Novel Imaging-Based Biomarkers for Identifying Carotid Plaque Vulnerability

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Radiology
• Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

• Traditional assessment of carotid artery disease relies on luminal narrowing (stenosis).
• This traditional method is increasingly questioned for accurate risk stratification.
• Modern approaches focus on identifying the

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolving understanding of carotid artery disease.
• To highlight the role of imaging in assessing plaque vulnerability.
• To inform clinical decision-making in managing carotid artery disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of non-invasive and intravascular imaging modalities.
• Discussion of techniques including ultrasound, CT, MRI, intravascular ultrasound, OCT, and NIRS.
• Analysis of imaging biomarkers for plaque characterization.

Main Results:

• Vulnerable plaque features (thin caps, lipid cores, hemorrhage) are key risk indicators.
• Imaging biomarkers are crucial for identifying high-risk patients.
• Various imaging techniques effectively characterize unstable carotid plaques.

Conclusions:

• Assessment of carotid artery disease is moving beyond stenosis to plaque vulnerability.
• Imaging techniques are essential for evaluating plaque stability and guiding treatment.
• A comprehensive understanding of plaque characteristics improves patient risk stratification and management.