81, p = 0.008) were correlated with future stroke occurrence. CONCLUSION The baseline presence of vessel wall enhancement was associated with rapid progression of arterial stenosis and increased risk for stroke in MMD patients. Our findings suggest that vessel wall enhancement may serve as a predictor of disease progression and poor outcomes in MMD. KEY POINTS • The baseline presence of vessel wall enhancement was significantly associated with the rapid progression of arterial stenosis. • The baseline presence of vessel wall enhancement and rapid progression of arterial stenosis were both correlated with increased risk for future occurrence of stroke. • Our findings suggest that vessel wall enhancement may serve as a predictor of rapid progression of arterial stenosis and poor outcomes in MMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Lu
- Institute of Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, the Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.,Department of Radiology, Pingjin Hospital, Characteristic Medical Center of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongtao Zhang
- Department of Radiology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Dongqing Liu
- Department of Radiology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Fangbin Hao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Lichen Zhang
- Department of Radiology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Peng Peng
- Department of Radiology, Pingjin Hospital, Characteristic Medical Center of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Radiology, Pingjin Hospital, Characteristic Medical Center of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
| | - Shitong Liu
- Department of Radiology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Fugeng Sheng
- Department of Radiology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Radiology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yao He
- Institute of Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, the Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Cong Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Jianming Cai
- Department of Radiology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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12
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Shirakawa M, Yamada K, Watase H, Chu B, Enomoto Y, Kojima T, Wakabayashi K, Sun J, Hippe DS, Ferguson MS, Balu N, Yoshimura S, Hatsukami TS, Yuan C. Atherosclerotic carotid plaque characteristics vary with time from ischemic event: A multicenter, prospective magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging registry study. J Neurol Sci 2023; 446:120582. [PMID: 36796273 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120582] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies report that the rate of recurrent stroke is highest in the stages immediately following cerebral infarction and decreases over time in patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis. The purpose of this study was to identify temporal differences in early stage carotid plaque components from acute cerebrovascular ischemic events using carotid MRI. Carotid plaque images were obtained on 3 T MRI from 128 patients enrolled in MR-CAS. Among the 128 subjects, 53 were symptomatic and 75 asymptomatic. The symptomatic patients were classified into three groups based on interval from onset of symptoms to the date of the carotid MRI (Group <14 days; 15-30 days; and > 30 days). The volume of each plaque component was identified and quantified from MR images. The presence of juxtaluminal loose matrix/inflammation (LM/I) was identified as a possible indicator of inflammation on the luminal side. Plaque components were compared between groups using the Wilcoxon rank-sum or the Chi-square test. Patient characteristics and carotid plaque morphology were similar among all four groups. The median volume of LM/I in Group >30 days was significantly lower than in other groups (0 mm3 vs 12.3 mm3 and 18.1 mm3; p = 0.003). In addition, the prevalence of juxtaluminal LM/I decreased over time (ptrend = 0.002). There were no statistically significant differences in other plaque components between the symptomatic groups. The volume of LM/I was significantly smaller in Group >30 days and prevalence of juxtaluminal LM/I in the atherosclerotic carotid plaque was high in the early stages after events. This suggests that carotid plaques undergo rapid evolution after an acute cerebrovascular ischemic event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Shirakawa
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Kiyofumi Yamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Hiroko Watase
- Department of Emergency and General Internal Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Baocheng Chu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Yukiko Enomoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takao Kojima
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | - Jie Sun
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Daniel S Hippe
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Niranjan Balu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Shinichi Yoshimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Thomas S Hatsukami
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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13
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Components of carotid atherosclerotic plaque in spectral photon-counting CT with histopathologic comparison. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:1612-1619. [PMID: 36205768 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-09155-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) in quantifying fibrous cap (FC) thickness, FC area, and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) area, in excised carotid atherosclerotic plaques by comparing it with histopathological measurements. METHODS This is a single-center ex vivo cross-sectional observational study. Excised plaques of 20 patients (71 +/- 6 years; 13 men), obtained from carotid endarterectomy were scanned with SPCCT using standardized acquisition settings (120k Vp/19 μA; 7-18 keV, 18-30 keV, 30-45 keV, 45-75 keV, and 75-118 keV). FC thickness, FC area, and LRNC area were quantified and compared between high-resolution 3D multi-energy CT images and histopathology using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test and Bland-Altman analysis. Images were interpreted twice by two radiologists separately, blinded to the histopathology; inter- and intra-rater reliability were assessed with the intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS FC thickness and FC area did not show significant differences between the SPCCT-derived radiological measurements versus the histopathological measurements (p value range 0.15-0.51 for FC thickness and 0.053-0.30 for FC area). For the LRNC area, the p value was statistically non-significant for reader 1 (range 0.36-0.81). The Bland-Altman analysis showed mean difference and 95% confidence interval for FC thickness, FC area, and LRNC area, 0.04 (-0.36 to 0.12) square root mm, -0.18 (-0.34 to -0.02) log10 mm2 and 0.10 (-0.088. to 0.009) log10 mm2 respectively. CONCLUSION The result demonstrated a viable technique for quantifying FC thickness, FC area, and LRNC area due to the combined effect of high spatial and energy resolution of SPCCT. KEY POINTS • SPCCT can identify and quantify different components of carotid atherosclerotic plaque in ex vivo study. • Components of atherosclerotic plaque did not show significant differences between the SPCCT-derived radiological measurements versus the histopathological measurements.
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14
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Senders ML, Calcagno C, Tawakol A, Nahrendorf M, Mulder WJM, Fayad ZA. PET/MR imaging of inflammation in atherosclerosis. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:202-220. [PMID: 36522465 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00970-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction, stroke, mental disorders, neurodegenerative processes, autoimmune diseases, cancer and the human immunodeficiency virus impact the haematopoietic system, which through immunity and inflammation may aggravate pre-existing atherosclerosis. The interplay between the haematopoietic system and its modulation of atherosclerosis has been studied by imaging the cardiovascular system and the activation of haematopoietic organs via scanners integrating positron emission tomography and resonance imaging (PET/MRI). In this Perspective, we review the applicability of integrated whole-body PET/MRI for the study of immune-mediated phenomena associated with haematopoietic activity and cardiovascular disease, and discuss the translational opportunities and challenges of the technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max L Senders
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Claudia Calcagno
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ahmed Tawakol
- Cardiology Division and Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthias Nahrendorf
- Center for Systems Biology and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Willem J M Mulder
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Institute of Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS) and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biochemical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Zahi A Fayad
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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15
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Ma Q, Wu S, Yang L, Wei Y, He C, Wang W, Zhao Y, Wang Z, Yang S, Shi D, Liu Y, Zhou Z, Sun J, Zhou Y. Hyaluronic Acid-Guided Cerasome Nano-Agents for Simultaneous Imaging and Treatment of Advanced Atherosclerosis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2202416. [PMID: 36529695 PMCID: PMC9929131 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Early noninvasive screening and regression therapy for vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques remain challenging. In this study, it is aimed to develop a new approach for the active targeting of atherosclerotic plaques with nano-agents to aid imaging and treatment. Biocompatible hyaluronic acid (HA)-guided cerasomes are generated to selectively target CD44-positive cells within the plaque in in vitro studies and in vivo testing in Apoe-/- mice. Rosuvastatin (RST) is encapsulated in the HA-guided cerasome nano-formulation to produce HA-CC-RST, which results in significant plaque regression as compared to treatment with the free drug. Moreover, gadodiamide-loaded HA-CC enhances magnetic resonance images of vulnerable plaques, thereby attaining the goal of improved simultaneous treatment and imaging. Transcriptomic analysis confirms plaque regression with HA-CC-RST treatment, which potentially benefits from the anti-inflammatory effect of RST. In summary, a safe and efficient nano-formulation for the targeted delivery of active agents to atherosclerotic plaques is developed and may be applicable to other diagnostic and therapeutic agents for atherosclerosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Ma
- Department of CardiologyBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical University100029BeijingP. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Coronary Atherosclerotic DiseaseClinical Center for Coronary Heart DiseaseCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100029P. R. China
- Beijing Inno Medicine Co. Ltd.Beijing100195P. R. China
| | - Sijing Wu
- Department of CardiologyBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical University100029BeijingP. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Coronary Atherosclerotic DiseaseClinical Center for Coronary Heart DiseaseCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100029P. R. China
| | - Ling Yang
- Beijing Inno Medicine Co. Ltd.Beijing100195P. R. China
| | - Yaohua Wei
- Beijing Inno Medicine Co. Ltd.Beijing100195P. R. China
| | - Chaoyong He
- Beijing Inno Medicine Co. Ltd.Beijing100195P. R. China
| | - Wenshan Wang
- Beijing Inno Medicine Co. Ltd.Beijing100195P. R. China
| | - Yingxin Zhao
- Department of CardiologyBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical University100029BeijingP. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Coronary Atherosclerotic DiseaseClinical Center for Coronary Heart DiseaseCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100029P. R. China
- Beijing Anzhen HospitalBeijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel DiseaseBeijing100029P. R. China
| | - Zhijian Wang
- Department of CardiologyBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical University100029BeijingP. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Coronary Atherosclerotic DiseaseClinical Center for Coronary Heart DiseaseCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100029P. R. China
- Beijing Anzhen HospitalBeijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel DiseaseBeijing100029P. R. China
| | - Shiwei Yang
- Department of CardiologyBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical University100029BeijingP. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Coronary Atherosclerotic DiseaseClinical Center for Coronary Heart DiseaseCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100029P. R. China
- Beijing Anzhen HospitalBeijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel DiseaseBeijing100029P. R. China
| | - Dongmei Shi
- Department of CardiologyBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical University100029BeijingP. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Coronary Atherosclerotic DiseaseClinical Center for Coronary Heart DiseaseCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100029P. R. China
- Beijing Anzhen HospitalBeijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel DiseaseBeijing100029P. R. China
| | - Yuyang Liu
- Department of CardiologyBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical University100029BeijingP. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Coronary Atherosclerotic DiseaseClinical Center for Coronary Heart DiseaseCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100029P. R. China
- Beijing Anzhen HospitalBeijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel DiseaseBeijing100029P. R. China
| | - Zhiming Zhou
- Department of CardiologyBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical University100029BeijingP. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Coronary Atherosclerotic DiseaseClinical Center for Coronary Heart DiseaseCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100029P. R. China
- Beijing Anzhen HospitalBeijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel DiseaseBeijing100029P. R. China
| | - Jiefang Sun
- Beijing Inno Medicine Co. Ltd.Beijing100195P. R. China
| | - Yujie Zhou
- Department of CardiologyBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical University100029BeijingP. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Coronary Atherosclerotic DiseaseClinical Center for Coronary Heart DiseaseCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100029P. R. China
- Beijing Anzhen HospitalBeijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel DiseaseBeijing100029P. R. China
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16
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Saba L, Loewe C, Weikert T, Williams MC, Galea N, Budde RPJ, Vliegenthart R, Velthuis BK, Francone M, Bremerich J, Natale L, Nikolaou K, Dacher JN, Peebles C, Caobelli F, Redheuil A, Dewey M, Kreitner KF, Salgado R. State-of-the-art CT and MR imaging and assessment of atherosclerotic carotid artery disease: standardization of scanning protocols and measurements-a consensus document by the European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR). Eur Radiol 2023; 33:1063-1087. [PMID: 36194267 PMCID: PMC9889495 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-09024-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR) is the European specialist society of cardiac and vascular imaging. This society's highest priority is the continuous improvement, development, and standardization of education, training, and best medical practice, based on experience and evidence. The present intra-society consensus is based on the existing scientific evidence and on the individual experience of the members of the ESCR writing group on carotid diseases, the members of the ESCR guidelines committee, and the members of the executive committee of the ESCR. The recommendations published herein reflect the evidence-based society opinion of ESCR. We have produced a twin-papers consensus, indicated through the documents as respectively "Part I" and "Part II." The first document (Part I) begins with a discussion of features, role, indications, and evidence for CT and MR imaging-based diagnosis of carotid artery disease for risk stratification and prediction of stroke (Section I). It then provides an extensive overview and insight into imaging-derived biomarkers and their potential use in risk stratification (Section II). Finally, detailed recommendations about optimized imaging technique and imaging strategies are summarized (Section III). The second part of this consensus paper (Part II) is focused on structured reporting of carotid imaging studies with CT/MR. KEY POINTS: • CT and MR imaging-based evaluation of carotid artery disease provides essential information for risk stratification and prediction of stroke. • Imaging-derived biomarkers and their potential use in risk stratification are evolving; their correct interpretation and use in clinical practice must be well-understood. • A correct imaging strategy and scan protocol will produce the best possible results for disease evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Christian Loewe
- Division of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Weikert
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michelle C Williams
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH164SB, UK
- Edinburgh Imaging Facility QMRI, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nicola Galea
- Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ricardo P J Budde
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rozemarijn Vliegenthart
- Department of Radiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Birgitta K Velthuis
- Department of Radiology, Utrecht University Medical Center, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Francone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Jens Bremerich
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Natale
- Department of Radiological Sciences - Institute of Radiology, Catholic University of Rome, "A. Gemelli" University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Konstantin Nikolaou
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jean-Nicolas Dacher
- Department of Radiology, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1096 - Rouen University Hospital, F 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Charles Peebles
- Department of Cardiothoracic Radiology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Federico Caobelli
- University Clinic of Nuclear Medicine Inselspital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Alban Redheuil
- Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic, Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Institute of Cardiology, APHP, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM 1146, CNRS 7371, Paris, France
| | - Marc Dewey
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karl-Friedrich Kreitner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center, Mainz; Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Rodrigo Salgado
- Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital & Antwerp University, Holy Heart Lier, Belgium.
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Li Q, Cai M, Wang H, Chen L. Diagnostic Performance of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2023; 42:739-749. [PMID: 36321389 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) in patients with carotid vulnerable plaques. METHODS A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science using the search terms carotid artery, atherosclerotic plaque, CEUS, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, HR-MRI, and high-resolution magnetic resonance. Studies published since the establishment of the library until December 2021 were retrieved. The statistical analyses were performed with Meta-DiSc version 1.4. Beyond that, the potential sources of heterogeneity for CEUS and HR-MRI were explored. RESULTS Nine articles were included in this study. For CEUS, the pooled sensitivity and specificity for detecting carotid vulnerable plaques 91% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84%, 95%) and 67% (95% CI: 54%, 79%), respectively. For HR-MRI, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 78% (95% CI: 72%, 83%) and 65% (95% CI, 56%, 73%), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve for CEUS and HR-MRI were 0.9218 and 0.8129, respectively. However, the difference in diagnostic accuracy between CEUS and HR-MRI diagnostic accuracy was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The study shows that the sensitivity of CEUS was higher than that of HR-MRI, and the specificity was similar to HR-MRI. CEUS and HR-MRI provide a similar diagnostic yield in detecting a vulnerable plaque. Thus, CEUS may be a useful tool for the diagnosis of carotid vulnerable plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuping Li
- Department of Ultrasonography, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Miaomiao Cai
- Department of Ultrasonography, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Ultrasonography, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Libo Chen
- Department of Ultrasonography, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Catalano O, Bendotti G, Aloi TL, Bardile AF, Memmi M, Gambelli P, Zanaboni D, Gualco A, Cattaneo E, Mazza A, Frascaroli M, Eshja E, Bellazzi R, Poggi P, Forni G, La Rovere MT. Evidence of Carotid Atherosclerosis Vulnerability Regression in Real Life From Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Results of the MAGNETIC Prospective Study. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e026469. [PMID: 36628977 PMCID: PMC9939062 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.026469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Atherosclerosis vulnerability regression has been evidenced mostly in randomized clinical trials with intensive lipid-lowering therapy. We aimed to demonstrate vulnerability regression in real life, with a comprehensive quantitative method, in patients with asymptomatic mild to moderate carotid atherosclerosis on a secondary prevention program. Methods and Results We conducted a single-center prospective observational study (MAGNETIC [Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Gold Standard for Noninvasive Evaluation of Atherosclerotic Involvement of Carotid Arteries]): 260 patients enrolled at a cardiac rehabilitation center were followed for 3 years with serial magnetic resonance imaging. Per section cutoffs (95th/5th percentiles) were derived from a sample of 20 consecutive magnetic resonance imaging scans: (1) lipid-rich necrotic core: 26% of vessel wall area; (2) intraplaque hemorrhage: 12% of vessel wall area; and (3) fibrous cap: (a) minimum thickness: 0.06 mm, (b) mean thickness: 0.4 mm, (c) projection length: 11 mm. Patients with baseline magnetic resonance imaging of adequate quality (n=247) were classified as high (n=63, 26%), intermediate (n=65, 26%), or low risk (n=119, 48%), if vulnerability criteria were fulfilled in ≥2 contiguous sections, in 1 or multiple noncontiguous sections, or in any section, respectively. Among high-risk patients, a conversion to any lower-risk status was found in 11 (17%; P=0.614) at 6 months, in 16 (25%; P=0.197) at 1 year, and in 19 (30%; P=0.009) at 3 years. Among patients showing any degree of carotid plaque vulnerability, 21 (16%; P=0.014) were diagnosed at low risk at 3 years. Conclusions This study demonstrates with a quantitative approach that vulnerability regression is common in real life. A secondary prevention program can promote vulnerability regression in asymptomatic patients in the mid to long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oronzo Catalano
- Division of CardiologyIstituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCSPaviaItaly
| | - Giulia Bendotti
- Division of CardiologyIstituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCSPaviaItaly
| | - Teresa L. Aloi
- Angiology UnitIstituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCSPaviaItaly
| | | | - Mirella Memmi
- Molecular CardiologyIstituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCSPaviaItaly
| | - Patrick Gambelli
- Molecular CardiologyIstituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCSPaviaItaly
| | - Daniela Zanaboni
- Division of RadiologyIstituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCSPaviaItaly
| | - Alessandra Gualco
- Division of CardiologyIstituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCSPaviaItaly
| | - Emanuela Cattaneo
- Division of CardiologyIstituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCSPaviaItaly
| | - Antonio Mazza
- Division of CardiologyIstituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCSPaviaItaly
| | - Mauro Frascaroli
- Division of RadiologyIstituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCSPaviaItaly
| | - Esmeralda Eshja
- Division of RadiologyIstituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCSPaviaItaly
| | - Riccardo Bellazzi
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Paolo Poggi
- Division of RadiologyIstituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCSPaviaItaly
| | - Giovanni Forni
- Division of CardiologyIstituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCSPaviaItaly
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Zhang Y, Cui B, Yang H, Ma J, Yang Y, Yang B, Ma Y, Jiao L, Li X, Lu J. Morphological feature and mapping inflammation in classified carotid plaques in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients: A hybrid 18F-FDG PET/MR study. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1144248. [PMID: 37025371 PMCID: PMC10070967 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1144248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate morphological and inflamed-metabolism features of carotid atherosclerotic plaques between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with hybrid 18F-FDG PET/MR imaging. Methods A total of 20 symptomatic and 20 asymptomatic patients with carotid plaques underwent hybrid 18F-FDG PET/MR scans. American heart association (AHA) lesion types were classified, and plaque compositions were further determined on consecutive MRI axial sections in both carotid arteries. 18F-FDG uptake in carotid arteries was quantified using region of interest (ROI) methods based on maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) and target-to-background ratio (TBR) on corresponding positron emission tomography (PET) images. Results A total of seventy-one carotid plaques were quantified. AHA type VI was the most common (23, 32.4%), and the region of carotid bifurcation was the most common place presenting lesions (32, 45.1%). Compared with the asymptomatic group, the prevalence of high-risk features including plaque burden, lumen stenosis, maximum necrotic core area, and maximum intra-plaque hemorrhage area increased in the symptomatic group. Carotid TBR values of plaque in symptomatic group (TBR = 2.56 ± 0.34) was significantly higher than that in asymptomatic group (TBR = 1.57 ± 0.14) (P < 0.05). hs-CRP is an independent risk factor for the stability of carotid plaque. The correlation between normalized wall index (NWI) and TBR values was significantly positive in both the symptomatic and the asymptomatic groups (P < 0.01), and both NWI and TBR were significantly correlated with the level of hs-CRP (P < 0.01). Conclusion Integrated 18F-FDG PET/MR scans presented distinct risk features between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Hybrid 18F-FDG PET/MR systems combined with clinical serum hs-CRP may help distinguish vulnerable carotid plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Bixiao Cui
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Hongwei Yang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liqun Jiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Lu,
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Alex A, Ayyappan A, Valakada J, Narasimhaiah D, Pitchai S, Sylaja PN. Role of diffusion-weighted imaging in carotid plaque vulnerability assessment. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43055-022-00776-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
MR plaque imaging is a valuable tool in characterizing carotid atherosclerotic plaque and identifying high-risk features. There are limited data on the role of the widely available single-shot diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in plaque characterization along with histological correlation. This study aimed to correlate the plaque characteristics identified by MR imaging in vivo at the level of maximum stenosis with histological plaque characteristics in the postoperative specimen.
Methods
Patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy in a tertiary care center during one and half years were prospectively recruited for non-contrast MR carotid plaque imaging (including single-shot EPI-DWI sequence) in a 3 Tesla MRI using a dedicated carotid coil. An experienced radiologist correlated DWI sequence findings with histopathology of postsurgical sections to confirm the high-risk features.
Results
Twenty-three patients (mean age 66.1 years ± SD 6.25) were evaluated, of which 65% were males and 96% were symptomatic. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in location of plaques could differentiate histopathological unstable from stable plaques (0.83 × 10–3 mm2/s vs 1.7 × 10–3 mm2/s; p 0.001), with a sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 79%, respectively, at an ADC cutoff of 1.24 × 10–3 mm2/s. Plaques with and without lipid-rich necrotic core (0.86 × 10–3 mm2/s vs 1.44 × 10–3 mm2/s; p = 0.042) as well as intraplaque hemorrhage could be differentiated (0.751 × 10–3 mm2/s vs 1.352 × 10–3 mm2/s; p 0.037) using the apparent diffusion coefficients.
Conclusion
The widely available single-shot EPI-DWI in assessing plaque characteristics in carotid stenosis is promising and correlated with histopathological features. Diffusion-weighted imaging will be a helpful adjunct in patients when contrast administration is intolerable.
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Zhao XQ, Sun J, Hippe DS, Isquith DA, Canton G, Yamada K, Balu N, Crouse JR, Anderson TJ, Huston J, O’Brien KD, Hatsukami TS, Yuan C. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Intraplaque Hemorrhage and Plaque Lipid Content With Continued Lipid-Lowering Therapy: Results of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Substudy in AIM-HIGH. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2022; 15:e014229. [PMID: 36378778 PMCID: PMC9773914 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.122.014229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is associated with plaque progression and ischemic events, and plaque lipid content (% lipid core) predicts the residual atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. This study examined the impact of IPH on lipid content change in the setting of intensive lipid-lowering therapy. METHODS In total, 214 AIM-HIGH (Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome with Low High-Density Lipoprotein/High Triglycerides: Impact on Global Health Outcomes) participants with clinically established ASCVD and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol received cartoid MRI at baseline and 2 years to assess changes in carotid morphology and composition. Patients were randomized to extended-release niacin or placebo, and all received simvastatin with optional ezetimibe as necessary to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to 40 to 80 mg/dL. Changes in lipid content and carotid morphology were tested using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Differences between subjects with and without IPH and between subjects assigned extended-release niacin or placebo were tested using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Linear regression was used to test the association of IPH and lipid content changes after adjusting for clinical risk factors. RESULTS Among 156 patients (61±9 years; 81% men) with complete MRI, prior statin use: <1 year, 26%; 1 to 5 years, 37%; >5 years, 37%. Triglycerides and ApoB decreased significantly, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and ApoA1 increased significantly over time. Plaque lipid content was significantly reduced (-0.5±2.4 %/year, P = 0.017) without a significant difference between the 2 treatment groups. However, the lipid content increased in plaques with IPH but regressed in plaques without IPH (1.2±2.5 %/year versus -1.0±2.2, P = 0.006). Additionally, IPH was associated with a decrease in lumen area (-0.4±0.9 mm2/year versus 0.3±1.4, P = 0.033). IPH remained significantly associated with increase in lipid content in multivariable analysis (54.4%, 95% CI: 26.8, 88.0, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Carotid plaques under continued intensive lipid-lowering therapy moved toward stabilization. However, plaques with IPH showed greater increases in lipid content and greater decreases in lumen area than plaques without IPH. REGISTRATION URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov; Unique identifier: NCT01178320.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Qiao Zhao
- Department of Medicine (Division of Cardiology), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Daniel S. Hippe
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Daniel A. Isquith
- Department of Medicine (Division of Cardiology), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Gador Canton
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kiyofumi Yamada
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Niranjan Balu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - John R. Crouse
- Department of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Todd J. Anderson
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - John Huston
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Kevin D. O’Brien
- Department of Medicine (Division of Cardiology), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Thomas S. Hatsukami
- Department of Surgery (Division of Vascular Surgery), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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22
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Wurster TH, Landmesser U, Abdelwahed YS, Skurk C, Morguet A, Leistner DM, Fröhlich G, Haghikia A, Engel LC, Schuster A, Noutsias M, Schulze D, Hamm B, Furth C, Brenner W, Botnar RM, Bigalke B, Makowski MR. Simultaneous [18F]fluoride and gadobutrol enhanced coronary positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging for in vivo plaque characterization. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2022; 23:1391-1398. [PMID: 35015852 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeab276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS 18F-sodium fluoride ([18F]fluoride) and gadobutrol are promising probes for positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characterizing coronary artery disease (CAD) activity. Unlike [18F]fluoride-PET/computed tomography (CT), the potential of PET/MR using [18F]fluoride and gadobutrol simultaneously, has so far not been evaluated. This study assessed feasibility and diagnostic potential of [18F]fluoride and gadobutrol enhanced dual-probe PET/MR in patients with CAD. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-one patients (age, 66.7 ± 6.7 years) with CAD scheduled for invasive coronary angiography (XCA) underwent simultaneous [18F]fluoride (mean activity/effective dose: 157.2 ± 29.7 MBq/3.77 ± 0.72 mSv) and gadobutrol enhanced PET/MR on an integrated PET/MRI (3 T) scanner. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used as reference. Target-to-background ratio (TBR, [18F]fluoride-PET) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) values (MRI, gadobutrol) were calculated for each coronary segment. Previously suggested PET/CT-TBR thresholds for adverse coronary events were evaluated. High-risk plaques, i.e. calcified and non-calcified thin-cap fibroatheromas (TCFAs) were predominantly located in segments with a TBR >1.28 (P = 0.012). Plaques containing a lipid core on OCT, were more frequently detected in segments with a TBR >1.25 (P < 0.001). TBR values significantly correlated with maximum calcification thickness (P = 0.009), while fibrous cap thickness was significantly less in segments with a TBR >1.28 (P = 0.044). Above a TBR threshold of >1.28, CNR values significantly correlated with the presence of calcified TCFAs (P = 0.032). CONCLUSION Simultaneous [18F]fluoride and gadobutrol dual-probe PET/MRI is feasible in clinical practice and may facilitate the identification of high-risk patients. The combination of coronary MR-derived CNR values post gadobutrol and [18F]fluoride based TBR values may improve identification of high-risk plaque features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Wurster
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Berlin and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin-Franklin (CBF), Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin D-12203, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Ulf Landmesser
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Berlin and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin-Franklin (CBF), Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin D-12203, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin 10117, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site Berlin, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - Youssef S Abdelwahed
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Berlin and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin-Franklin (CBF), Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin D-12203, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin 10117, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site Berlin, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - Carsten Skurk
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Berlin and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin-Franklin (CBF), Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin D-12203, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site Berlin, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - Andreas Morguet
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Berlin and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin-Franklin (CBF), Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin D-12203, Germany
| | - David M Leistner
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Berlin and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin-Franklin (CBF), Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin D-12203, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin 10117, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site Berlin, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - Georg Fröhlich
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Berlin and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin-Franklin (CBF), Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin D-12203, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site Berlin, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - Arash Haghikia
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Berlin and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin-Franklin (CBF), Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin D-12203, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin 10117, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site Berlin, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - Leif Christopher Engel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Berlin and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin-Franklin (CBF), Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin D-12203, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin 10117, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, Deutsches Herzzentrum München/German Heart Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Schuster
- Department of Cardiology and Pulmonology, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Cardiology and Pulmonology, German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK Partner Site), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michel Noutsias
- Division of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Medical Care, Department of Internal Medicine III (KIM-III), Mid-German Heart Center, University Hospital Halle, Martin-Luther-University Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Daniel Schulze
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of biometrics and clinical epidemiology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin
| | - Bernd Hamm
- Department of Radiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Furth
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin 10117, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Winfried Brenner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rene M Botnar
- King's College London, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, London, UK
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Escuela de Ingeniería, Santiago, Chile
| | - Boris Bigalke
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Berlin and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin-Franklin (CBF), Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin D-12203, Germany
| | - Marcus R Makowski
- Department of Radiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
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23
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Xu C, Qin J, Yu J, Sun Y, Hu D, Wu G, Li Y. Association of plaque enhancement on vessel wall MRI and the phosphodiesterase 4D variant with stroke recurrence in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis. Neuroradiology 2022; 64:1781-1794. [PMID: 35420310 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-022-02948-3] [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: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vessel wall MRI (VW-MRI) can be used to evaluate the nature of intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) plaque in vivo. Phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) participates in stroke development. This study aims to explore the value of VW-MRI findings and the PDE4D gene variant in predicting stroke recurrence in patients with ICAS. METHODS We prospectively recruited 324 symptomatic ICAS patients. VW-MRI was performed to determine luminal and wall changes. PDE4D gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)-namely, SNP32, SNP83, and SNP87-were determined by direct sequencing. The risk factors of stroke recurrence were analyzed using the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS Of the 324 subjects, 97 (29.9%) experienced recurrent ischemic stroke during the follow-up period. A total of 254 patients (78.4%) showed plaque enhancement; 87 of these patients experienced stroke recurrence. The CT/CC genotype frequencies of PDE4D83 were significantly higher in participants with recurrent stroke than in patients without stroke recurrence (p = 0.019 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, the PDE4D32 and PDE4D87 variants were not correlated with recurrent stroke. Multivariate analysis showed that plaque enhancement from VW-MRI (HR 4.52, 95% CI 2.35-8.73, p < 0.001) and the PDE4D83 variant (HR 7.43, 95% CI 1.75-31.87, p = 0.005) were independently correlated with stroke recurrence. Kaplan-Meier curves showed significant differences in stroke recurrence rates between the plaque-enhanced group and the non-enhanced group (p < 0.001) and between the PDE4D83 variant carriers and noncarriers (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Plaque enhancement on VW-MRI and the presence of the PDE4D83 variant are associated with ischemic stroke recurrence in subjects with symptomatic ICAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanhui Xu
- Department of Radiology, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, 1158 Gongyuan East Road, Qingpu District, Shanghai, 201700, China
| | - Jun Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jinhui Yu
- Department of Radiology, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, 1158 Gongyuan East Road, Qingpu District, Shanghai, 201700, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Radiology, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, 1158 Gongyuan East Road, Qingpu District, Shanghai, 201700, China
| | - Dongmin Hu
- Department of Radiology, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, 1158 Gongyuan East Road, Qingpu District, Shanghai, 201700, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Department of Radiology, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, 1158 Gongyuan East Road, Qingpu District, Shanghai, 201700, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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Ballout AA, Liebeskind DS. Recurrent stroke risk in intracranial atherosclerotic disease. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1001609. [PMID: 36119685 PMCID: PMC9475064 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1001609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent stroke risk secondary to intracranial atherosclerotic disease remains high despite aggressive medical treatment. This risk is further amplified in subgroups possessing biomarkers of hemodynamic insufficiency and potential for embolization, which have been shown to be independently and synergistically predictive of recurrent stroke. Luminal stenosis was predominantly used as entry criteria in major treatment trials, discounting the potential role of hemodynamics from primary analyses, limiting the strength of evidence and conclusions of these biomarkers to post-hoc analyses and other natural history studies. Future treatment trials should consider stratifying patients using a combination of these high-risk biomarkers. In the absence of trials, risk stratifying patients based on the presence of these markers may lend to more individualized clinical decisions. We aimed to summarize the studies that have investigated the relationship between biomarkers and their role in predicting recurrent stroke risk in intracranial atherosclerotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad A. Ballout
- Department of Neurology, Northwell Health, and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York, NY, United States
| | - David S. Liebeskind
- Department of Neurology, University of California in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: David S. Liebeskind
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Sakai Y, Lehman VT, Eisenmenger LB, Obusez EC, Kharal GA, Xiao J, Wang GJ, Fan Z, Cucchiara BL, Song JW. Vessel wall MR imaging of aortic arch, cervical carotid and intracranial arteries in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source: A narrative review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:968390. [PMID: 35968273 PMCID: PMC9366886 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.968390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advancements in multi-modal imaging techniques, a substantial portion of ischemic stroke patients today remain without a diagnosed etiology after conventional workup. Based on existing diagnostic criteria, these ischemic stroke patients are subcategorized into having cryptogenic stroke (CS) or embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). There is growing evidence that in these patients, non-cardiogenic embolic sources, in particular non-stenosing atherosclerotic plaque, may have significant contributory roles in their ischemic strokes. Recent advancements in vessel wall MRI (VW-MRI) have enabled imaging of vessel walls beyond the degree of luminal stenosis, and allows further characterization of atherosclerotic plaque components. Using this imaging technique, we are able to identify potential imaging biomarkers of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques such as intraplaque hemorrhage, lipid rich necrotic core, and thin or ruptured fibrous caps. This review focuses on the existing evidence on the advantages of utilizing VW-MRI in ischemic stroke patients to identify culprit plaques in key anatomical areas, namely the cervical carotid arteries, intracranial arteries, and the aortic arch. For each anatomical area, the literature on potential imaging biomarkers of vulnerable plaques on VW-MRI as well as the VW-MRI literature in ESUS and CS patients are reviewed. Future directions on further elucidating ESUS and CS by the use of VW-MRI as well as exciting emerging techniques are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sakai
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Vance T. Lehman
- Department of Radiology, The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Laura B. Eisenmenger
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - G. Abbas Kharal
- Department of Neurology, Cerebrovascular Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jiayu Xiao
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Grace J. Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Zhaoyang Fan
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Brett L. Cucchiara
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jae W. Song
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jae W. Song
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26
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Wu CH, Chung CP, Chen TY, Yu KW, Lin TM, Tai WA, Luo CB, Chang FC. Influence of angioplasty and stenting on intracranial artery stenosis: preliminary results of high-resolution vessel wall imaging evaluation. Eur Radiol 2022; 32:6788-6799. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-09010-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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The MRI enhancement ratio and plaque steepness may be more accurate for predicting recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular events in patients with intracranial atherosclerosis. Eur Radiol 2022; 32:7004-7013. [PMID: 35771249 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-08893-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the complementary value of high-resolution multi-contrast MRI (hrMRI) in identifying symptomatic patients with intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) who are likely to experience recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular events. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, eighty patients with acute ischemic events attributed to ICAS who underwent hrMRI examination between January 2015 and January 2019 were included. Median follow-up for all patients was 30 months (range: 1 to 52 months) and recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular events were recorded. Cox regression analysis and time-dependent ROC were performed to quantify the association between the plaque characteristics and recurrent events. RESULTS During the follow-up, 14 patients experienced recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular events. Young males and those with diabetes and poor medication persistence were more likely to experience recurrent events. ICAS in patients with recurrence had significantly higher enhancement ratio and steepness which is defined as the ratio between the plaque height and length than those without (p < 0.001 and p = 0.015, respectively). After adjustment of clinical factors, enhancement ratio (HR, 13.13 [95% CI, 3.58-48.20], p < 0.001) and plaque steepness (HR, 110.27 [95% CI, 4.75-2560.91], p = 0.003) were independent imaging biomarkers associated with recurrent events. Time-dependent ROC indicated that integrated high enhancement ratio and steepness into clinical risk factors improved discrimination power with the ROC increased from 0.79 to 0.94 (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS The enhancement ratio and plaque steepness improved the accuracy over traditional clinical risk factors in predicting recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular events for patients with ICAS. KEY POINTS • High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging helps clinicians to evaluate high-risk Intracranial plaque. • The higher enhancement ratio and plaque steepness (= height/length) were the primary biomarkers associated with future ischemic cerebrovascular events. • High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging combined with clinical characteristics showed a higher accuracy for the prediction of recurrent events in patients with intracranial atherosclerosis.
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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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Hu F, Lu F, Xiao H, Dong M, Xu Y. Relationship Between Hypertension and Basilar Atherosclerosis in Chinese Han Population: A High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:830664. [PMID: 35571152 PMCID: PMC9094699 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.830664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the relationship between hypertension and basilar atherosclerosis evaluated by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) in the Chinese Han population. Methods High resolution-MRI vessel wall imaging was performed in selected 193 patients for various indications. Multivariable logistic regression models based on odds ratio (OR) with their associated 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the relationship between hypertension and basilar artery (BA) plaque, moderate or severe stenosis of BA plaque, and vulnerable plaque. A linear regression model was used to assess the relationship between hypertension and BA plaque numbers. Results Patients with hypertension had a higher proportion of BA plaque and vulnerable plaque as well as more number of enhancements of BA plaque and serious plaque compared with normotensive patients (all values of p < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that patients with hypertension had an increased risk for and more number of enhancements of BA plaque (adjusted-OR: 4.32, 95% CI 1.89–9.88, p < 0.001; adjusted-β: 0.55, 95% CI 0.14–0.96, p = 0.009, respectively) and had a higher proportion of moderate or severe stenosis of BA plaque and vulnerable plaque (adjusted-OR: 3.08, 95% CI 0.77–12.32, p = 0.111; adjusted-OR: 4.52, 95% CI 1.50–13.64, p = 0.007, respectively) compared with the normotensive group. Moreover, there was a saturation effect of age on the prevalence of BA plaque and vulnerable plaque. Conclusion Hypertension was the independent risk factor of BA plaque and vulnerable plaque assessed by HR-MRI in the Chinese Han population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Hu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Feng Lu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huiling Xiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Meixue Dong
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Xu,
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The Circulating Biomarker Fractalkine and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor BB are Correlated with Carotid Plaque Vulnerability Assessed by Computed Tomography Angiography. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2022; 31:106422. [PMID: 35255286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2022.106422] [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: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although studies have demonstrated that inflammatory and lipid/ lipoproteins-related biomarkers, genetic mutations, and epigenetic mechanisms could be candidates for diagnosis and prognosis of ischemic stroke, there is still no consensus on how to identify vulnerable plaques based on circulating biomarkers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Histological and immunohistochemical staining were performed in the aorta sections of ApoE-/- and WT mice. Eighty-nine patients who underwent CTA were included in this study. The degree of carotid stenosis and the wall features of plaque components were quantitatively analyzed. And the serum concentration of FKN and PDGF-BB were measured. RESULTS (1) The type V vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques deposited on the aortas of ApoE-/- mice after feeding with western diet for 16 weeks. And the expression of CX3CR1 and PDGFR-β increased in the areas of atherosclerotic plaques, especially inside the fibrous cap of plaque. (2) Patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis showed larger LNRC, smaller calcified plaques and more plaque ulceration detected by CTA than asymptomatic stenosis patients. Plaque ulceration and size of LNRC were high risk factors for stroke while plaque calcification was less frequently associated with cerebrovascular ischemia. (3) The serum concentration of FKN was lower and of PDGF-BB was higher in the patients with carotid artery stenosis. Correlation analysis suggested that FKN and PDGF-BB correlated positively with carotid plaque calcification and LNRC respectively. CONCLUSIONS For prediction it is recommended to combine circulating biomarkers (FKN and PDGF-BB) and imaging biomarkersfor comprehensive diagnosis and risk stratification in carotid atherosclerotic stroke.
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Izquierdo-Garcia D, Diyabalanage H, Ramsay IA, Rotile NJ, Mauskapf A, Choi JK, Witzel T, Humblet V, Jaffer FA, Brownell AL, Tawakol A, Catana C, Conrad MF, Caravan P, Ay I. Imaging High-Risk Atherothrombosis Using a Novel Fibrin-Binding Positron Emission Tomography Probe. Stroke 2022; 53:595-604. [PMID: 34965737 PMCID: PMC8792326 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.035638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE High-risk atherosclerosis is an underlying cause of cardiovascular events, yet identifying the specific patient population at immediate risk is still challenging. Here, we used a rabbit model of atherosclerotic plaque rupture and human carotid endarterectomy specimens to describe the potential of molecular fibrin imaging as a tool to identify thrombotic plaques. METHODS Atherosclerotic plaques in rabbits were induced using a high-cholesterol diet and aortic balloon injury (N=13). Pharmacological triggering was used in a group of rabbits (n=9) to induce plaque disruption. Animals were grouped into thrombotic and nonthrombotic plaque groups based on gross pathology (gold standard). All animals were injected with a novel fibrin-specific probe 68Ga-CM246 followed by positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging 90 minutes later. 68Ga-CM246 was quantified on the PET images using tissue-to-background (back muscle) ratios and standardized uptake value. RESULTS Both tissue-to-background (back muscle) ratios and standardized uptake value were significantly higher in the thrombotic versus nonthrombotic group (P<0.05). Ex vivo PET and autoradiography of the abdominal aorta correlated positively with in vivo PET measurements. Plaque disruption identified by 68Ga-CM246 PET agreed with gross pathology assessment (85%). In ex vivo surgical specimens obtained from patients undergoing elective carotid endarterectomy (N=12), 68Ga-CM246 showed significantly higher binding to carotid plaques compared to a D-cysteine nonbinding control probe. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that molecular fibrin PET imaging using 68Ga-CM246 could be a useful tool to diagnose experimental and clinical atherothrombosis. Based on our initial results using human carotid plaque specimens, in vivo molecular imaging studies are warranted to test 68Ga-CM246 PET as a tool to stratify risk in atherosclerotic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Izquierdo-Garcia
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA,Harvard-MIT Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Ian A. Ramsay
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA,Collagen Medical, LLC, Belmont, MA,The Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
| | - Nicholas J. Rotile
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA,The Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
| | - Adam Mauskapf
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ji-Kyung Choi
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - Thomas Witzel
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | | | - Farouc A. Jaffer
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Anna-Liisa Brownell
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - Ahmed Tawakol
- Nuclear Cardiology, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ciprian Catana
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA,The Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
| | - Mark F. Conrad
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Peter Caravan
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA,The Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
| | - Ilknur Ay
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
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32
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Guo Y, Canton G, Chen L, Sun J, Geleri DB, Balu N, Xu D, Mossa-Basha M, Hatsukami TS, Yuan C. Multi-Planar, Multi-Contrast and Multi-Time Point Analysis Tool (MOCHA) for Intracranial Vessel Wall Characterization. J Magn Reson Imaging 2022; 56:944-955. [PMID: 35099091 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Three-dimensional (3D) intracranial vessel wall (IVW) magnetic resonance imaging can reliably image intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). However, an integrated, streamlined, and optimized workflow for IVW analysis to provide qualitative and quantitative measurements is lacking. PURPOSE To propose and evaluate an image analysis pipeline (MOCHA) that can register multicontrast and multitime point 3D IVW for multiplanar review and quantitative plaque characterization. STUDY TYPE Retrospective. POPULATION A total of 11 subjects with ICAD (68 ± 10 years old, 6 males). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE A 3.0 T, 3D time-of-flight gradient echo sequence and T1- and proton density-weighted fast spin echo sequences. ASSESSMENT Each participant underwent two IVW sessions within 2 weeks. Scan and rescan IVW images were preprocessed using MOCHA. The presence of atherosclerotic lesions was identified in different intracranial arterial segments by two readers (GC and JS, 12 years of vascular MR imaging experience each) following an established review protocol to reach consensus on each of the reviews. For all locations with identified plaques, plaque length, lumen and vessel wall areas, maximum and mean wall thickness values, normalized wall index and contrast enhancement ratio were measured. STATISTICAL TESTS Percent agreement and Cohen's κ were used to test scan-rescan reproducibility of detecting plaques using MOCHA. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis were used to evaluate scan-rescan reproducibility for plaque morphologic and enhancement measurements. RESULTS In 150 paired intracranial vessel segments, the overall agreement in plaque detection was 92.7% (κ = 0.822). The ICCs (all ICCs > 0.90) and Bland-Altman plots (no bias observed) indicated excellent scan-rescan reproducibility for all morphologic and enhancement measurements. DATA CONCLUSION Findings from this study demonstrate that MOCHA provides high scan-rescan reproducibility for identification and quantification of atherosclerosis along multiple intracranial arterial segments and highlight its potential use in characterizing plaque composition and monitoring plaque development. EVIDENCE LEVEL 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Guo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
| | - Gador Canton
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
| | - Duygu Baylam Geleri
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
| | - Niranjan Balu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
| | - Dongxiang Xu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
| | - Mahmud Mossa-Basha
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
| | - Thomas S Hatsukami
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA.,Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
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Gimnich OA, Zil-E-Ali A, Brunner G. Imaging Approaches to the Diagnosis of Vascular Diseases. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2022; 24:85-96. [PMID: 35080717 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-022-00988-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Vascular imaging is a complex field including numerous modalities and imaging markers. This review is focused on important and recent findings in atherosclerotic carotid artery plaque imaging with an emphasis on developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). RECENT FINDINGS Recent evidence shows that carotid plaque characteristics and not only established measures of carotid plaque burden and stenosis are associated independently with cardiovascular outcomes. On carotid MRI, the presence of a lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) has been associated with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events independent of wall thickness, a traditional measure of plaque burden. On carotid MRI, intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) presence has been identified as an independent predictor of stroke. The presence of a fissured carotid fibrous cap has been associated with contrast enhancement on CT angiography imaging. Carotid artery plaque characteristics have been associated with incident CVD events, and advanced plaque imaging techniques may gain additional prominence in the clinical treatment decision process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Gimnich
- Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Ahsan Zil-E-Ali
- Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Gerd Brunner
- Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
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Wang J, Zhang S, Lu J, Qi P, Hu S, Yang X, Chen K, Wang D. High-Resolution MR for Follow-Up of Intracranial Steno-Occlusive Disease Treated by Endovascular Treatment. Front Neurol 2022; 12:706645. [PMID: 35002907 PMCID: PMC8740140 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.706645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: An endovascular recanalization is an alternative option for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic steno-occlusive disease (ICAD). Accurate non-invasive alternatives to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for follow-up imaging after endovascular treatment are desirable. We aimed to evaluate the image quality and diagnostic performance of high-resolution magnetic imaging in follow-up using DSA as a reference. Materials and Methods: From January 2017 to June 2021, data from 35 patients with 40 intracranial steno-occlusive lesions who underwent endovascular recanalization and received high-resolution magnetic resonance (HR-MR) follow-up were retrospectively collected in our prospective database. Studies were evaluated for the quality of visualization of the vessel lumen, restenosis rate, and accuracy of high-resolution magnetic resonance (HR-MR) with DSA used as the reference standard. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analyses were performed to assess the agreement between the two different readers. Results: In total, 40 intracranial steno-occlusive lesions in 35 patients, with 34 lesions undergoing balloon angioplasty [including 16 drug-coated balloons (DCBs)] and 8 lesions undergoing stenting were enrolled. The median age was 63.6 years (IQR 58.5-70.0 years), and the mean imaging follow-up time was 9.5 months (IQR 4.8-12.5 months). The median degrees of preprocedural and residual stenosis were 85.0% (IQR 75.0-99.0%) and 32.8% (IQR 15.0-50.0%), respectively. Intracranial periprocedural complications occurred in 1 (3.6%) patient. In the case of a stainless-steel stent (n = 1), there was a signal drop at the level of the vessel, which did not allow evaluation of the vessel lumen. However, this was visible in the case of nitinol stents (n = 7) and angioplasty (n = 34). The overall restenosis rate was 25.8% (n = 9). The DCB subgroup showed a lower rate of restenosis than the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) subgroup [5.3% (2/13) vs. 35.7% (5/14)]. Conclusion: High-resolution magnetic resonance may be a reliable non-invasive method for demonstrating the vessel lumen and diagnostic follow-up after endovascular recanalization for ICAD. Compared with MR angiography (MRA), HR-MR showed a higher inter-reader agreement and could provide more information after endovascular recanalization, such as enhancement of the vessel wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shen Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ximeng Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kunpeng Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Daming Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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35
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Ghasemi M, Johnston RD, Lally C. Development of a Collagen Fibre Remodelling Rupture Risk Metric for Potentially Vulnerable Carotid Artery Atherosclerotic Plaques. Front Physiol 2021; 12:718470. [PMID: 34776999 PMCID: PMC8586512 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.718470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic plaque rupture in carotid arteries can lead to stroke which is one of the leading causes of death or disability worldwide. The accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque in an artery changes the mechanical properties of the vessel. Whilst healthy arteries can continuously adapt to mechanical loads by remodelling their internal structure, particularly the load-bearing collagen fibres, diseased vessels may have limited remodelling capabilities. In this study, a local stress modulated remodelling algorithm is proposed to explore the mechanical response of arterial tissue to the remodelling of collagen fibres. This stress driven remodelling algorithm is used to predict the optimum distribution of fibres in healthy and diseased human carotid bifurcations obtained using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In the models, healthy geometries were segmented into two layers: media and adventitia and diseased into four components: adventitia, media, plaque atheroma and lipid pool (when present in the MRI images). A novel meshing technique for hexahedral meshing of these geometries is also demonstrated. Using the remodelling algorithm, the optimum fibre patterns in various patient specific plaques are identified and the role that deviations from these fibre configurations in plaque vulnerability is shown. This study provides critical insights into the collagen fibre patterns required in carotid artery and plaque tissue to maintain plaque stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ghasemi
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Robert D Johnston
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caitríona Lally
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Zhou P, Wang Y, Sun J, Yu Y, Mossa-Basha M, Zhu C. Assessment of Therapeutic Response to Statin Therapy in Patients With Intracranial or Extracranial Carotid Atherosclerosis by Vessel Wall MRI: A Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:742935. [PMID: 34778404 PMCID: PMC8578267 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.742935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Statin therapy is an essential component of cardiovascular preventive care. In recent years, various vessel wall MRI (VW-MRI) techniques have been used to monitor atherosclerosis progression or regression in patients with extracranial or intracranial large-artery atherosclerosis. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of statin therapy on plaque evolution as assessed by VW-MRI. Materials and Methods: Prospective studies investigating carotid and intracranial atherosclerotic plaques in patients on statin therapy monitored by serial VW-MRI were systematically identified in the literature. The plaque burden and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) volume of carotid plaque and the imaging features of intracranial plaques were extracted and summarized. For studies investigating carotid artery wall volume and LRNC volume, combined estimates were derived by meta-analysis. Results: The study identified 21 studies of carotid plaque and two studies of intracranial plaque. While 16 studies investigating carotid plaques that included 780 patients by High-resolution VW-MRI were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant change in carotid wall volume from baseline to 12 months. A significant change in LRNC volume was observed at > 12 months compared with baseline (Effect = −10.69, 95% CI = −19.11, −2.28, P < 0.01), while no significant change in LRNC volume at 3–6 months or 7–12 months after statin therapy initiation in 6 studies. Increases in fibrous tissue and calcium and reduction in neovascularization density of the plaque were seen in 2/3 studies (including 48/59 patients), 1/3 studies (including 17/54 patients), and 2/2 studies (including 71 patients) after statin therapy, respectively. Two studies with 257 patients in intracranial atherosclerosis showed that statins could effectively decrease wall volume and plaque enhancement volume. Conclusions: Collective data indicated that statins could potentially stabilize carotid plaques by significantly reducing LRNC with 1 year of therapy as shown on serial carotid VW-MRI. There was no significant decrease in wall volume, which nonetheless indicated that plaque composition changes might be more sensitive to response monitoring than wall volume. It is likely that more sensitive, clinically relevant, and preferably quantitative indicators of therapeutic effects on intracranial vessel plaque morphology will be developed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of Radiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Yannan Yu
- Internal Medicine Department, University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Mahmud Mossa-Basha
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Chengcheng Zhu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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CT angiographic biomarkers help identify vulnerable carotid artery plaque. J Vasc Surg 2021; 75:1311-1322.e3. [PMID: 34793923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.10.056] [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: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current risk assessment for patients with carotid atherosclerosis relies primarily on measuring the degree of stenosis. More reliable risk-stratification could improve patient selection for targeted treatment. We developed and validated a model to predict major adverse neurological events (MANE; stroke, transient ischemic attack, and amaurosis fugax) incorporating a combination of plaque morphology, patient demographics, and patient clinical information. METHODS We enrolled 221 patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis of any severity who had CT angiography at baseline and at least 6 months later. Images were analyzed for carotid plaque morphology (plaque geometry and tissue composition). Data were partitioned (training and validation cohorts). 190 patients had complete records and were advanced to analysis. The training cohort was used to develop the best model for predicting MANE, incorporating patient and plaque features. First, single-variable correlation and unsupervised clustering were performed. Next, several multi-variable models were implemented for the response variable of MANE. The best model was selected by optimizing area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC, ROC) and Kappa. The model was validated on the sequestered data to demonstrate generalizability. RESULTS Sixty-two patients suffered a MANE on follow-up. Unsupervised clustering of patient and plaque features identified single-variable predictors of MANE. Multi-variable predictive modeling showed that a combination of plaque features at baseline (matrix, intra-plaque hemorrhage (IPH), wall thickness, plaque burden) with clinical features (age, BMI, lipid levels) best predicted MANE (AUC 0.79), while percent diameter stenosis performed worst (AUC 0.55). The strongest single variable in discriminating between patients with and without events was IPH, and the most predictive model was produced when IPH was considered together with wall remodeling. The selected model also performed well on the validation dataset (AUC of 0.64) and maintained superiority over percent diameter stenosis (AUC of 0.49). CONCLUSIONS A composite of plaque geometry, plaque tissue composition, patient demographics, and clinical information predicts MANE better than the traditionally utilized degree of stenosis alone in carotid atherosclerosis. Implementing this predictive model in the clinical setting can help identify patients at high-risk for major adverse neurological events.
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Review of imaging biomarkers for the vulnerable carotid plaque. JVS Vasc Sci 2021; 2:149-158. [PMID: 34617065 PMCID: PMC8489200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvssci.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of carotid artery atherosclerosis is conventionally based on measurements of luminal stenosis. However, histopathologic studies demonstrate considerable differences between plaques with identical degrees of stenosis and indicate that certain plaque features are associated with increased risk for ischemic events. As a result of the rapid technological evolution in medical imaging, several important steps have been taken in the field of carotid plaque imaging allowing us to visualize the carotid atherosclerotic plaque and its composition in great detail. For computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and ultrasound scan, evidence has accumulated on novel imaging-based markers that confer information on carotid plaque vulnerability, such as intraplaque hemorrhage and lipid-rich necrotic cores. In terms of the imaging-based identification of individuals at high risk of stroke, routine assessments of such imaging markers are the way forward for improving current clinical practice. The current review highlights the main characteristics of the vulnerable plaque indicating their role in the etiology of ischemic stroke as identified by intensive plaque imaging.
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Zhang L, Xue S, Ren F, Huang S, Zhou R, Wang Y, Zhou C, Li Z. An atherosclerotic plaque-targeted single-chain antibody for MR/NIR-II imaging of atherosclerosis and anti-atherosclerosis therapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:296. [PMID: 34583680 PMCID: PMC8479957 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01047-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oxidation-specific epitopes (OSEs) are rich in atherosclerotic plaques. Innate and adaptive immune responses to OSEs play an important role in atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to develop novel human single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody specific to OSEs to image and inhibit atherosclerosis. Results Here, we screened a novel scFv antibody, named as ASA6, from phage-displayed human scFv library. ASA6 can bind to oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) and atherosclerotic plaques. Meanwhile, ASA6 can also inhibit the uptake of Ox-LDL into macrophage to reduce macrophage apoptosis. The atherosclerotic lesion area of ApoE−/− mice administrated with ASA6 antibody was significantly reduced. Transcriptome analysis reveals the anti-atherosclerosis effect of ASA6 is related to the regulation of fatty acid metabolism and inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization. Moreover, we conjugated ASA6 antibody to NaNdF4@NaGdF4 nanoparticles for noninvasive imaging of atherosclerotic plaques by magnetic resonance (MR) and near-infrared window II (NIR-II) imaging. Conclusions Together, these data demonstrate the potential of ASA6 antibody in targeted therapy and noninvasive imaging for atherosclerosis. Graphic abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-01047-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Sheng Xue
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China.
| | - Feng Ren
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Siyang Huang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Ruizhi Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Changyong Zhou
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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Utility of Dual-Layer Spectral-Detector CTA to Characterize Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Components: An Imaging-Histopathology Comparison in Patients Undergoing Endarterectomy. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2021; 218:517-525. [PMID: 34549604 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.21.26540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: The composition of non-calcified portions of carotid atherosclerotic plaque represents an important marker of plaque vulnerability and ischemia risk. Objective: To assess the utility of dual-layer spectral-detector CTA (DLCTA) parameters for carotid plaque component characterization, using histologic results from carotid endarterectomy (CEA) as reference. Methods: Seven patients (5 male, 2 female; 61.6±8.5 years old) with carotid plaque awaiting CEA were prospectively enrolled and underwent preoperative supra-aortic DLCTA. A neuroradiologist and pathologist performed joint slice-by-slice review of histologic slices of resected plaques and CTA images. ROIs were placed on non-calcified components [lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), fibrous tissue, loose matrix (LM)] on CTA images in comparison with corresponding histologic slices using anatomic landmarks. For each ROI, attenuation was recorded for polyenergetic images (CTPI) and virtual monoenergetic images with keV ranging from 40-140 (CT40-140keV); attenuation spectrum curve slope was calculated; and Z-effective value (representing effective atomic number) was recorded. DLCTA parameters were compared among plaque components. Results: Seven plaques with a total of 65 slices and 364 ROIs (159 fibrous tissue, 96 LRNC, 86 loose matrix, 23 IPH) were analyzed. All parameters (CTPI, CT40-140keV, slope from 40 to 140 keV, Z-effective value) showed significant differences between LRNC and the other components (all p<.001). For example, mean CTPI was 37.1±15.1 HU for LRNC, 58.4±21.6 HU for IPH, 69.7±20.5 HU for fibrous tissue, and 69.6±19.6 HU for loose matrix; mean CT40keV was 28.1±36.7 HU for LRNC, 87.5±48.9 HU for IPH, 106.3±47.5 HU for fibrous tissue, and 102.6±48.0 HU for loose matrix. AUC for differentiating LRNC from other components was highest (0.945) for CT40kev and decreased with higher keV; AUC for CTPI was 0.908. CT40kev also had highest accuracy (90.4%); at cutoff of 55.7 HU, CT40kev had 88.5% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity. For differentiating IPH from fibrous tissue and loose matrix, AUC was highest at 0.652 for CTPI and 0.645 for CT40kev. Conclusion: DLCTA showed strong performance in differentiating LRNC from other non-calcified plaque components; CT40kev had highest accuracy, outperforming conventional polyenergetic images. Clinical Impact: DLCTA parameters may help characterize carotid plaque composition as a marker of vulnerable plaque and ischemia risk.
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Hou Z, Li M, Lyu J, Xu Z, Liu Y, He J, Jing J, Wang R, Wang Y, Lou X, Miao Z, Ma N. Intraplaque Enhancement Is Associated With Artery-to-Artery Embolism in Symptomatic Vertebrobasilar Atherosclerotic Diseases. Front Neurol 2021; 12:680827. [PMID: 34539546 PMCID: PMC8440987 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.680827] [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: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: There are limited data regarding the characteristics of intracranial plaques according to stroke mechanism in the posterior circulation. This study aims to compare whether the plaque characteristics and baseline features are different in patients with artery-to-artery (A-to-A) embolism and those with parent artery disease in the intracranial vertebrobasilar atherosclerotic disease. Methods: From September 2014 to January 2017, patients with recent posterior circulation stroke due to intracranial vertebrobasilar atherosclerotic disease were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with the following eligibility criteria were included: (1) age ≥18 years old, (2) ischemic stroke in the vertebrobasilar territory, (3) 70–99% stenosis of the intracranial vertebral artery or basilar artery, and (4) two or more atherosclerotic risk factors. Patients with concomitant ipsilateral or bilateral extracranial vertebral artery >50% stenosis, cardio-embolism, or non-atherosclerotic stenosis were excluded. The plaque characteristics, including intraplaque compositions (intraplaque hemorrhage and intraplaque calcification), intraplaque enhancement, and remodeling index, were evaluated by using 3T high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI). The baseline features including vascular risk factors and the involved artery were collected. Patients were divided into A-to-A embolism and parent artery disease groups based on the diffusion-weighted images, T2-weighted images, or computed tomography. The plaque characteristics and baseline features were compared between the two groups. Results: Among consecutive 298 patients, 51 patients were included. Twenty-nine patients had A-to-A embolism and 22 patients had parent artery disease. Compared with parent artery disease, the occurrence rates of intraplaque enhancement and intracranial vertebral involvement were higher in the A-to-A embolism group (79.3 vs. 36.4%; p = 0.002 and 62.1 vs. 18.2%; p = 0.002, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that intraplaque enhancement and intracranial vertebral artery plaques were also associated with A-to-A embolism (adjusted OR, 7.31; 95% CI 1.58–33.77; p = 0.011 and adjusted OR, 9.42; 95% CI 1.91–46.50; p = 0.006, respectively). Conclusion: Intraplaque enhancement and intracranial vertebral artery plaques seem to be more closely associated with A-to-A embolism than parent artery disease in patients with symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar disease. Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT02705599.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikai Hou
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyao Li
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhao Lyu
- Department of Radiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ziqi Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Liu
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jianfeng He
- Department of Radiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Jing
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Tiantan Neuroimaging Center of Excellence, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongjun Wang
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Lou
- Department of Radiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongrong Miao
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Ma
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
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Chen T, Liu L, Ma X, Zhang Y, Liu H, Zheng R, Ren J, Zhou H, Ren Y, Gao R, Chen N, Zheng H, Song L, Liu C. Dedicated photoacoustic imaging instrument for human periphery blood vessels: A new paradigm for understanding the vascular health. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2021; 69:1093-1100. [PMID: 34543187 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2021.3113764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A novel photoacoustic imaging system based on a semi-ring transducer array is proposed to imageperipheralbloodvessels. The system's penetration depth is deep (~15 mm) with high spatial (~200 m) and temporal resolution. In a clinical study, volumetric photoacoustic data of limbs were obtained within the 50s (for a FOV of 15 cm4 cm) with the volunteers in the standing and sitting posture. Compared to the previous studies, our system has many advantages, including (1) Larger field of view; (2) Finer elevational and in-plane resolutions; (3) Enhanced 3D visualization of peripheralvascular networks; (4) Compact size and better portability. The 3D visualization and cross-sectional images of five healthy volunteers clearly show the vascular network and the system's ability to image submillimeter blood vessels. This high-resolution PA system has great potential for imaging human periphery vasculatures noninvasively in clinical research.
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Donners SJA, Toorop RJ, de Kleijn DPV, de Borst GJ. A narrative review of plaque and brain imaging biomarkers for stroke risk stratification in patients with atherosclerotic carotid artery disease. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1260. [PMID: 34532397 PMCID: PMC8421959 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-1166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective In this narrative review, we aim to review imaging biomarkers that carry the potential to non-invasively guide stroke risk stratification for treatment optimization. Background Carotid atherosclerosis plays a fundamental part in the occurrence of ischemic stroke. International guidelines select the optimal treatment strategy still mainly based on the presence of clinical symptoms and the degree of stenosis for stroke prevention in patients with atherosclerotic carotid plaques. These guidelines, based on randomized controlled trials that were conducted three decades ago, recommend carotid revascularization in symptomatic patients with high degree of stenosis versus a conservative approach for most asymptomatic patients. Due to optimization of best medical therapy and risk factor control, it is suggested that a subgroup of symptomatic patients is at lower risk of stroke and may not benefit from revascularization, whereas a selective subgroup of high-risk asymptomatic patients would benefit from this procedure. Methods A literature search was performed for articles published up to December 2020 using PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus. Based on the literature found, change in stenosis degree and volume, plaque echolucency, plaque surface, intraplaque haemorrhage, lipid-rich necrotic core, thin fibrous cap, inflammation, neovascularization, microembolic signals, cerebrovascular reserve, intracranial collaterals, silent brain infarcts, diffusion weighted imaging lesions and white matters lesions have the potential to predict stroke risk. Conclusions The applicability of imaging biomarkers needs to be further improved before the potential synergistic prognostic ability of imaging biomarkers can be verified on top of the clinical biomarkers. In the future, the routine and combined assessment of both plaque and brain imaging biomarkers might help to improve optimization of treatment strategies in individual patients with atherosclerotic carotid artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone J A Donners
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgical Specialties, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Raechel J Toorop
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgical Specialties, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dominique P V de Kleijn
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgical Specialties, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gert J de Borst
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgical Specialties, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Zhang G, Zhang S, Qin Y, Fang J, Tang X, Li L, Zhou Y, Wu D, Yan S, Liu WV, Zhu W. Differences in Wall Shear Stress Between High-Risk and Low-Risk Plaques in Patients With Moderate Carotid Artery Stenosis: A 4D Flow MRI Study. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:678358. [PMID: 34456667 PMCID: PMC8385133 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.678358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the difference in wall shear stress (WSS) (axial, circumferential, and 3D) between high-risk and low-risk plaques in patients with moderate carotid artery stenosis and to identify which time points and directions play the dominant roles in determining the risk associated with plaques. Forty carotid arteries in 30 patients were examined in this study. All patients underwent high-resolution vessel wall (HRVW) imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and 4D flow MRI; HRVW imaging and DWI were used to separate low- and high-risk plaque. Twenty-four high-risk plaques and 16 low-risk plaques were enrolled. An independent-sample t-test was used to compare WSS between low- and high-risk plaques in the whole cardiac cycle and at 20 different time points in the cardiac cycle. The study found that patients with high-risk plaques had higher WSS than those with low-risk plaques throughout the entire cardiac cycle (p < 0.05), but the changes varied at the 20 different time points. The number of non-significant differences (p > 0.05) was less in diastole than in systole across different time points. The axial WSS values were higher than the circumferential WSS values; the difference in axial WSS values between high- and low-risk plaques was more significant than the difference in circumferential WSS, whereas 3D WSS values best reflected the difference between high-risk and low-risk plaques because they showed significant differences at every time point. In conclusion, increased WSS, especially during the diastolic period and in the axial direction, may be a signal of a high-risk plaque and may cause cerebrovascular events in patients with moderate carotid artery stenosis. Additionally, WSS can provide hemodynamic information and help clinicians make more appropriate decisions for patients with plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiling Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Qin
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jicheng Fang
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangyu Tang
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiran Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Su Yan
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiyin Vivian Liu
- Magnetic Resonance Research, General Electric Healthcare, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhen Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Truong M, Håkansson C, HaileMichael M, Svensson J, Lätt J, Markenroth Bloch K, Siemund R, Gonçalves I, Wassélius J. The potential role of T2*-weighted multi-echo data image combination as an imaging marker for intraplaque hemorrhage in carotid plaque imaging. BMC Med Imaging 2021; 21:121. [PMID: 34380454 PMCID: PMC8356411 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-021-00652-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Carotid atherosclerotic plaques with intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) are associated with elevated stroke risk. IPH is predominantly imaged based on paramagnetic properties of the upstream hemoglobin degradation product methemoglobin. This is an explorative observational study to test the feasibility of a spoiled gradient echo based T2* weighted MRI sequence (3D MEDIC) for carotid plaque imaging, and to compare signs suggestive of the downstream degradation product hemosiderin on 3D MEDIC with signs of methemoglobin on a T1wBB sequence.
Methods Patients with recent TIA or stroke were selected based on the presence on non-calcified plaque components on CTA to promote an enriched prevalence of IPH in the material. Patients (n = 42) underwent 3T MRI with 3D MEDIC and 2D turbo spin echo T1w black blood (T1wBB). Images were independently evaluated by two neuroradiologists and Cohens Kappa was used for inter-reader agreement for each sequence. Results The technical feasibility for 3D MEDIC, was 34/42 patients (81%). Non-calcified plaque components with susceptibility effect without simultaneous T1-shortening—a combination suggestive of hemosiderin, was seen in 13/34 of the plaques. An equally large group display elevated T1w signal in combination with signal loss on 3D MEDIC, a combination suggestive of both hemosiderin and methemoglobin. Cohen’s kappa for inter-reader agreement was 0.64 (CI 0.345–0.925) for 3D MEDIC and 0.94 (CI 0.81–1.00) for T1wBB. Conclusions 3D MEDIC shows signal loss, without elevated T1w signal on T1wBB, in non-calcified tissue in many plaques in this group of patients. If further studies, including histological verification, confirm that the 3D MEDIC susceptibility effect is indeed caused by hemosiderin, 3D MEDIC could aid in the detection of IPH, beyond elevation of T1w signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- My Truong
- Department of Medical Imaging and Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Claes Håkansson
- Department of Medical Imaging and Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Makda HaileMichael
- Department of Medical Imaging and Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas Svensson
- Department of Medical Imaging and Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University , Lund, Sweden
| | - Jimmy Lätt
- Department of Medical Imaging and Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Roger Siemund
- Department of Medical Imaging and Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö , Sweden
| | - Johan Wassélius
- Department of Medical Imaging and Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. .,Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden. .,Department of Radiology, Skåne University Hospital, 221 85, Lund, Sweden.
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Lepor NE, Sun J, Canton G, Contreras L, Hippe DS, Isquith DA, Balu N, Kedan I, Simonini AA, Yuan C, Hatsukami TS, Zhao XQ. Regression in carotid plaque lipid content and neovasculature with PCSK9 inhibition: A time course study. Atherosclerosis 2021; 327:31-38. [PMID: 34038761 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors reduce cardiovascular events, but their effects on atherosclerotic plaque remain elusive. Using serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we studied changes in carotid plaque lipid content and neovasculature under PCSK9 inhibition with alirocumab. METHODS Among patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥70 mg/dl but ineligible for high-dose statin therapy, those with lipid core on carotid MRI were identified to receive alirocumab 150 mg every 2 weeks. Follow-up MRI was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Pre- and post-contrast MRI were acquired to measure percent lipid core volume (% lipid core). Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI was acquired to measure the extravasation rate of gadolinium contrast (Ktrans), a marker of plaque neovasculature. RESULTS Of 31 patients enrolled, 27 completed the study (mean age: 69 ± 9; male: 67%). From 9.8% at baseline, % lipid core was progressively reduced to 8.4% at 3 months, 7.5% at 6 months, and 7.2% at 12 months (p = 0.014 for trend), which was accompanied by a progressive increase in % fibrous tissue (p = 0.009) but not % calcification (p = 0.35). Ktrans was not reduced until 12 months (from 0.069 ± 0.019 min-1 to 0.058 ± 0.020 min-1; p = 0.029). Lumen and wall areas did not change significantly during the study period. CONCLUSIONS Regression in plaque composition and neovasculature were observed under PCSK9 inhibition on carotid MRI, which provides unique insight into the biological process of plaque stabilization with disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman E Lepor
- Westside Medical Associates of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, USA; Smidt Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jie Sun
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | | | - Laurn Contreras
- Westside Medical Associates of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ilan Kedan
- Smidt Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Chun Yuan
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Iannuzzi A, Rubba P, Gentile M, Mallardo V, Calcaterra I, Bresciani A, Covetti G, Cuomo G, Merone P, Di Lorenzo A, Alfieri R, Aliberti E, Giallauria F, Di Minno MND, Iannuzzo G. Carotid Atherosclerosis, Ultrasound and Lipoproteins. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050521. [PMID: 34066616 PMCID: PMC8148516 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotid artery plaques are considered a measure of atherosclerosis and are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, particularly ischemic strokes. Monitoring of patients with an elevated risk of stroke is critical in developing better prevention strategies. Non-invasive imaging allows us to directly see atherosclerosis in vessels and many features that are related to plaque vulnerability. A large body of evidence has demonstrated a strong correlation between some lipid parameters and carotid atherosclerosis. In this article, we review the relationship between lipids and atherosclerosis with a focus on carotid ultrasound, the most common method to estimate atherosclerotic load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arcangelo Iannuzzi
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, A. Cardarelli Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.B.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Paolo Rubba
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (P.R.); (M.G.); (V.M.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (G.I.)
| | - Marco Gentile
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (P.R.); (M.G.); (V.M.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (G.I.)
| | - Vania Mallardo
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (P.R.); (M.G.); (V.M.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (G.I.)
| | - Ilenia Calcaterra
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (P.R.); (M.G.); (V.M.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (G.I.)
| | - Alessandro Bresciani
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, A. Cardarelli Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Covetti
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, A. Cardarelli Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Gianluigi Cuomo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (P.M.); (A.D.L.); (R.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Pasquale Merone
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (P.M.); (A.D.L.); (R.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Anna Di Lorenzo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (P.M.); (A.D.L.); (R.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Roberta Alfieri
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (P.M.); (A.D.L.); (R.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Emilio Aliberti
- North Tees University Hospital, Stockton-on Tees TS19 8PE, UK;
| | - Francesco Giallauria
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (P.M.); (A.D.L.); (R.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Matteo Nicola Dario Di Minno
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (P.R.); (M.G.); (V.M.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (G.I.)
| | - Gabriella Iannuzzo
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (P.R.); (M.G.); (V.M.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (G.I.)
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Evolving determinants of carotid atherosclerosis vulnerability in asymptomatic patients from the MAGNETIC observational study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2327. [PMID: 33504842 PMCID: PMC7840938 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81247-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
MRI can assess plaque composition and has demonstrated an association between some atherosclerotic risk factors (RF) and markers of plaque vulnerability in naive patients. We aimed at investigating this association in medically treated asymptomatic patients. This is a cross-sectional interim analysis (August 2013-September 2016) of a single center prospective study on carotid plaque vulnerability (MAGNETIC study). We recruited patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis (US stenosis > 30%, ECST criteria), receiving medical treatments at a tertiary cardiac rehabilitation. Atherosclerotic burden and plaque composition were quantified with 3.0 T MRI. The association between baseline characteristics and extent of lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), fibrous cap (CAP) and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) was studied with multiple regression analysis. We enrolled 260 patients (198 male, 76%) with median age of 71-y (interquartile range: 65-76). Patients were on antiplatelet therapy, ACE-inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and statins (196-229, 75-88%). Median LDL-cholesterol was 78 mg/dl (59-106), blood pressure 130/70 mmHg (111-140/65-80), glycosylated hemoglobin 46 mmol/mol (39-51) and BMI 25 kg/m2 (23-28); moreover, 125 out of 187 (67%) patients were ex-smokers. Multivariate analysis of a data-set of 487 (94%) carotid arteries showed that a history of hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hypertension or smoking did not correlate with LRNC, CAP or IPH. Conversely, maximum stenosis was the strongest independent predictor of LRNC, CAP and IPH (p < 0.001). MRI assessment of plaque composition in patients on treatment for asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis shows no correlation between plaque vulnerability and the most well-controlled modifiable RF. Conversely, maximum stenosis exhibits a strong correlation with vulnerable features despite treatment.
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Sun J, Lepor NE, Cantón G, Contreras L, Hippe DS, Isquith DA, Balu N, Kedan I, Simonini AA, Yuan C, Zhao XQ, Hatsukami TS. Serial magnetic resonance imaging detects a rapid reduction in plaque lipid content under PCSK9 inhibition with alirocumab. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 37:1415-1422. [DOI: 10.1007/s10554-020-02115-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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A High Resolution MRI Study of the Relationship Between Plaque Enhancement and Perforator Stroke after Stenting for Symptomatic Vertebrobasilar Artery Stenosis. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 30:105558. [PMID: 33348247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Perforator stroke is one of the most common complications of vertebrobasilar arterial stenting. We investigated whether perforator stroke after vertebrobasilar arterial stenting is associated with plaque enhancement in patients with severe vertebrobasilar artery stenosis. METHODS We studied patients with symptomatic vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis who underwent stenting from January 2017 to July 2020. Patients who underwent high resolution magnetic resonance imaging were recruited among them. Demographic data, risk factors of atherosclerosis, procedure details, and characteristics of imaging were extracted from electronic health records and imaging data. Plaque features were investigated by high resolution magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS 136 patients were enrolled in this study, 39 of whom fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 18 patients (46.2%) had obvious plaque enhancement among the 39 patients, and 21 (53.8%) had plaque non-enhancement. 21 patients (53.8%) had diffuse distribution, and 22 patients (56.4%) had irregular plaques surface. Patients were divided into plaque enhanced and plaque non-enhanced groups according to the degree of plaque enhancement. Clinical characteristics and other plaque features were similar between two groups. Procedure-related perforator stroke was identified in 4 patients (10.3%). Patients with plaque enhancement were more likely to have perforator stroke after stenting compared with those with plaque non-enhancement (22.2% versus 0%, P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS Plaque enhancement in high resolution magnetic resonance imaging may be associated with perforator stroke after vertebrobasilar artery stenting.
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