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Updated: Jul 4, 2025
Three-Dimensional Imaging of Aortic Tissues in Atherosclerosis
Published on: October 25, 2024
Investigating the relationship between intracranial atherosclerotic plaque remodelling and diabetes using
Yong-Qian Mo1, Hai-Yu Luo2, Han-Wen Zhang3,4
1Department of Radiology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China.
Insights
Diabetic patients with intracranial atherosclerosis show a higher likelihood of positive remodeling (PR) in plaques, indicating increased stroke risk. High-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) aids in assessing these plaque changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Cardiovascular Research
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Intracranial atherosclerosis is a major cause of stroke, characterized by arterial plaque formation.
- Plaque remodeling patterns are crucial in determining stroke risk.
- High-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) offers detailed insights into vessel wall pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing intracranial atherosclerotic plaque remodeling patterns.
- To determine the relationship between intracranial atherosclerotic remodeling and diabetes mellitus.
- To utilize HR-VWI for assessing plaque characteristics in relation to diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-four patients with middle cerebral artery or basilar artery atherosclerosis were included.
- HR-VWI was performed, and plaque remodeling index (RI) was calculated.
- Patients were categorized into positive remodeling (PR), intermediate remodeling (IR), and negative remodeling (NR) groups.
Main Results:
- The PR group had a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes (45.2%) compared to IR (25%) and NR (16.4%) groups.
- Diabetes mellitus was identified as an independent factor associated with plaque-PR (OR: 3.718).
- Elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were observed in the PR group.
Conclusions:
- HR-VWI effectively visualizes intracranial vascular wall and plaque morphology.
- Diabetic patients demonstrate a higher propensity for plaque-PR, suggesting reduced plaque stability.
- Plaque-PR in diabetic individuals may signify an elevated risk of stroke.
Background:
Intracranial atherosclerosis, a leading cause of stroke, involves arterial plaque formation. This study explores the link between plaque remodelling patterns and diabetes using high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI).
Aim:
To investigate the factors of intracranial atherosclerotic remodelling patterns and the relationship between intracranial atherosclerotic remodelling and diabetes mellitus using HR-VWI.
Methods:
Ninety-four patients diagnosed with middle cerebral artery or basilar artery atherosclerosis were enrolled. Their basic clinical data were collected, and HR-VWI was performed. The vascular area at the plaque (VAMLN) and normal reference vessel (VAreference) were delineated and measured using image postprocessing software, and the Remodelling index (RI) was calculated. According to the value of the RI, the patients were divided into a positive remodelling (PR) group, intermediate remodelling (IR) group, negative remodelling (NR) group, PR group and non-PR (N-PR) group.
Results:
The PR group exhibited a higher prevalence of diabetes and serum cholesterol levels than the IR and NR groups [45.2%, 4.54 (4.16, 5.93) vs 25%, 4.80 ± 1.22 and 16.4%, 4.14 (3.53, 4.75), respectively, P < 0.05]. The diabetes incidence was also significantly greater in the PR group than in the N-PR group (45.2% vs 17.5%, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the PR group displayed elevated serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels compared to the N-PR group [1.64 (1.23, 2.33) and 4.54 (4.16, 5.93) vs 4.54 (4.16, 5.93) and 4.24 (3.53, 4.89), P < 0.05]. Logistic regression analysis revealed diabetes mellitus as an independent influencing factor in plaque-PR [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 3.718 (1.207-11.454), P < 0.05].
Conclusion:
HR-VWI can clearly show the morphology and signal characteristics of intracranial vascular walls and plaques. Intracranial atherosclerotic plaques in diabetic patients are more likely to show PR, suggesting poor plaque stability and a greater risk of stroke.
