Plaque density on CT, a potential marker of ischemic stroke
J M Serfaty1, M Nonent, N Nighoghossian
1Department of Radiology, University Hospital Center, Lyon, France. jean-michel.serfaty@bch.aphp.fr
Neurology
|January 13, 2006
Insights
Lower carotid plaque density on CT scans is linked to recent ischemic neurologic events. This finding suggests plaque composition is a key factor in predicting stroke risk.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Cerebrovascular events, particularly ischemic strokes, pose a significant health burden.
- Carotid artery stenosis is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke.
- Characterizing plaque composition may improve risk stratification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between carotid plaque soft tissue density (TD) on computed tomography (CT) and recent ischemic neurologic events.
- To determine if plaque density is an independent predictor of cerebrovascular events.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 141 patients, including 99 who were asymptomatic.
- Selection of 106 carotid plaques with greater than 50% stenosis for analysis.
- Measurement of plaque soft tissue density using CT imaging.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was found between lower plaque density and ischemic neurologic events.
- An odds ratio of 1.54 (p = 0.002) indicated that a 10-point decrease in plaque density increased the odds of neurologic events.
- Results suggest plaque density is a relevant imaging biomarker.
Conclusions:
- Carotid plaque soft TD on CT is significantly associated with recent ischemic neurologic events.
- Lower plaque density may indicate a higher risk of cerebrovascular events.
- CT-based plaque density assessment could aid in identifying patients at increased risk for stroke.
Abstract:
The authors sought to determine in a retrospective analysis whether carotid plaque soft TD on CT is associated with recent ischemic neurologic events. Among 141 patients (99 asymptomatic), 106 plaques with more than 50% stenosis were selected for density measurements. They found an odds ratio for neurologic events associated with a 10-point decrease in density of 1.54 (p = 0.002), showing an association between plaque density and neurologic events.
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