| Background and purpose: Recent research has suggested the importance of plaque features to identify symptomatic patients from asymptomatic.This study aims to compare specific plaque features on 3T carotid MR imaging for differentiation between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.Materials and method:Thirty consecutive patients(symptomatic: 12;asymptomatic: 18)with 50%–99% stenosis by sonography or CT angiography underwent carotid plaque imaging combined with MRA at 3T.The symptomatic carotid artery or the most stenotic asymptomatic carotid artery was chosen to be analyzed.All the images were assessed by two radiologists with more than 10 years of experience in a double-blind method.IPH was recorded along with lipid-rich necrotic core,fibrous cap and ulceration,determined according to previously published criteria based on relative tissue signal intensities on TOF,pre-and postcontrast T1 WI,T2WI. Plaque features were compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with ≥50% stenosis.Prevalence and size of plaque features were compared between patients with stenosis by using either a Fisher test for categoric variables or a student t test for continuous variables.Results:In 30 patients with ≥50% stenosis,divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic group,the difference of IPH and thin or ruptured fibrous cap is statistically significant: intra plaque hemorrhage 83% versus29% with P value of 0.002,thin or ruptured fibrous cap 67% versus 29% with P value of 0.024,the percentage volume of IPH 18.5±12.2 versus 6.6±11.3 with P value of 0.04.Conclusion:This study demonstrates that the incidence of several plaque components is different in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.The presence of IPH,the percentage volume of IPH and thin or ruptured fibrous cap are more likely to occur in symptomatic patients.So carotid MR imaging may help to decide for symptomatic patients to undergo necessary interventions and prevent the future stroke or TIA. |
