Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 27, 2026

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis
09:36

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

Published on: August 12, 2025

831

Superior performance of cone-beam CT angiography in characterization of intracranial atherosclerosis

Mina G Safain1, Jason P Rahal, Samir Patel

  • 1Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Division, Department of Neurosurgery, Tufts Medical Center, and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.

Journal of Neurosurgery
|June 21, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Ultra-high-resolution C-arm cone-beam CT angiography (CBCT-A) offers detailed plaque morphology assessment for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). This advanced imaging may improve evaluation beyond traditional methods for stroke risk stratification.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

  • Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a significant cause of stroke.
  • Traditional evaluation focuses on stenosis degree, but plaque morphology is increasingly important.
  • Existing imaging modalities have limitations in detailed plaque characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first use of ultra-high-resolution C-arm cone-beam CT angiography (CBCT-A) for evaluating ICAD.
  • To assess CBCT-A's capability in determining vessel stenosis and plaque morphology.
  • To compare CBCT-A with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and 3D-rotational angiography (3DRA).

Main Methods:

  • CBCT-A was used in 18 ICAD patients undergoing catheter-based angiography (August 2009 - July 2012).
  • Lesions were assessed for stenosis degree and plaque characteristics (ulcerated, calcified, dissected, spiculated).
  • Comparison of imaging modalities (DSA, 3DRA, CBCT-A) for stenosis and plaque morphology assessment.

Main Results:

  • CBCT-A and 3DRA showed similar stenosis degrees, differing from DSA.
  • CBCT-A provided superior plaque morphology resolution, identifying new characteristics in 61% vs. DSA and 50% vs. 3DRA.
  • CBCT-A visualized all lesion characteristics seen on DSA and 3DRA.

Conclusions:

  • CBCT-A offers detailed spatial resolution of plaque morphology in ICAD.
  • CBCT-A may complement DSA and 3DRA in ICAD evaluation.
  • Further studies are needed to confirm CBCT-A's clinical benefit in decision-making and risk stratification.
Abstract

Keywords:
3DRA = 3D-rotational angiographyCBCT = cone-beam CTCBCT-A = CBCT angiographyCBCT-A-N = CBCT-A–normalCBCT-A-S = CBCT-A–sharp kernelCTA = CT angiographyDSA = digital subtraction angiographyHU = Hounsfield unitICA = internal carotid arteryICAD = intracranial atherosclerotic diseaseMIP-MPR = maximum intensity projection multiplanar reconstructionMRA = MR angiographyTCD = transcranial Doppler ultrasonographyTIA = transient ischemic attackatherosclerosiscone-beam CTstrokevascular disorders

More Related Videos

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke09:21

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Published on: January 18, 2018

14.4K
Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

14.9K

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
965
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
653
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
926
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
493
Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging01:19

Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging

DefinitionRenal angiography, also known as renal arteriography, is an imaging technique used to obtain a comprehensive view of blood flow and the vascular structure of blood vessels in the kidneys and surrounding areas.PurposeRenal angiography detects blood vessel abnormalities in the kidneys, such as aneurysms, stenosis, thrombosis, vascular tumors, and renal artery stenosis. It evaluates kidney function and guides interventional treatments like angioplasty or stent placement.Pre-Procedure...
556
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
586