Reliability of differentiating human coronary plaque morphology using contrast-enhanced multislice spiral computed tomography: a comparison with histology

BACKGROUND: Initial clinical results indicate that multislice spiral computed tomography (MDCT) might be useful for the noninvasive characterization of human coronary plaque morphology by determining tissue density within the lesions. This seems to be of clinical relevance, because coronary artery disease might be detected at an early stage before calcifications occur and noncalcified plaques that may be more likely to rupture could also be visualized noninvasively. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability of contrast-enhanced MDCT in differentiating human atherosclerotic coronary plaque morphology by comparing it with the histopathologic gold standard. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twelve human hearts were scanned postmortem using an MDCT (Somatom Volume Zoom; Siemens, Forchheim, Germany) high-resolution computed tomography scanner to detect atherosclerotic coronary plaques. Density measurements were performed within detected plaque areas. The exact location of each plaque was marked at the surface of the heart to assure accurate histopathologic sectioning of these lesions. The plaques were classified according to a modified Stary classification. Seventeen plaques were identified by MDCT. Six plaques were histopathologically classified as lipid rich (Stary III/IV), 6 plaques as intermediate (Stary V), and 5 plaques as calcific (Stary VII). Lipid-rich plaques had a mean density on MDCT of 42 +/- 22 Hounsfield units (HU), intermediate plaques had a mean density of 70 +/- 21 HU, and calcific plaques had a mean density of 715 +/- 328 HU. ANOVA analysis revealed a significant difference in plaque density between the 3 groups (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The comparison with histopathology confirms that tissue density as determined by contrast-enhanced MDCT might be used to differentiate atherosclerotic plaque morphology.     

The impact of expansive arterial remodeling on clinical presentation in carotid artery disease: a multidetector CT angiography study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Atherosclerotic arterial remodeling has been described in the coronary circulation but has not been studied extensively for carotid atherosclerosis. The purpose of our study was to examine the association between carotid artery remodeling and clinical presentation in patients with significant stenosis by using multidetector row CT (MDCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eight patients with >or=50% stenosis (North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial criteria) by MDCT angiography between January 2004 and June 2006 were identified. The study group included 37 symptomatic (65.9 +/- 13.0 years; 12 women; stenosis, 81.5 +/- 12.2%; 17 with stroke; 15 with transient ischemic attack; 5 with amaurosis fugax) and 71 asymptomatic patients (70.5 +/- 10.5 years; 28 women; stenosis, 78.8 +/- 11.1%). Remodeling ratio (RR) was calculated by dividing the outer vessel circumference at the site of greatest stenosis by a normal reference-segment vessel circumference. Maximum vessel thickness (MxVT) and eccentricity index (EI) of the plaque, defined as maximal thickness/minimal thickness at the site of greatest luminal narrowing, were also determined. Data were analyzed by using an independent t test. RESULTS: The RR was significantly higher in symptomatic patients (1.64 +/- 0.44) than in asymptomatic patients (1.41 +/- 0.5) (P=.02). There was no significant difference in MxVT in symptomatic (5.9 +/- 2.1 mm) and asymptomatic patients (5.6 +/- 2.4 mm) (P=.45) and no significant difference in EI (symptomatic, 4.7 +/- 2.7; asymptomatic, 4.3 +/- 2.2; P=.38). CONCLUSION: In this series of subjects with significant internal carotid artery stenosis, expansive carotid remodeling was significantly greater in patients with cerebral ischemic symptoms than in asymptomatic patients. The extent of expansive remodeling may indicate underlying atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability. MDCT has a role in the evaluation of carotid artery disease beyond examining luminal stenosis.     

How do you quantify noncalcified plaque?

The ability of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) to visualize not only lumen but also coronary plaques is recognized as an attractive advantage of MSCT over conventional coronary angiography. In particular, the fact that during the administration of contrast not only calcified plaques but also noncalcified plaques can be identified has received enormous interest. Retrospective studies have shown an association between plaques containing noncalcified components and presentation with acute coronary syndrome. Accordingly, these observations have led to the notion that noncalcified plaque may play a role in the development of coronary events. However, whereas quantification of the amount of calcified plaque is highly standardized, no validated approach to quantify noncalcified plaque is currently available. To translate the observation of noncalcified plaque into clinically and potentially prognostically relevant data, several issues need to be considered about the identification and subsequent quantification of noncalcified plaque.     

Fragmentation of calcified plaque after carotid artery stenting in heavily calcified circumferential stenosis

Introduction

We assessed the morphological change of calcified plaque after carotid artery stenting (CAS) in vessels with heavily calcified circumferential lesions and discuss the possible mechanisms of stent expansion in these lesions.

Methods

We performed 18 CAS procedures in 16 patients with severe carotid artery stenosis accompanied by plaque calcification involving more than 75% of the vessel circumference. All patients underwent multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) to evaluate lesion calcification before and within 3 months after intervention. The angiographic outcome immediately after CAS and follow-up angiographs obtained 6 months post-CAS were examined.

Results

The preoperative mean arc of the calcifications was 320.1?±?24.5° (range 278–360°). In all lesions, CAS procedures were successfully carried out; excellent dilation with residual stenosis ≤30% was achieved in all lesions. Post-CAS MDCT demonstrated multiple fragmentations of the calcifications in 17 of 18 lesions (94.4%), but only cracks in the calcified plaque without fragmentation in one (5.6%). Angiographic study performed approximately 6 months post-CAS detected severe restenosis in one lesion (5.6%) without fragmentation of calcified plaque.

Conclusions

Excellent stent expansion may be achieved and maintained in heavily calcified circumferential carotid lesions by disruption and fragmentation of the calcified plaques.     

数字减影CT血管成像与彩色多普勒超声对颈动脉粥样硬化斑块检出率及斑块性质、狭窄程度判定的效果比较

目的比较数字减影CT血管成像（DSCTA）与彩色多普勒超声（CDUS）对颈动脉粥样硬化斑块的检出、斑块性质及狭窄程度判定的价值以及一致性。方法回顾性分析2015年1月至2017年10月就诊的可疑颈动脉狭窄患者90例,分别进行DSCTA与CDUS检查。采用卡方检验对比斑块分布、大小、斑块性质和狭窄程度。结果90例患者双侧颈部DSCTA检查发现52例颈动脉狭窄,3例为双侧狭窄,其中轻度狭窄29例、中度狭窄9例、重度狭窄12例,完全闭塞2例;检出斑块175处,其中钙化斑块133处、混合斑块30处、脂质斑块12处。90例患者双侧颈部CDUS检查发现54处颈动脉狭窄,3例为双侧狭窄,其中轻度狭窄26例、中度狭窄10例、重度狭窄16例,完全闭塞2例;检出斑块218处,其中钙化斑块138处、混合斑块39处、脂质斑块41处。DSCTA与CDUS诊断颈动脉狭窄的差异无统计学意义（χ2=0.75,P=0.861）;CDUS检查发现了更多的可见斑块及脂质斑块, < 5 mm的小斑块（60处）检出率明显高于DSCTA（25处）,差异有统计学意义（χ2=10.035,P=0.002）。结论DSCTA与CDUS对颈动脉狭窄的诊断效能均较高,具有较好的临床应用价值。CDUS对 < 5 mm斑块的检出优于DSCTA。     

Carotid artery calcification on CT may independently predict stroke risk

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to quantitatively evaluate calcified atherosclerotic burden in the cervical carotid arteries using MDCT to determine the relationship of scores with luminal stenosis and symptomatology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Calcium plaque volume was measured in 106 cervical carotid arteries (53 patients) using MDCT angiography. The study group included 32 asymptomatic patients (mean age, 70.2 +/- 8.7 [SD] years; 15 women, 17 men) and 21 patients with ischemic neurologic symptoms (69.6 +/- 12.9 years; eight women, 13 men). By vessel, there were 43 high-grade stenotic (> or = 60% by North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial [NASCET] criteria), 15 moderate-grade stenotic (30-59%), and 44 mild-grade stenotic or normal (0-29%) vessels, with four excluded for prior carotid endarterectomy. Volume scores were calculated by summing the area of calcium in the common and extracranial internal carotid arteries on axial slices and multiplying by the slice increment. RESULTS: Controlling for cardiovascular risk factors and luminal stenosis, we found that scores were significantly related to the occurrence of symptoms (p = 0.003). Even with patient age as a covariant, patients with high-grade stenosis had significantly higher scores than those without high-grade disease (p = 0.004). Moreover, quantitative burden was associated with luminal stenosis on adjusted multivariate analysis (p = 0.034). The specificity and positive predictive value for high-grade luminal narrowing were notably lower on individual vessel analysis than on total score analysis, likely secondary to variability in vascular remodeling. CONCLUSION: Calcium scores in the cervical carotid arteries may represent an independent marker for luminal stenosis and ischemic symptoms. A prospective longitudinal study examining calcium levels and morbidity may be warranted to examine whether burden has a role in risk stratification.     

症状性缺血性脑卒中颈动脉斑块成分的 高分辨MRI分析

目的应用高分辨MRI(HRMRI)探讨颈动脉斑块不同成分在症状性缺血性脑卒中病人中的危险性。方法选取2016年1月—2017年6月于我院行超声检查发现存在颈动脉斑块的病人50例,其中女21例,男29例,年龄43~77岁,平均(61.62±7.96)岁。依据病人近3个月来是否发生过与患侧颈动脉相关的缺血性脑卒中临床症状分为有症状组(22例,存在斑块血管40支)及无症状组(28例,50支),所有病人行3.0 T HRMRI以评估颈动脉血管及斑块内成分。采用χ~2检验或t检验对2组病人的临床资料、斑块成分及血管管腔狭窄程度进行比较,采用logistic回归分析缺血性脑卒中病人症状的独立危险因素。结果检出存在斑块纤维帽破溃(FCR)的血管,症状组15支,检出率为37.5%,无症状组8支,检出率为16.0%,症状组FCR的检出率高于无症状组(P0.05)。检出斑块内出血(IPH)的血管,症状组21支,检出率为52.5%,无症状组15支,检出率为30.0%,症状组IPH的检出率高于无症状组(P0.05)。检出存在斑块钙化(CA)的血管,症状组15支,检出率为37.5%,无症状组13支,检出率为26.0%,2组间检出率差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。症状组管腔狭窄程度为57.64%±13.36%,无症状组为53.86%±11.19%,2组间管腔狭窄程度差异无统计学意义(t=1.460,P=0.148)。FCR在症状性缺血性脑卒中危险性最高(OR=3.012),IPH危险性次之(OR=2.478)。结论 HRMRI可以分析斑块内成分,而这些成分是缺血性脑卒中临床症状发生的危险因素,是斑块易损性的表现。     

Coronary CT angiography.

Advances in multidetector CT (MDCT) technology with submillimeter slice collimation and high temporal resolution permit contrast-enhanced imaging of coronary arteries and coronary plaque during a single breath hold. Appropriate patient preparation, detailed technical and technological knowledge with regard to recognition of typical imaging artifacts (such as beam hardening or motion artifacts), and the adequate choice of postprocessing techniques to detect stenosis and plaque are prerequisites to achieving diagnostic image quality. A growing number of studies have suggested that 64-slice coronary CT angiography is highly accurate for the exclusion of significant coronary artery stenosis (>50% luminal narrowing), with negative predictive values of 97%-100%, in comparison with invasive selective coronary angiography. In addition, several studies have indicated that MDCT also can detect calcified and noncalcified coronary atherosclerotic plaques, especially in proximal vessel segments, showing a good correlation with intracoronary ultrasound. Studies on clinical utility, cost, and cost-effectiveness are now warranted to demonstrate whether and how this technique can change and improve the current management of patients with suspected or confirmed coronary artery disease.     

64层MDCT评价冠脉粥样硬化斑块的准确性:与IVUS对照研究

目的:评价64层MDCT在判断冠脉粥样硬化斑块性质及测量血管大小、斑块负担的应用价值。方法:14例患者经MDCT显示的位于冠脉近、中段的粥样硬化斑块作为研究对象,在斑块的最大层面测量斑块的CT值,根据CT值将斑块分类。并测量、计算最小管腔面积、血管外膜面积,斑块面积、斑块负荷。以IVUS为金标准,分别计算MDCT判断斑块性质的敏感性、特异性及各类斑块的平均CT值,并对血管测量进行统计学分析。结果:14例患者粥样硬化斑块25个,软斑块11个,纤维斑块7个,钙化斑块7个,平均CT值分别为49±32HU,93±23HU,1138±350HU。MDCT对脂质、纤维和钙化斑块诊断的敏感性和特异性分别为90.9%和92.9%;85.7%和94.4%;100%和100%。MDCT测量的管腔面积、血管面积、斑块面积、斑块负荷高于IVUS测量的结果,但两者之间没有统计学差异。结论:64层MDCT是一种准确无创的诊断和测量冠脉粥样硬化斑块的工具。     

Atherosclerotic plaque at the carotid bifurcation: CT angiographic appearance with histopathologic correlation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The likelihood that carotid plaque will give rise to cerebral ischemia probably relates to the degree of arterial stenosis and to plaque morphology. The aim of this study was to assess whether features seen at CT angiography might be used to predict carotid plaque stability by comparing CT angiograms with histopathologic examinations of the carotid artery bifurcation. METHODS: Nine patients with symptomatic severe carotid stenosis at intraarterial angiography had CT angiography of the carotid bifurcation before carotid endarterectomy. After endarterectomy, multiple sections of the specimens through the carotid bifurcation were examined histologically. Plaque characteristics recorded included the proportion of necrotic/lipid core, presence of hemorrhage, extent of fibrosis, ulceration, calcification, inflammatory cell infiltrate, and fibrous cap thickness. Corresponding CT angiograms were assessed for plaque size, distribution, and radiodensity as well as presence of calcific density and ulceration. Histologic findings and CT angiograms were compared. RESULTS: Plaque with a large necrotic/lipid core, which was often hemorrhagic, was found in 16 of 23 sections, and in 15 of these this histologic appearance corresponded with patchy or homogeneous low density on CT angiograms. Six of seven predominantly fibrous plaques were of soft-tissue density on CT angiograms. High density consistent with calcification was seen more frequently on CT angiograms than it was detected histologically, but CT angiography depicted plaque ulceration poorly (four ulcers at histology; two false-positive and two false-negative findings at CT angiography). CONCLUSION: CT angiography is a promising method for assessing the lumen and wall of the carotid artery. The apparent correlation between histologic appearance and plaque density on CT angiograms has important implications for the prediction of plaque stability, even though ulceration is shown inconsistently.     

Characterization of carotid atherosclerosis and detection of soft plaque with use of black-blood MR imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In the treatment of carotid atherosclerosis, the rate of stenosis and characteristics of plaque should be assessed to diagnose vulnerable plaques that increase the risk for cerebral infarction. We performed carotid black-blood (BB) MR imaging to diagnose plaque components and assess plaque hardness based on MR signals.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three images of BB-MR imaging per plaque were obtained from 70 consecutive patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) to generate T1- and T2-weighted images. To evaluate the relative signal intensity (rSI) of plaque components and the relationship between histologic findings and symptoms, we prepared sections at 2-mm intervals from 34 intact plaques. We then calculated the relative overall signal intensity (roSI) of 70 plaques to assess the relationship between MR signal intensity and plaque hardness and symptoms.RESULTS: The characteristics of rSI values on T1- and T2-weighted images of fibrous cap (FC), fibrosis, calcification, myxomatous tissue, lipid core (LC) with intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), and LC without IPH differed. Symptomatic plaques were associated with FC disruption (P < .001) and LC with IPH (P < .05). The roSI on T1-weighted images was significantly higher for soft than nonsoft plaques. When the roSI cutoff value was set at 1.25 (mean of the roSI), soft plaques were diagnosed with 79.4% sensitivity and 84.4% specificity. The roSI was also significantly higher for symptomatic than for asymptomatic plaques. Soft and nonsoft plaques as well as symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques did not significantly differ on T2-weighted images.CONCLUSION: BB-MR imaging can diagnose plaque components and predict plaque hardness. This procedure provides useful information for planning therapeutic strategies of carotid atherosclerosis.

Carotid atherosclerosis accounts for a large proportion of the causes of cerebral infarction, and accurate diagnostic imaging of carotid stenosis is useful for clarification of the pathogenesis of cerebral infarction and planning of therapy. In the diagnostic imaging of carotid arterial lesions, luminography such as conventional angiography is generally performed to determine the rate of stenosis, and in randomized studies documenting the value of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in the treatment of carotid atherosclerosis, therapeutic guidelines have been based on stenosis rate.^1–3 Recent studies have also shown the critical importance of diagnosing vulnerable plaques, which are associated with a higher risk for cerebral infarction, by imaging the carotid artery wall itself and determining plaque characteristics.^4,5 Therefore, less invasive and more accurate diagnostic modalities such as carotid ultrasonography (US) for plaque evaluation have considerable importance in the management of patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Carotid US has been widely applied to characterize atherosclerotic plaque, and the content of soft plaque (lipid and hemorrhage) is presently associated with echolucency.^6,7 Furthermore, accumulating evidence indicates that echolucent plaques represent biologically more active disease and are associated with the risk for future stroke.^8,9 In addition, although carotid artery stent placement (CAS) is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to CEA in the treatment of carotid stenosis, several reports have shown that soft plaques are associated with a high incidence of ischemic complication during CAS.^10–12 Therefore, accurate diagnosis of carotid soft plaque seems to be of paramount clinical importance. However, carotid US has some limitations because it is difficult to obtain full images on patients who have a short neck, high carotid bifurcation, or highly calcified plaques.¹³The chemical composition and physical properties of tissues can be determined by MR imaging, which indicates that this diagnostic technique should be useful in plaque characterization. Along with recent advances in imaging devices and techniques, many studies have documented the usefulness of high-resolution MR imaging in the diagnosis of plaque.^14–21 In addition to sorting plaque composition on the basis of MR signal intensity, if soft plaque can be differentiated from nonsoft plaque by overall plaque MR signal intensity, MR imaging will be a simple, objective, and useful method to diagnose carotid atherosclerosis. To our knowledge, however, few studies have closely assessed the MR imaging signals of plaque components by comparing CEA specimens with carotid MR imaging in vivo,²² and the findings on MR imaging of carotid soft plaque have not been described.Our study investigates the benefit of carotid black-blood (BB) MR imaging by evaluating the MR signal intensity of the components of carotid plaque and by detecting soft plaque on the basis of overall plaque MR signal intensity.     

Morphological changes of ulcerative plaque in patients received carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS)

BACKGROUND: Carotid ulceration plaque is a strong risk factor for stroke and systemic vascular events. The purpose of this study was to assess immediate and follow-up ulcer morphology after carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were included in the study. Ulcerative plaques were identified in 92 arteries from 81 patients (21% were asymptomatic and 79% symptomatic). The ulcer disappeared immediately after stenting in 36 (39%) of 92 arteries in 50 patients. Patients with initial mild degree of stenosis (50-69% stenosis) prior to stent, Type-3 and Type-4 ulcers were more prone to have residual ulcers immediate after stenting procedure. Ulcers located distal and proximal to the site of maximal stenosis, and ulcers extending outside of the imaginary line connecting the distal and proximal normal borders of the carotid artery were also more likely to have residual ulcers (P<0.001). Follow-up angiograms (mean time after CAS=10.1 months, range=3-28 months) performed in 32 arteries (29 patients) revealed that residual ulceration disappeared in 17 lesions (53%) and became smaller in 15 lesions (47%). During follow-up, ipsilateral neurological symptoms were not evident in any of the 29 patients (mean time after CAS=20.1 months, range=9-41 months). CONCLUSIONS: Ulceration morphology, and stenosis severity prior to stent procedure had an impact on ulcer coverage after CAS. Our findings suggest that residual ulcers disappear or improve over time and that with appropriate medication, will not lead to embolic strokes.     

Atherosclerotic plaque volume and composition in symptomatic carotid arteries assessed with multidetector CT angiography; relationship with severity of stenosis and cardiovascular risk factors

The purpose of this study was to examine the volume and the composition of atherosclerotic plaque in symptomatic carotid arteries and to investigate the relationship between these plaque features and the severity of stenosis and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. One hundred patients with cerebrovascular symptoms underwent CT angiography. We measured plaque volume (PV) and the relative contribution of plaque components (calcifications, fibrous tissue, and lipid) in the symptomatic artery. The contribution of different components was measured as the number of voxels within defined ranges of HU values (calcification >130 HU, fibrous tissue 60–130 HU, lipid core <60 HU). Fifty-seven patients had atherosclerotic plaque in the symptomatic carotid artery. The severity of stenosis and PV were moderately correlated. Age and smoking were independently related to PV. Patients with hypercholesterolemia had significantly less lipid and more calcium in their plaques than patients without hypercholesterolemia. Other cardiovascular risk factors were not significantly related to PV or plaque composition. Luminal stenosis of the carotid artery partly reflects the amount of atherosclerotic carotid disease. Plaque volume and plaque composition are associated with cardiovascular risk factors.     

Carotid plaque formation and its evaluation with angiography,ultrasound, and MR angiography

The accurate assessment of carotid artery disease is an important challenge for magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. Studies indicate that the detection and grading of stenosis and the evaluation of plaque morphology are all important steps in the clinical assessment of atherosclerosis. The prevalence of significant carotid artery stenosis in the elderly population and even in patients with symptoms of carotid artery disease is low; clinical risk seems to correlate more closely with plaque morphology and surface characterization than with the degree of stenosis. This highlights the importance of MR angiography and ultrasound, which can help characterize plaque morphology in addition to showing the degree of stenosis. The authors review the present understanding of plaque formation, comparisons of plaque imaging with conventional angiography, ultrasound, and MR angiography, and recent progress in MR angiography techniques. Several studies, including the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial and the European Carotid Surgery Trial, are discussed regarding the current objectives of carotid artery imaging. The sensitivity and specificity of plaque detection and morphologic evaluation continue to improve.     

64层螺旋CT冠状动脉粥样硬化斑块稳定性分析

目的探讨64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像在判别冠心病不同类型间斑块性质方面的价值。方法经冠状动脉造影(CAG)证实明确诊断为冠心病的患者126例,行64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像,并对主要冠状动脉狭窄节段数、狭窄程度以及斑块性质进行比较。结果本组患者冠状动脉评估节段数368个,其中狭窄节段195个(35.4%)。狭窄<50%共98个节段,狭窄50%～75%共71个节段,狭窄>75%共26个节段(左前降支中段、近段、后降支中段、左回旋支近段),其中完全闭塞2个(右冠状动脉近段以远、左回旋支中段以远)。软斑块46个(27.3%),纤维斑块42个(31.5%),混合斑块78个(29.5%),钙化斑块93个(12.6%)。对应斑块测量的CT值分别为软斑块(17±26)HU,纤维斑块(97±35)HU,钙化斑块(489±195)HU。结论 64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像有助于显示斑块性质。     

缺血性脑血管病患者多层螺旋CT血管造影情况分析

目的根据螺旋CT血管造影（CTA）情况,探讨缺血性脑血管病患者颅内外血管粥样硬化斑块的性质、成分和动脉管腔狭窄程度与缺血性脑血管病的关系。方法选择缺血性脑血管病患者45例,经头颈部螺旋CT血管造影（CTA）,分析脑动脉管腔狭窄程度及动脉粥样斑块的性质、成分。结果45例患者中,CTA检出各种斑块（钙化斑、软斑、混合斑）33例（73．3％）,22例（48．8％）有动脉狭窄,血管闭塞5例。颅外动脉狭窄最常见的部位是颈内动脉起始部,颅内动脉狭窄最常见的部位是大脑中动脉M1段。结论缺血性脑血管病患者的颅内外动脉斑块发生率均较高,动脉粥样硬化致血管狭窄前循环发生率高于后循环,Ⅲ、Ⅳ级狭窄动脉相应供血区域大多出现缺血病灶,头颈动脉多层CTA可以准确评价颅内外动脉的病变情况,对脑卒中的二级预防具有重要指导意义。     

DSCTA对颈动脉斑块特征与急性缺血性脑卒中的相关性研究

目的 探讨双源CT血管成像（DSCTA）对颈动脉斑块的诊断价值,评估颈动脉狭窄<50%的斑块特征与急性缺血性脑卒中的关系。方法 选取符合纳入标准患者64例,回顾性分析颈动脉分叉处斑块特征,急性脑卒中侧为实验组,无急性脑卒中侧为对照组。分析内容包括斑块类型、斑块表面形态、钙化分布、钙化数目,对两组颈动脉斑块特征进行统计学分析。结果 实验组颈动脉斑块较对照组更容易出现以下特征且差异有统计学意义,包括非钙化性和混合性斑块出现率更高（Z=-2.39,P=0.02）,斑块表面不规则和溃疡出现率更高（Z=-6.04,P<0.01）,浅层钙化（Z=-2.06,P=0.04）和多发钙化出现率更高（Z=-2.52,P=0.01）。结论 DSCTA可更好的显示斑块特征,颈动脉非钙化性和混合性斑块、斑块表面不规则或溃疡形成、浅层钙化和多发钙化可能为急性缺血性脑卒中的危险因素。     

糖尿病和非糖尿病胸痛患者64层螺旋CT冠状动脉斑块特点的对照研究

目的利用64层螺旋cT冠状动脉造影研究糖尿病和非糖尿病胸痛患者冠状动脉斑块的特点。方法收集120例胸痛患者（糖尿病组60例,非糖尿病组60例）64层螺旋cT冠状动脉造影成像资料,观察2N患者冠状动脉斑块的分布特点与类型,并进行对照研究。并将糖尿病组60例患者根据病程将其分成3组（〈5年,5-10年,〉10年）,并对各组冠状动脉狭窄及斑块性质进行评价。结果本组120例患者共计1800段血管进行分析,其中糖尿病组存在斑块297段,而非糖尿病组存在斑块119段（χ2=99．057,P〈0．01）,糖尿病组单支病变的比例明显少于非糖尿病组,糖尿病组2支及以上的病变发生率明显高于非糖尿病组（P〈0．01）。受累血管段分布中,以左冠前降支受累差异有统计学意义（χ2=5．626,P〈0．05）,而左冠主干、回旋支及右侧冠状动脉均无明显差异。在斑块类型分布中,糖尿病组以软斑块和混合斑块为主（P〈0．05）。60例糖尿病患者中,〈5年组斑块发生率14．2％（64／450）,病变以软斑块为主,管腔以轻度狭窄为主;5～10年组斑块发生率为46．7％（112／240）,病变以混合性斑块为主,管腔呈现中度狭窄为主;〉10年组斑块发生率57．6％（121／210）,病变以混合斑块和钙化斑块为主,管腔多呈中．重度狭窄。结论64层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影能够比较准确地反映糖尿病和非糖尿病胸痛患者的粥样斑块之间的差异,同时能够准确识别斑块分布和特征,进行危险评估,指导临床选择合适的治疗方案。     

颈动脉增强对评价颈动脉斑块稳定性的作用

目的:通过分析颈动脉粥样硬化(AS)血管壁的强化特征,评价血管壁强化程度与斑块稳定性之间的关系.方法:148例临床疑为颈部血管狭窄的患者中61例行CTA、87例行CE-MRA检查,分析斑块的类型并测量邻近血管壁的强化程度以及管腔狭窄程度,评价管壁强化特征与斑块稳定性之间的关系.CTA组部分患者与DSA对照.结果:CTA组:狭窄血管74支,轻度狭窄34支,中度狭窄24支,重度狭窄19支,3支完全闭塞;软斑块32块,硬斑块25块,溃疡斑6块,软斑块处血管壁强化明显高于硬斑块,部分患者与DSA比较,二种检查方法对血管狭窄的显示无显著性差异.CE-MRA组:狭窄血管79支,轻度狭窄28支,中度狭窄33支,重度狭窄13支,5支完全闭塞;软斑块28块,硬斑块49块,血栓2块,软斑块处血管壁强化明显高于硬斑块.结论:CTA和CE-MRA在评价颈动脉粥样硬化斑块的稳定性方面各有优势,能够为临床预测缺血性脑卒中提供非常可靠准确的信息.     

64层螺旋CT血管造影及超声造影评价颈动脉斑块

目的 探讨64层螺旋CT血管造影(MSCTA)及超声造影(CEUS)在评价颈动脉斑块中的价值.资料与方法 37例颈动脉斑块狭窄患者于1周内分别行MSCTA及CEUS检查,分析颈动脉内中膜厚度/颈动脉管壁厚度、狭窄比率、斑块表面形态,采用CEUS观察斑块内新生血管情况,将斑块分为内中膜增厚型、稳定型及易损斑块.结果 37例共51处病变血管,MSCTA:颈动脉管壁增厚9处;斑块42处,其中稳定斑块27处,易损斑块15处.CEUS:颈动脉内中膜增厚11处;斑块40处,其中稳定斑块23处,易损斑块17处.MSCTA:轻度狭窄21处,中度狭窄15处,重度狭窄12处,闭塞3处;CEUS:轻度狭窄20处,中度狭窄16处,重度狭窄13处,闭塞2处.MSCTA与CEUS对颈动脉斑块狭窄(Kappa=0.71,P＜ 0.05)及斑块稳定性(Kappa=0.69,P＜0.05)评价一致性较好.结论 MSCTA与CEUS对评价颈动脉斑块狭窄及斑块稳定性具有较好的一致性.