Characterization of Carotid Atherosclerosis and Detection of Soft Plaque with Use of Black-Blood MR Imaging

• DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a1015
• Publication Date: 2008-02-22T20:59:20Z
• Authors: K. Yoshida; O. Narumi; M. Chin; K. Inoue; T. Tabuchi; K. Oda; M. Nagayama; N. Egawa; M. Hojo; Y. Goto; Y. Watanabe; S. Yamagata
• Keywords: Stroke

<b>BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:</b> In the treatment of carotid atherosclerosis, rate stenosis and characteristics plaque should be assessed to diagnose vulnerable plaques that increase risk for cerebral infarction. We performed black-blood (BB) MR imaging components assess hardness based on signals. <b>MATERIALS METHODS:</b> Three images BB-MR per were obtained from 70 consecutive patients who underwent endarterectomy (CEA) generate T1- T2-weighted images. To evaluate relative signal intensity (rSI) relationship between histologic findings symptoms, we prepared sections at 2-mm intervals 34 intact plaques. then calculated overall (roSI) symptoms. <b>RESULTS:</b> The rSI values fibrous cap (FC), fibrosis, calcification, myxomatous tissue, lipid core (LC) with intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), LC without IPH differed. Symptomatic associated FC disruption (<i>P</i> &lt; .001) .05). roSI T1-weighted was significantly higher soft than nonsoft When cutoff value set 1.25 (mean roSI), diagnosed 79.4% sensitivity 84.4% specificity. also symptomatic asymptomatic Soft as well did not differ <b>CONCLUSION:</b> can predict hardness. This procedure provides useful information planning therapeutic strategies atherosclerosis.