Imaging of the Fibrous Cap in Atherosclerotic Carotid Plaque
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, Department of Radiology (Italy)
- Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Radiology (Netherlands)
In the last two decades, a substantial number of articles have been published to provide diagnostic solutions for patients with carotid atherosclerotic disease. These articles have resulted in a shift of opinion regarding the identification of stroke risk in patients with carotid atherosclerotic disease. In the recent past, the degree of carotid artery stenosis was the sole determinant for performing carotid intervention (carotid endarterectomy or carotid stenting) in these patients. We now know that the degree of stenosis is only one marker for future cerebrovascular events. If one wants to determine the risk of these events more accurately, other parameters must be taken into account; among these parameters are plaque composition, presence and state of the fibrous cap (FC), intraplaque haemorrhage, plaque ulceration, and plaque location. In particular, the FC is an important structure for the stability of the plaque, and its rupture is highly associated with a recent history of transient ischaemic attack or stroke. The subject of this review is imaging of the FC.
- OSTI ID:
- 21428948
- Journal Information:
- Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Journal Name: Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 33; ISSN 0174-1551; ISSN CAIRDG
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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