Abstract 2572: Dual Imaging with MRI and 18 F-FDG PET Can Highly Predict Lipid and Hematoma in Carotid Plaque

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
hisayasu saito ◽  
Satoshi Kuroda ◽  
Kenji Hirata ◽  
Keiichi Magota ◽  
Tohru Shiga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Fdg Pet ◽  
Vulnerable Plaque ◽  
Carotid Plaque ◽  
The Other ◽  
Soft Plaque ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Background and Purpose - Recent studies have disclosed that inflamed and vulnerable plaques in the carotid artery are at high risk for subsequent ischemic stroke, suggesting the importance of non-invasive diagnostic modalities with high sensitivity and specificity to detect them in patients with carotid artery stenosis. Although many investigators have reported that MR imaging is a useful tool to predict the components of carotid plaque, its validity is not established. On the other hand, 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) may be an alternative modality to directly identify the inflamed plaque in carotid artery stenosis. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the validity of MR imaging and 18 F-FDG PET to predict the components of carotid plaques. Methods - Totally 19 patients were included in this study. Prior to carotid endarterectomy (CEA), 18 F-FDG PET, black-blood fat-suppressed T1-weighted (FS-T1) imaging, and 3-dimensional time-of-flight (TOF) imaging were performed in all of them. During CEA, macroscopic observation of carotid plaque was performed under surgical microscope. The specimens were stained with primary antibodies against CD68 and MMP9. Results - 18 F-FDG PET revealed that 11 of 19 patients had the carotid plaque with significantly high 18 F-FDG uptake (SUVmax >2.0). All of them had lipid-rich soft plaque with strong immunoreactivity against CD68 and MMP9. Its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) to identify lipid-rich soft plaque were all 100%. On the other hands, 6 out of 19 patients had the carotid plaque with high signal intensity on both FS-T1 and TOF imaging. Carotid plaque had a large intraplaque hematoma in these 6 patients. Their sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV to identify intraplaque hematoma were 86%, 100%, 100%, and 92%, respectively. Conclusions - These findings strongly suggest that MRI and 18 F-FDG PET are complementary to predict the components of carotid plaque. The former would be useful to detect vulnerable plaque with subintimal hemorrhage, and the latter would be sensitive to identify vulnerable plaque with lipid-rich component. Therefore, combination of these two modalities may be quite valuable to non-invasively predict the carotid plaque at higher risk for subsequent ischemic stroke.

scholarly journals Advantages of 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging over Modified Duke Criteria and Clinical Presumption in Patients with Challenging Suspicion of Infective Endocarditis

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 720
Author(s):  
Valentin Pretet ◽  
Cyrille Blondet ◽  
Yvon Ruch ◽  
Matias Martinez ◽  
Soraya El Ghannudi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infective Endocarditis ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Fdg Pet ◽  
Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Duke Criteria ◽  
High Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Pet Ct ◽  
18F Fdg ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Fdg Pet Ct

According to European Society of Cardiology guidelines (ESC2015) for infective endocarditis (IE) management, modified Duke criteria (mDC) are implemented with a degree of clinical suspicion degree, leading to grades such as “possible” or “rejected” IE despite a persisting high level of clinical suspicion. Herein, we evaluate the 18F-FDG PET/CT diagnostic and therapeutic impact in IE suspicion, with emphasis on possible/rejected IE with a high clinical suspicion. Excluding cases of definite IE diagnosis, 53 patients who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT for IE suspicion were selected and afterwards classified according to both mDC (possible IE/Duke 1, rejected IE/Duke 0) and clinical suspicion degree (high and low IE suspicion). The final status regarding IE diagnosis (gold standard) was based on the multidisciplinary decision of the Endocarditis Team, including the ‘imaging specialist’. PET/CT images of the cardiac area were qualitatively interpreted and the intensity of each focus of extra-physiologic 18F-FDG uptake was evaluated by a maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) measurement. Extra-cardiac 18F-FDG PET/CT pathological findings were considered to be a possible embolic event, a possible source of IE, or even a concomitant infection. Based on the Endocarditis Team consensus, final diagnosis of IE was retained in 19 (36%) patients and excluded in 34 (64%). With a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and global accuracy of 79%, 100%, 100%, 89%, and 92%, respectively, PET/CT performed significantly better than mDC (p = 0.003), clinical suspicion degree (p = 0.001), and a combination of both (p = 0.001) for IE diagnosis. In 41 patients with possible/rejected IE but high clinical suspicion, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and global accuracies were 78%, 100%, 100%, 85%, and 90%, respectively. Moreover, PET/CT contributed to patient management in 24 out of 53 (45%) cases. 18F-FDG PET/CT represents a valuable diagnostic tool that could be proposed for challenging IE cases with significant differences between mDC and clinical suspicion degree. 18F-FDG PET/CT allows a binary diagnosis (definite or rejected IE) by removing uncertain diagnostic situations, thus improving patient therapeutic management.

Abstract 3482: Increased Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression is Correlated with Carotid Intraplaque hemorrhage in a Swine Model

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhong-Song Shi ◽  
Xiao-Bing Jiang ◽  
Jin-Shan Wang ◽  
Wei-Si Yuan ◽  
Dong-Hong Liu
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinase ◽  
Vulnerable Plaque ◽  
Carotid Plaque ◽  
Carotid Atherosclerosis ◽  
Intraplaque Hemorrhage ◽  
Swine Model ◽  
Carotid Plaques ◽  
Rete Mirabile ◽  
Atherosclerotic Changes

Purpose: The limited number of large animal carotid atherosclerotic models restricts the preclinical evaluation of endovascular therapies. Carotid intraplaque hemorrhage may be associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke in patients with carotid disease. In this study, we assess the association of the lesional expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 with vulnerable atherosclerotic carotid plaque and intraplaque hemorrhage in a Swine model. Materials and Methods: Carotid atherosclerosis was induced in miniswines using the combination of partial ligation and high cholesterol diet, and a minimum 70% stenosis was confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography immediately post-ligation. Carotid artery sections were obtained for histopathological examination and immunohistochemical study for MMP-9 at three months. Distal embolism was determined by the presence of atheroemboli in the ipsilateral rete mirabile. Atherosclerotic changes were classified by AHA/Stary stage (type I to VI). The association of distal embolism in the rete mirabile with vulnerable carotid plaque was analyzed. The association of MMP-9 expression in the plaque with the vulnerable plaque and intraplaque hemorrhage was further analyzed. Results: One hundred ninety-one carotid segments from ten carotid artery models were assessed. Among 139 segments with atherosclerotic changes, 102 segments had vulnerable plaque (Stary IV to VI). Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques were found more frequently in the vessel wall proximal to the partial ligation than distal ( P <0.0001). Distal embolism was found in all 10 rete mirabilis, and deemed to be from the ipsilateral vulnerable carotid plaques. Areas positive for MMP-9 tended to be greater in the vulnerable plaque than in the stable plaque (8.69 ± 0.73% vs. 7.04 ± 0.94%, p=0.35). Areas positive for MMP-9 were significantly greater in the plaque with intraplaque hemorrhage than in the plaque without intraplaque hemorrhage (11.84 ± 1.22% vs. 6.63 ± 0.59%, p<0.001). On multivariate analysis, positive expression of MMP-9 was an independent predictor of intraplaque hemorrhage (p=0.007). Conclusion: Vulnerable carotid plaques with distal embolism were created in a Swine model of carotid atherosclerosis. Increased expression of MMP-9 may be associated with vulnerable carotid plaques, especially having the feature of intraplaque hemorrhage.

scholarly journals Reliability of digital panoramic radiography in the diagnosis of carotid artery calcifications

2014 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vilson Lacerda Brasileiro Junior ◽  
Aníbal Henrique Barbosa Luna ◽  
Marcelo Augusto Oliveira de Sales ◽  
Tânia Lemos Coelho Rodrigues ◽  
Priscilla Lopes da Fonseca Abrantes Sarmento ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Carotid Arteries ◽  
Panoramic Radiography ◽  
Digital Panoramic Radiography ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mcnemar’S Test ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Objective The present study evaluated the reliability of digital panoramic radiography in the diagnosis of carotid artery calcifications. Materials and Methods Thirty-five patients under high-risk for development of carotid artery calcifications who had digital panoramic radiography were referred to undergo ultrasonography. Thus, 70 arteries were assessed by both methods. The main parameters utilized to evaluate the panoramic radiography reliability in the diagnosis of carotid artery calcifications were accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of this method as compared with ultrasonography. Additionally, the McNemar's test was utilized to verify whether there was a statistically significant difference between digital panoramic radiography and ultrasonography. Results Ultrasonography demonstrated carotid artery calcifications in 17 (48.57%) patients. Such individuals presented with a total of 29 (41.43%) carotid arteries affected by calcification. Radiography was accurate in 71.43% (n = 50) of cases evaluated. The degree of sensitivity of this method was 37.93%, specificity of 95.12% and positive predictive value of 84.61%. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed between the methods evaluated in their capacity to diagnose carotid artery calcifications. Conclusion Digital panoramic radiography should not be indicated as a method of choice in the investigation of carotid artery calcifications.

Abstract 2352: 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET Can Identify The Inflamed and Vulnerable Carotid Plaque - A Prospective Study in Japan

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoshi Kuroda ◽  
Hisayasu Saito ◽  
Katsuhiko Maruichi ◽  
Naoki Nakayama ◽  
Kenji Hirata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Carotid Artery Stenosis ◽  
Fdg Pet ◽  
Vulnerable Plaque ◽  
Japanese Patients ◽  
Artery Stenosis ◽  
Fdg Uptake ◽  
Standardized Uptake Values ◽  
18F Fdg

Objective - There are few studies that denote the validity of 8F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET to detect the inflammation of severe (>70%) carotid artery stenosis in Asian populations. This study was aimed to clarify whether 18F-FDG PET can identify inflamed and vulnerable plaque at higher risk for subsequent ischemic stroke in Japanese patients with severe carotid artery stenosis. Methods - This prospective study included 33 patients with severe carotid artery stenosis between 2006 and 2011. Of these, 12 patients were symptomatic and other 21 were asymptomatic. There were 28 males and 5 females. Their mean age was 71.1 ± 8.2 years, ranging from 48 to 85. Their clinical data were precisely collected. All 33 patients underwent 18F-FDG PET and ultrasound sonography (US) to evaluate the plaque composition prior to carotid endarterectomy (CEA). FDG uptake was quantified by maximum standardized uptake values (SUV). Following surgery, the specimens were stained with the antibodies against CD68 and MMP-9. Results - High FDG uptake (SUV>2.0) was observed in 15 (45%) of 33 operated plaques. High FDG uptake significantly correlated with the other vascular disorders (P=0.048), echolucent plaque (P=0.041), lipid-rich plaque (P<0.001), CD68 expression (P<0.001), and MMP-9 expression (P=0.002). 18F-FDG PET showed significantly higher sensitivity and specificity to identify lipid-rich and CD68-positive plaque than US. However, high FDG uptake was not related to patients’ gender, age, and the degree of stenosis. There was no significant correlation between FDG uptake and symptomatic or asymptomatic patients. Conclusion - These findings strongly suggest that 18F-FDG PET would provide more valuable information to identify the inflamed, vulnerable plaque than conventional ultrasound in Japanese patients with severe carotid artery stenosis.

Diagnostic Value of WB-DWI Versus 18 F-FDG PET/CT for the Detection of Multiple Myeloma

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bei Zhang ◽  
Li Zhang ◽  
Bingyang Bian ◽  
Fang Lin ◽  
Zining Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
False Positive ◽  
Fdg Pet ◽  
Pet Ct ◽  
Adc Values ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Fdg Pet Ct

Abstract BACKGROUND Whole body diffusion weighted imaging (WB-DWI) is commonly used for the detection of multiple myeloma (MM). Comparative data on the efficiency of WB-DWI compared with 18 F positron emission tomography computed tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET/CT) to detect MM are lacking. METHODS This was a retrospective, single-center study of twenty-two patients with MM enrolled from January 2019 to December 2019. All patients underwent WB-DWI and 18 F-FDG PET/CT. Pathological and clinical manifestations as well as radiologic follow-up were used for diagnosis. The overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of both methods were compared. The appearance diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of MM lesions and false-positive lesions were estimated. RESULTS A total of 214 MM bone lesions were evaluated. WB-DWI showed a higher overall accuracy than PET/CT (75.7% and 55.6%, respectively; < 0.05). However, for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, there were no significant differences for WB-DWI vs PET/CT (99.3% and 83.9%, 64.9% and 94.8%, 63.6% and 54.2%, 98.1% and 65.3%, respectively). The ADC value for MM lesions was significantly lower than that for false-positive lesions (p < 0.001). Receiver operating curve (ROC) curve analysis showed that the AUC was 0.846, and when the cut-off value was 0.745×10 -3 mm 2 /s, the sensitivity and specificity were 86.0% and 82.4%, respectively, which distinguished MM lesions from non-MM lesions. CONCLUSION WB-DWI may be a useful tool for the diagnosis of MM bone disease due to to higher overall accuracy and measurements of ADC values compared with PET/CT.

scholarly journals Role of MRI in the Diagnosis of Injury to the Lisfranc Ligament Complex

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0029
Author(s):  
Christopher Kreulen ◽  
Eric Giza ◽  
Eva Escobedo ◽  
Cyrus Bateni ◽  
Michael Doherty
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Lisfranc Injury ◽  
Radiology Reports ◽  
Lisfranc Ligament ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Subtle Lisfranc ligamentous injuries are difficult to diagnose and magnetic resonance is becoming a useful tool. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the diagnosis of injuries of the Lisfranc ligament complex. Methods: The radiology database was searched between Jan 1, 2010 and Mar 10, 2015 to identify patients over the age of 18 years who had MR imaging of the foot for suspected injury of the Lisfranc ligament complex. MR images were reviewed by 2 fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologists, whom were blinded to the original radiology reports. Findings were categorized as: no injury or injury present. Injury was deemed to be present if 2 of the 3 components of C1-M2 ligament showed disruption or signal alterations on T1 and T2 weighted images. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Correlation was made with surgical findings whenever performed. In patients not undergoing surgery, the presence or absence of injury was determined by clinical examination performed by an orthopedic surgeon and follow-up. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value(PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of MR for diagnosis of Lisfranc ligament complex injury was determined. Results: Of 60 patients, 9 were excluded due to a lack of follow-up. Lisfranc injury was determined to be present on MR in 26 patients and 18 underwent surgery. Injury was confirmed in 16, and 2 were intact. 2 patients underwent closed reduction and were clinically determined to be injured. 6 of the injured 26 patients were sprained and not injured/torn on clinical evaluation. Of the 25 patients determined to have no injury on MR, 24 were intact clinically. 1 patient had a Lisfranc injury on follow-up. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of MR for detection of significant Lisfranc injury were 94.7% (CI: 73.9% to 99.9%), 75% (CI: 56.6% to 88.5%), 69.2% (CI: 55% to 80.5%) and 96% (CI: 77.9% to 99.4%) respectively. Conclusion: MR has a high sensitivity and negative predictive value for diagnosis of injury to the Lisfranc ligament complex. MR of the foot should be considered in patients with clinical suspicion of injury to the Lisfranc ligament complex, and it is highly accurate in excluding such injuries.

Isolated demyelinating syndromes: comparison of CSF oligoclonal bands and different MR imaging criteria to predict conversion to CDMS

2001 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 359-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Tintoré ◽  
A Rovira ◽  
L Brieva ◽  
E Grivé ◽  
R Jardí ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Oligoclonal Bands ◽  
High Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Csf Oligoclonal Bands ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Aim of the study: To evaluate and compare the capacity of oligoclonal bands (OB) and three sets of MR imaging criteria to predict the conversion of clinically isolated syndromes (CIS) to clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS). Patients and methods: One hundred and twelve patients with CIS were prospectively studied with MR imaging and determination of OB. Based on the clinical follow-up (conversion or not conversion to CDMS), we calculated the sensitivity, specificity accuracy, positive and negative predictive value of the OB, and MR imaging criteria proposed by Paty et al, Fazekas et al and Barkhof et al. Results: CDMS developed in 26 (23.2%) patients after a mean follow-up of 31 months (range 12-62). OB were positive in 70 (62.5%) patients and were associated with a higher risk of developing CDMS. OB showed a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 43%, accuracy of 52%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 30% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 88%. Paty and Fazekas criteria showed the same results with a sensitivity of 77%, specificity of 51%, accuracy of 57%, positive predictive value of 32% and negative predictive value of 88%. Barkhof criteria showed a sensitivity of 65%, specificity of 70%, accuracy of 69%, PPV of 40% and NPV of 87%. The greatest accuracy was achieved when patients with positive OB and three or four Barkhof's criteria were selected. Conclusions: We observed a high prevalence of OB in CIS. OB and MR imaging (Paty's and Fazekas' criteria) have high sensitivity. Barkhof's criteria have a higher specificity. Both OB and MR imaging criteria have a high negative predictive value.

scholarly journals 18F-FDG PET-CT in the Management of Patients Receiving Definitive Radiotherapy for Malignancies of the Head and Neck

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Benjamin L. Franc ◽  
Christi DeLemos ◽  
Christopher Jones
Keyword(s):  
Metastatic Disease ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Fdg Pet ◽  
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy ◽  
Concurrent Chemotherapy ◽  
Surveillance Imaging ◽  
Pet Ct ◽  
Recurrent Malignancy ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Fdg Pet Ct

The study investigated the utility and timing of 18F-FDG PET-CT to evaluate for residual/recurrent or metastatic HNC in patients treated with definitive intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with or without chemotherapy, planned with 18F-FDG PET-CT. The incidence and timing of locoregional recurrence, distant metastatic disease, new primary malignancies, and death were evaluated in 261 patients retrospectively. Findings were classified based on pathology or clinical follow-up and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FDG PET-CT were determined overall as well as at the time of each 18F-FDG PET-CT. The overall accuracy for 18F-FDG PET in the detection of residual/recurrent malignancy or metastatic disease was 96.4%. Of those in whom cancer recurred locally, 57% were identified based on physical examination and other imaging findings and 43% were identified initially on 18F-FDG PET-CT surveillance imaging when no disease was evident clinically. 18F-FDG PET-CT has a high diagnostic capability of detecting residual/recurrent malignancy or malignant metastatic disease in patients with HNC following IMRT ± concurrent chemotherapy, supporting 18F- FDG PET-CT’s use to evaluate patients for recurrent malignancy in the post-IMRT period, even without clinical evidence of disease.

Abstract WP187: Subclinical Macro and Microvascular Disease in Stroke-free Subjects With Nonsustained Atrial Fibrillation

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ezgi Yetim ◽  
Ethem Murat Arsava ◽  
Ugur Canpolat ◽  
Rahsan Gocmen ◽  
Kader K Oguz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Carotid Plaque ◽  
Microvascular Disease ◽  
Plaque Burden ◽  
White Matter Disease ◽  
Atherosclerotic Burden ◽  
Carotid Distensibility

Introduction: Prevalence of nonsustained atrial fibrillation (NSAF), described as irregular atrial runs lasting shorter than 30-seconds, is higher in patients with ischemic stroke compared to stroke-free controls. Nonetheless, its role in causality of stroke and future cerebrovascular risk is still not established. Subclinical atherosclerotic burden and vascular stiffness are more prevalent, and have been shown to modify future risk of vascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to determine the relationship between NSAF and subclinical atherosclerosis, vascular dysfunction and cerebral microvascular disease. Methods: Sonographic carotid distensibility metrics, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), carotid plaque burden score (Ten Cate’s), middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI) and cerebral white matter disease burden (Fazekas’ periventricular and subclinical scores) were studied in 263 stroke-free control subjects. 24-hour Holter monitoring documented NSAF in 27% of study population. Abnormality limits were set as mean±standard deviation. Results: Compared to those without NSAF (age 62±8 yr, 43% male), subjects with NSAF (age 67±9 yr, 31% male) had significantly higher total carotid plaque burden score (p=0.009) and significantly lower common carotid artery carotid distensibility (p=0.019). Maximum and averaged IMT, carotid stiffness and elastic modulus, and asymptomatic significant (≥50%) carotid artery stenosis were numerically higher. Patients with NSAF had significantly higher MCA PI (p=0.007) and numerically higher white matter disease scores. Regression analysis models showed that NSAF is one independent predictors of abnormal carotid distensibility (p=0.026) and presence of carotid plaque (p=0.023); but not for carotid plaque burden score (>4), MCA PI (>1.1) and IMT max (>0.966). Conclusions: The presence of a significant relationship between NSAF and presence of carotid artery plaque and decreased cervical artery distensibility raises the possibility that NSAF might be a reflection of subclinical atherosclerotic burden. This crosstalk between surrogate markers might explain the higher prevalence of NSAF in ischemic stroke patients.

Abstract TMP44: Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Can Detect Small Disruption of Carotid Plaques Related to Symptomatic Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis

Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Soichiro Abe ◽  
Kozue Saito ◽  
Hatsue Ishibashi-Ueda ◽  
Shuichi Tonomura ◽  
Kota Mori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Carotid Artery Stenosis ◽  
Carotid Plaque ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Color Doppler ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis ◽  
Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound ◽  
Contrast Enhanced

Background: The ulcerated atheroma of the carotid artery is a risk factor of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a novel noninvasive technique useful for evaluating the morphology of carotid plaques, and can detect small disruptions on plaque surface. However, it remains unclear whether the disrupted carotid plaque detected by CEUS is related to the symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis (ICS). Methods: A total of 79 ICS patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) were enrolled from July 2010 to July 2015. Before operation, ICA lesions were examined by color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) and CEUS using perflubutane. The ulceration was diagnosed when both of the color Doppler signal on CDUS and the pooling of microbubbles on CEUS were observed within the plaque. The disruption was diagnosed only by CEUS when microbubbles pooled through the fissured surface, unlike the linear delineation of neovessels. We validated findings on ultrasound compared with the histopathological findings of ulceration and present/recent plaque rupture. The associations between ulceration/disruption on ultrasound and symptomatic ICS (with a history of ipsilateral transient ischemic attack and/or ischemic stroke) were investigated. Results: Of 79 subjects (mean age 71.2±6.8 years old, 78 men), 55 had symptomatic ICS. The ulceration by CEUS and CDUS was recognized in 20 patients (25%), and the disruption on plaque surface was seen by CEUS solitary in 26 patients (33%). The sensitivity and specificity of detecting plaque ulceration or disruption using CEUS compared with histopathological findings were 0.57 (45/66) and 1.00 (13/13), respectively. The detection rate of ulceration or disruption using CEUS was higher in symptomatic ICS than in asymptomatic ICS (66% vs 42%, P=0.049). Compared to plaques without ulceration/disruption on ultrasound, prevalence of symptomatic ICS was higher in plaques with the disruption (88% vs 58%, P=0.01), whereas it was similar in plaques with the ulceration (65% vs 58%, P=0.77) Conclusion: Small disruptions on carotid plaque surface detected by CEUS were significantly related to symptomatic ICS and this results may help the detailed assessment of plaque vulnerability.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document