Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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There has been significant progress made in 3-dimensional (3D) carotid plaque MR imaging techniques in recent years. Three-dimensional plaque imaging clearly represents the future in clinical use. With effective flow-suppression techniques, choices of different contrast weighting acquisitions, and time-efficient imaging approaches, 3D plaque imaging offers flexible imaging plane and view angle analysis, large coverage, multivascular beds capability, and even can be used in fast screening.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2016
ReviewDetection of Vulnerable Plaque in Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke.
In up to 40% of ischemic stroke cases the etiology remains unknown. A substantial proportion of these patients has non- or only mildly stenosing carotid artery plaques not fulfilling common criteria for large artery stroke, but beeing suspicious for arterio-arteriell embolism. ⋯ Nevertheless, carotid MRI might be best suited to assess the key features of vulnerable plaques. This review article discusses potential causes of cryptogenic stroke, the role of plaque imaging in non-stenosing plaques and the association of vulnerable plaques and specific plaque features with stroke risk and stroke recurrence.
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Although treatment guidelines are well established for symptomatic patients with greater than 69% carotid stenosis on catheter angiography, optimal management of lower degrees of stenosis remain unclear. Vessel wall MR imaging of the carotid arteries has proved helpful in the evaluation of plaque burden and vulnerable plaque characteristics, and in stratifying risk in low-grade carotid stenosis. This article discusses the pathophysiology and imaging of atherosclerotic plaques resulting in low-grade carotid stenosis, and the corresponding stroke risk and association with plaque elsewhere in the cardiovascular system.
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Atherosclerosis is a complex inflammatory process and an integral component of myocardial infarction and stroke. Atherosclerotic plaques can be detected using ultrasonography, myocardial perfusion imaging, coronary angiography, multidetector computed tomography (CT), and MR imaging. ⋯ PET scanning using (18)F fluorodeoxyglucose. ((18)F FDG-PET) is commonly combined with CT scanning to characterize oncological processes. This review examines the role of (18)F FDG-PET/CT imaging in the characterization of atherosclerotic plaque biology.