Characteristics of symptomatic plaque on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and its relationship with the occurrence and recurrence of ischemic stroke

Background Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of ischemia stroke. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) are used to evaluate the degree of lumen stenosis. However, these examinations are invasive and can only reveal mild to moderate stenosis. High-res...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Neurological sciences 2021-09, Vol.42 (9), p.3605-3613
Main Authors: Zhao, Jie-ji, Lu, Yue, Cui, Jun-yi, Ma, Lin-qing, Zhang, Run-ping, Xu, Zhuan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Angiography
Arteriosclerosis
Atherosclerosis
Computed tomography
Hemorrhage
Ischemia
Magnetic resonance imaging
Medical imaging
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Neurology
Neuroradiology
Neurosciences
Neurosurgery
Patients
Plaques
Psychiatry
Review Article
Stenosis
Stroke
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Summary:Background Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of ischemia stroke. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) are used to evaluate the degree of lumen stenosis. However, these examinations are invasive and can only reveal mild to moderate stenosis. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) seems a more intuitive way to show the pathological changes of vascular wall. Hence, we conducted a systematic retrospective study to determine the characteristics of symptomatic plaques in patients with intracranial atherosclerosis on HRMRI and their association with the occurrence and recurrence of ischemic stroke events. Methods The PubMed database was searched for relevant studies reported from January 31, 2010, to October 31, 2020. Results We selected 14 clinical outcome studies. We found that plaque enhancement and positive remodeling on HRMRI indicate symptomatic plaques. Besides, intraplaque hemorrhage and positive remodeling index are closely related to the occurrence of stroke. However, it is still controversial whether the initial enhancement of plaque and the occurrence and recurrence of stroke are related. There is also no significant correlation between vascular stenosis and symptomatic plaque or the occurrence and recurrence of ischemic stroke. Conclusion High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging can be used as an assessment tool to predict the risk of stroke onset and recurrence in patients with atherosclerosis, but further research is also needed.
ISSN:1590-1874
1590-3478
DOI:10.1007/s10072-021-05457-y