Detecting vulnerable carotid plaque and its component characteristics: Progress in related imaging techniques

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Neurology
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Carotid atherosclerotic plaque rupture and thrombosis are key risk factors for ischemic stroke.
• Early identification of vulnerable carotid plaque is essential for stroke prevention and guiding clinical treatment.
• Current advanced imaging techniques offer potential for plaque characterization and risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare existing clinical imaging methods for carotid atherosclerotic plaque.
• To review the advantages and limitations of various imaging techniques in identifying vulnerable plaque.
• To provide insights for effective prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of advanced invasive and non-invasive imaging modalities.
• Comparison of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and near-infrared spectroscopy.
• Analysis of imaging-derived predictors for patient risk stratification.

Main Results:

• Different imaging modalities possess unique strengths and weaknesses for plaque assessment.
• Advanced imaging can provide clinically relevant predictors for vulnerable carotid plaque.
• The study highlights the comparative utility of various techniques in risk stratification.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of imaging techniques is vital for managing cerebrovascular disease risk.
• Selecting appropriate imaging methods can improve the identification of vulnerable carotid plaques.
• This review aids clinicians in choosing optimal strategies for preventing and treating stroke.