High resolution MRI of carotid atherosclerosis: looking beyond the arterial lumen

Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, atherosclerosis remains the second cause of death in the world. Due to technical advances, high resolution MRI (HR-MRI) allows depiction of the wall of cervical arteries, especially carotid atherosclerosis. HR-MRI allows visualization of the different com...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal de radiologie 2008-03, Vol.89 (3 Pt 1), p.293-301
Main Authors: Oppenheim, C, Touzé, E, Leclerc, X, Schmitt, E, Bonneville, F, Vandermarcq, P, Gerardin, E, Toussaint, J F, Mas, J L, Méder, J F
Format: Article
Language:fre
Subjects:
Arteries - pathology
Carotid Artery Diseases - diagnosis
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, atherosclerosis remains the second cause of death in the world. Due to technical advances, high resolution MRI (HR-MRI) allows depiction of the wall of cervical arteries, especially carotid atherosclerosis. HR-MRI allows visualization of the different components of atherosclerosis: necrotic lipid core, intraplaque hemorrhage, calcifications and fibrous cap. Global plaque volume as well as the volumes of individual plaque components can be calculated. Atherosclerotic plaque structure analysis, along with stenosis measurement, contribute to the stratification of the stroke risk. HR-MRI may also be used to assess treatment efficacy aimed at stabilizing or reducing plaque progression. Beyond the arterial lumen, direct evaluation of vessel wall should modify the management of atherosclerosis in the years to come.
ISSN:0221-0363
DOI:10.1016/S0221-0363(08)93003-1