Imaging Approaches to the Diagnosis of Vascular Diseases

AbstractPurpose of ReviewVascular imaging is a complex field including numerous modalities and imaging markers. This review is focused on important and recent findings in atherosclerotic carotid artery plaque imaging with an emphasis on developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT).Recent FindingsRecent evidence shows that carotid plaque characteristics and not only  established measures of carotid plaque burden and stenosis are associated independently with cardiovascular outcomes. On carotid MRI, the presence of a lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) has been associated with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events independent of wall thickness, a traditiona l measure of plaque burden. On carotid MRI, intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) presence has been identified as an independent predictor of stroke. The presence of a fissured carotid fibrous cap has been associated with contrast enhancement on CT angiography imaging.SummaryCarotid artery plaque characteristics have been associated with incident CVD events, and advanced plaque imaging techniques may gain additional prominence in the clinical treatment decision process.
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research