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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Carotid Atherosclerosis and the Risk of Stroke

  • Molecular Imaging (ZA Fayad, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Stroke attributable to carotid atherosclerosis is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. The clinical management of carotid atherosclerosis presently relies on the degree of stenosis determined by angiography. Degree of stenosis is limited in stratifying patients’ risk of stroke. Advances in magnetic resonance imaging have resulted in the ability to directly assess atherosclerotic plaque components, morphology, and biomechanical stress levels. Components of atherosclerosis, including lipid-rich necrotic core, fibrous cap thickness/disruption, and intraplaque hemorrhage, are promising emerging indicators of stroke. Information beyond luminal stenosis from magnetic resonance imaging may allow for improved detection of patients at risk of stroke from carotid atherosclerosis. We review the recent literature on the relationship of magnetic resonance imaging detected plaque components and cerebrovascular events. Clinical applications of magnetic resonance imaging of carotid plaque components are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

NS/ARM are supported by the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), Radiology Society of North America (RSNA) R&E Foundation, Physicians’ Services Incorporated Foundation, and the Cardiovascular Collaborative Sciences Program, University of Toronto.

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No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada

    Navneet Singh, Anna E. Zavodni & Alan R. Moody

  2. Diagnostic Radiology Clinician Investigator Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Navneet Singh

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  1. Navneet Singh
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Correspondence to Alan R. Moody.

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Singh, N., Zavodni, A.E. & Moody, A.R. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Carotid Atherosclerosis and the Risk of Stroke. Curr Cardiovasc Imaging Rep 6, 25–33 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12410-012-9178-9

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