Optimal carotid artery coverage for carotid plaque CT-imaging in predicting ischemic stroke

• Published in: Journal of neuroradiology 2010-05, Vol.37 (2), p.98-103
• Main Authors: Arora, S, Chien, J.D, Cheng, S.-C, Chun, K.A, Wintermark, M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atherosclerosis; Brain Ischemia - diagnosis; Brain Ischemia - diagnostic imaging; Carotid arteries; Carotid Arteries - diagnostic imaging; Carotid Artery Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Cerebral Angiography - methods; Computed tomography; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - methods; Ischemic stroke; Male; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Radiology; Retrospective Studies; Risk; Stroke - diagnosis; Stroke - diagnostic imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0150-9861
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neurad.2009.04.002

Summary Objective To determine the optimal spatial coverage for CT-imaging of carotid atherosclerosis, allowing the most accurate prediction of the associated risk of ischemic stroke. Methods In a cross-sectional study, we retrospectively identified 136 consecutive patients admitted to our emergency department with suspected stroke who underwent a CT-angiogram (CTA) of the cervical and intracranial carotid arteries. CTA studies of the carotid arteries were processed using a custom, CT-based automated computer classifier algorithm that quantitatively assesses a battery of carotid CT features. We used this algorithm to individually analyze different lengths of the common and internal carotid arteries for carotid wall features previously shown to be significantly associated with the risk of stroke. Acute stroke patients were categorized into “acute carotid stroke patients” and “non-acute carotid stroke patients” independently of carotid wall CT features. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the different spatial coverages in terms of their ability to distinguish between the carotid stroke patients and the noncarotid stroke patients using a receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) approach. Results The carotid wall volume was excellent at distinguishing between carotid stroke patients and noncarotid stroke patients, especially for coverages 20 mm or less. The number and location of lipid clusters had a good discrimination power, mainly for coverages 15 mm or greater. Measurement of minimal fibrous cap thickness was most associated with carotid stroke when assessed using intermediate coverages. Typically, a 20 mm coverage on each side of the carotid bifurcation offered the optimal compromise between the individual carotid features. Conclusion We recommend assessment of 20 mm of each side of the carotid bifurcation to best characterize carotid atherosclerotic disease and the associated risk of ischemic stroke.