High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and management of vertebral artery dissection:A case report

BACKGROUND Vertebral artery dissection(VAD)is a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by tearing of the intimal layer of the vertebral artery,leading to stenosis,occlusion or rupture.The clinical presentation of VAD can be heterogeneous,with common symptoms including headache,dizziness and balance problems.Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes;however,VAD is often missed due to its variable clinical presentation and lack of robust diagnostic guidelines.High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(HRMRI)has emerged as a reliable diagnostic tool for VAD,providing detailed visualization of vessel wall abnormalities.CASE SUMMARY A young male patient presented with an acute onset of severe headache,vomiting,and seizures,followed by altered consciousness.Imaging studies revealed bilateral VAD,basilar artery thrombosis,multiple brainstem and cerebellar infarcts,and subarachnoid hemorrhage.Digital subtraction angiography(DSA)revealed vertebral artery stenosis but failed to detect the dissection,potentially because intramural thrombosis obscured the VAD.In contrast,HRMRI confirmed the diagnosis by revealing specific signs of dissection.The patient was managed conservatively with antiplatelet therapy and other supportive measures,such as blood pressure control and pain management.After 5 mo of rehabilitation,the patient showed significant improvement in swallowing and limb strength.CONCLUSION HR-MRI can provide precise evidence for the identification of VAD.

Imaging plaque inflammation in asymptomatic cocaine addicted individuals with simultaneous positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND Chronic cocaine use is associated with stroke, coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, resulting in severe impairments or sudden mortality. In the absence of clear cardiovascular symptoms, individuals with cocaine use disorder (iCUD) seeking addiction treatment receive mostly psychotherapy and psychiatric pharmacotherapy, with no attention to vascular disease (i.e., atherosclerosis). Little is known about the pre-clinical signs of cardiovascular risk in iCUD and early signs of vascular disease are undetected in this underserved population. AIM To assess inflammation, plaque burden and plaque composition in iCUD aiming to detect markers of atherosclerosis and vascular disease. METHODS The bilateral carotid arteries were imaged with positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) in iCUD asymptomatic for cardiovascular disease, healthy controls, and individuals with cardiovascular risk. PET with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) evaluated vascular inflammation and 3-D dark-blood MRI assessed plaque burden including wall area and thickness. Drug use and severity of addiction were assessed with standardized instruments. RESULTS The majority of iCUD and controls had carotid FDG-PET signal greater than 1.6 but lower than 3, indicating the presence of mild to moderate inflammation. However, the MRI measure of wall structure was thicker in iCUD as compared to the controls and cardiovascular risk group, indicating greater carotid plaque burden. iCUD had larger wall area as compared to the healthy controls but not as compared to the cardiovascular risk group, indicating structural wall similarities between the non-control study groups. In iCUD, wall area correlated with greater cocaine withdrawal and craving. CONCLUSION These preliminary results show markers of carotid artery disease burden in cardiovascular disease-asymptomatic iCUD. Broader trials are warranted to develop protocols for early detection of cardiovascular risk and preventive intervention in iCUD.

Investigating the relationship between intracranial atherosclerotic plaque remodelling and diabetes using high-resolution vessel wall imaging

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 INTRODUCTION Intracranial atherosclerotic disease is one of the main causes of ischaemic stroke in the world,accounting for approx-imately 10%of transient ischaemic attacks and 30%-50%of ischaemic strokes[1].It is the most common factor among Asian people[2].The adaptive changes in the structure and function of blood vessels that can adapt to changes in the internal and external environment are called vascular remodelling,which is a common and important pathological mechanism in atherosclerotic diseases,and the remodelling mode of atherosclerotic plaques is closely related to the occurrence of stroke.Positive remodelling(PR)is an outwards compensatory remodelling where the arterial wall grows outwards in an attempt to maintain a constant lumen diameter.For a long time,it was believed that the degree of stenosis can accurately reflect the risk of ischaemic stroke[3-5].Previous studies have revealed that lesions without significant luminal stenosis can also lead to acute events[6,7],as summarized in a recent meta-analysis study in which approximately 50%of acute/subacute ischaemic events were due to this type of lesion[6].Research[8,9]has pointed out that the PR of plaques is more dangerous and more likely to cause acute ischaemic stroke.Previous studies[10-13]have found that there are specific vascular remodelling phenomena in the coronary and carotid arteries of diabetic patients.However,due to the deep location and small lumen of intracranial arteries and limitations of imaging techniques,the relationship between intracranial arterial remodelling and diabetes is still unclear.In recent years,with the development of magnetic resonance technology and the emergence of high-resolution(HR)vascular wall imaging,a clear and multidimensional display of the intracranial vascular wall has been achieved.Therefore,in this study,HR wall imaging(HR-VWI)was used to display the remodelling characteristics of bilateral middle cerebral arteries and basilar arteries and to explore the factors of intracranial vascular remodelling and its relationship with diabetes.

Angioplasty and stenting for severe vertebral artery orifice stenosis: effects on cerebellar function remodeling verified by blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging

Vertebral artery orifice stenting may improve blood supply of the posterior circulation of the brain to regions such as the cerebellum and brainstem. However, previous studies have mainly focused on recovery of cerebral blood flow and perfusion in the posterior circulation after interventional therapy. This study examined the effects of functional recovery of local brain tissue on cerebellar function remodeling using blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic reso- nance imaging before and after interventional therapy. A total of 40 Chinese patients with severe unilateral vertebral artery orifice stenosis were enrolled in this study. Patients were equally and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The control group received drug treat- ment only. The intervention group received vertebral artery orifice angioplasty and stenting ＋ identical drug treatment to the control group. At 13 days after treatment, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory score was compared between the intervention and control groups. Cerebellar function remodeling was observed between the two groups using blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging. The improvement in dizziness handicap and cerebellar function was more obvious in the intervention group than in the control group. Interventional therapy for severe vertebral artery orifice stenosis may effectively promote cerebellar function remodeling and exert neuroprotective effects.

High-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Moyamoya Disease

Objective： To introduce the imaging characteristics of moyamoya disease （MMD） using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging （HR-MRI） and to discuss the role of HR-MRI in differentiating MMD from other intracranial artery diseases, especially intracranial atherosclerotic disease （ICAD）. Data Sources： This review was based on the data in articles published between 2005 and 2015, which were obtained from PubMed. The keywords included HR-MRI, MMD, ICAD, and intracranial artery diseases. Study Selection： Articles related to HR-MRI for MMD or other intracranial artery diseases were selected for review. Results： There are differences between the characteristic patterns of HR-MRI in MMD and ICAD. MMD is associated with inward remodeling, smaller outer diameters, concentric occlusive lesions and homogeneous signal intensity, while ICAD is more likely to be associated with outward remodeling, normal outer diameters, eccentric occlusive lesions, and heterogeneous signal intensity. Other intracranial artery diseases, such as dissection and vasculitis, also have distinctive characteristics in HR-MRI. HR-MRI may become a useful tool for the differential diagnosis of MMD in the future. Conclusions： HR-MRI of MMD provides a more in-depth understanding of MMD, and it is helpful in evaluating pathological changes in the vessel wall and in differentiating MMD from other intracranial artery steno-occlusive diseases, particularly ICAD.以

Magnetic resonance imaging features of vulnerable plaques in an atherosclerotic rabbit model

Background Noninvasive detection of vulnerable plaque has a significant implication for prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic disea±ses. The aim of this study is to investigate the difference between vulnerable plaques and stable plaques in magnetic resonance （MR） images. Methods Atherosclerosis was induced in twenty male New Zealand white rabbits by high cholesterol diet and balloon injury of the abdominal aorta. After baseline （pre-triggering） MR imaging （MRI） scan, the rabbits underwent pharmaceutical triggering with Russell＇s viper venom and histamine to induce atherothrombosis, followed by another MRI scan 48 hours later （post-triggering）. Rabbits were euthanized to obtain pathological and histological data. The results of MRI were compared with those of pathology and histology. Results MRI showed that abdominal aorta of the rabbits had pathological change of atherosclerosis in different degrees. Seventy-five plaques were analysed, among which 14 had vulnerable thrombi and 61 stable. Thrombosis was identified in 7 of 11 rabbits by post-triggering MRI, the sensitivity and K value of MR in detection of vulnerable plaque was 71% and 0.803 （P 〈0.05）. MRI data significantly correlated with the histopathological data in fibrous cap thickness （t=0.749） plaque area （t=0.853）, lipid core area （r=0.900）. Compared with stable plaques, vulnerable plaques had a significantly thinner fibrous cap （（0.58±0.27） mm vs. （0.95±0.22） mm）, larger lipid core area （（7.56±2.78） mm2 vs. （3.29±1.75） mm2）, and a higher ratio of lipid core area/plaque area （（55±16）% vs. （27±17）%）, but plaque area was comparable in two groups on MRI. The ratio of lipid core area/plaque area was a strong predictor of vulnerable plaques. Conclusion MRI could distinguish vulnerable plaques from stable plaques in a rabbit model of atherothrombosis and may thus be useful as a noninvasive modality for detection of vulnerable plaques in humans.

Non-invasive assessment of intracranial wall shear stress using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in combination with computational fluid dynamics technique

In vivo studies on association between wall shear stress(WSS)and intracranial plaque are deficient.Based on the three-dimensional T1-weighted high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(3DT1 HR-MRI)data of patients with low-grade stenotic(<50%)atherosclerotic middle cerebral artery(MCA)and subjects with normal MCA,we built a three-dimensional reconstructed WSS model by computational fluid dynamics(CFD)technique.Three-dimensional registration of the CFD model to the HR-MRI was performed with projections based on the resolution and thickness of the images.The relationships between the Wss at each side of the vessel wall and plaque location were analyzed.A total of 94 MCA plaques from 43 patients and 50 normal MCAs were analyzed.In the normal MCAs,WSS was lower at the ventral-inferior wall than at the dorsal-superior wall(proximal segment,p<0.001;middle segment,p<0.001)and lower at the inner wall than at the outer wall of the MCA curve(p<0.001).In atherosclerotic MCAs,similar low Wss regions were observed where plaques developed.The WSS ratio of the ventral-inferior wall to the dorsal-superior wall in atherosclerotic MCAs was lower than that in normal MCAs(p=0.002).The WSS_(inmer-outer)ratio in atherosclerotic MCAs was lower than that in normal MCAs(p=0.002).Low WSS was associated with MCA atherosclerosis formation and occurred mainly at the ventral inferior wall,which was anatomically opposite the orifices of penetrating arteries,and at the inner wall of the MCA curve.Overall,the results were well consistent with the low WSS theory in atherosclerosis formation.The reconstructed WSS model is a promising novel method for assessing an individualized vascular profile once validated by further studies.

igh-resolution Magnetic Resonance Vessel Wall Imaging for Intracranial Arterial Stenosis

Objective： To discuss the feasibility and clinical value of high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging （HRMR VWI） for intracranial arterial stenosis. Date Sources： We retrieved information from PubMed database up to December 2015, using various search terms including vessel wall imaging （VWI）, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging, intracranial arterial stenosis, black blood, and intracranial atherosclerosis. Study Selection： We reviewed peer-reviewed articles printed in English on imaging technique of VWI and characteristic findings of various intracranial vasculopathies on VWI. We organized this data to explain the value of VWI in clinical application. Results： VWI with black blood technique could provide high-quality images with submillimeter voxel size, and display both the vessel wall and lumen of intracranial artery simultaneously. Various intracranial vasculopathies （atherosclerotic or nonatherosclerotic） had differentiating features including pattern of wall thickening, enhancement, and vessel remodeling on VWI. This technique could be used for determining causes of stenosis, identification of stroke mechanism, risk-stratifying patients, and directing therapeutic management in clinical practice. In addition, a new morphological classification based on VWI could be established for predicting the efficacy of endovascular therapy. Conclusions： This review highlights the value of HRMR VWI for discrimination of different intracranial vasculopathies and directing therapeutic management.

Atherosclerosis imaging using 3D black blood TSE SPACE vs 2D TSE

AIM: To compare 3D Black Blood turbo spin echo(TSE)sampling perfection with application-optimized contrast using different flip angle evolution(SPACE) vs 2D TSE in evaluating atherosclerotic plaques in multiple vascular territories. METHODS: The carotid, aortic, and femoral arterial walls of 16 patients at risk for cardiovascular or atherosclerotic disease were studied using both 3D black blood magnetic resonance imaging SPACE and conventional 2D multi-contrast TSE sequences using a consolidated imaging approach in the same imaging session. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed on the images. Agreement of morphometric measurements between the two imaging sequences was assessed using a two-sample t-test, calculation of the intra-class correlation coefficient and by the method of linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses. RESULTS: No statistically significant qualitative differences were found between the 3D SPACE and 2D TSE techniques for images of the carotids and aorta. For images of the femoral arteries, however, there were statistically significant differences in all four qualitative scores between the two techniques. Using the current approach, 3D SPACE is suboptimal for femoral imaging. However, this may be due to coils not being optimized for femoral imaging. Quantitatively, in our study, higher mean total vessel area measurements for the 3D SPACE technique across all three vascular beds were observed. No significant differences in lumen area for both the right and left carotids were observed between the two techniques. Overall, a significant-correlation existed between measures obtained between the two approaches. CONCLUSION: Qualitative and quantitative measurements between 3D SPACE and 2D TSE techniques are comparable. 3D-SPACE may be a feasible approach in the evaluation of cardiovascular patients.

Non-invasive detection of vulnerable coronary plaque

Critical coronary stenosis have been shown to contribute to only a minority of acute coronary syndromes and sudden cardiac death.Autopsy studies have identified a subgroup of high-risk patients with disrupted vulnerable plaque and modest stenosis.Consequently,a clinical need exists to develop methods to identify these plaques prospectively before disruption and clinical expression of disease.Recent advances in invasive and non-invasive imaging techniques have shown the potential to identify these high-risk plaques.Non-invasive imaging with magnetic resonance imaging,computed tomography and positron emission tomography holds the potential to differentiate between low-and highrisk plaques.There have been significant technological advances in non-invasive imaging modalities,and the aim is to achieve a diagnostic sensitivity for these technologies similar to that of the invasive modalities.Molecular imaging with the use of novel targeted nanoparticles may help in detecting high-risk plaques that will ultimately cause acute myocardial infarction.Moreover,nanoparticle-based imaging may even provide non-invasive treatments for these plaques.However,at present none of these imaging modalities are able to detect vulnerable plaque nor have they been shown to definitively predict outcome.Further trials are needed to provide more information regarding the natural history of high-risk but non-flow-limiting plaque to establish patient specific targeted therapy and to refine plaque stabilizing strategies in the future.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Atherosclerotic Lesion with New Devised Animal Surface Coil

The ability of dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(DCE MRI) with a new devised animal surface coil was analyzed in identifying atherosclerotic plaques in the rabbit medium-sized iliac artery(IA).Then a comparative analysis of multi-detector computed tomography(MDCT) and DCE MRI was done in discerning morphology and components of 80 atherosclerotic plaques identified by histopathology.It shows that the DCE MRI may be an emerging noninvasive and economic way to characterize atherosclerotic plaques at present.What's more, a new devised animal surface coil would further improve the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) and the quality of imaging.However, CT angiography(CTA) may be better than MR angiography(MRA) in detecting vessel stenosis.

Imaging related to underlying immunological and pathological processes in COVID-19

The introduction of coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)as a global pandemic has contributed to overall morbidity and mortality.With a focus on understanding the immunology and pathophysiology of the disease,these features can be linked with the respective findings of imaging studies.Thus,the constellation between clinical presentation,histological,laboratory,immunological,and imaging results is crucial for the proper management of patients.The purpose of this article is to examine the role of imaging during the particular stages of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection–asymptomatic stage,typical and atypical COVID-19 pneumonia,acute respiratory distress syndrome,multiorgan failure,and thrombosis.The use of imaging methods to assess the severity and duration of changes is crucial in patients with COVID-19.Radiography and computed tomography are among the methods that allow accurate characterization of changes.

Coronary artery plaque imaging:Comparison of black-blood MRI and 64-multidetector computed tomography

Objective: To comparatively evaluate black-blood coronary arterial wall MRI and 64-multidetector computed tomography (64-MDCT) for detection and classification of coronary artery plaques. Methods: We included 15 patients with confirmed coronary artery plaques in the proximal or middle segments of coronary arteries by 64-MDCT, who underwent black-blood coronary wall MRI at 1.5 T within 10 days. Cross-sectional coronary wall images were acquired using a 2D double-inversion-recovery, electrocardiograph-triggered, navigator-gated, fat-suppressed, turbo-spin-echo sequence on the coronary arteries with lesions from the ostium to the middle segment continuously without gap. The vessel cross-sectional area (CSA), luminal CSA, maximal wall thickness, plaque burden, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were measured in each slice and subsequently compared with computed tomography angiography (CTA) images. CTA images were divided into 5-mm segments for side-by-side comparison with MRI. Results: Of the 15 patients, 12 were enrolled in the study. Coronary plaques were found in 46 slices on both CTA and MRI. Plaques were classified to 3 groups based on CTA:calcified plaques (n ? 11), soft plaques (n ? 23), and mixed plaques (n ? 12). In MRI, the plaque burden, maximal wall thickness, SNR, and CNR in the coronary walls containing plaques were greater than in the normal coronary walls (0.83 ± 0.08 vs. 0.73 ± 0.08, 1.88 ± 0.51 vs. 1.51 ± 0.26 mm, 12.95 ± 2.78 vs. 9.93 ± 2.31, and 6.76 ± 2.52 vs. 3.89 ± 1.54, respectively;P<0.05). The luminal CSA at the plaque was smaller than in normal coronary walls (2.50 ± 1.50 vs. 4.72 ± 2.28 mm2;P<0.05). The SNR in the soft plaque was significantly greater than in calcified and mixed plaques (P<0.05). Conclusions: Coronary wall MRI can identify coronary plaques in the proximal and middle segments and has the potential to differentiate plaque types based on signal intensity.

MR血管壁成像技术在脑动脉硬化患者中的应用及斑块特征分析

目的 探讨高分辨率血管壁成像技术(high-resolution vessel wall imaging,HR-VWI)在脑动脉硬化患者中的应用及斑块特征。方法 选取我院就诊的疑似脑动脉硬化患者120例,均行多层螺旋CT(multi slice spiral,MSCT)及HRVWI扫描,比较两种扫描技术对脑动脉硬化患者斑块的检出率,并比较轻、中、重度患者之间的差异。再将MRI检出患者分为无症状组56例和有症状组54例,利用MRI软件处理系统,比较两组患者血管和斑块量化指标,如斑块狭窄率、斑块负荷、重构指数、斑块稳定性等。结果 与MSCT相比,HR-VWI可准确检测出有症状组和无症状组患者斑块特征、血管重构率、狭窄率、斑块负荷、斑块稳定性,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);HR-VWI对非钙化斑块的检出率较高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 MRI HR-VWI技术对脑动脉硬化的诊断效能较高,可准确检测出脑动脉硬化患者的硬化斑块,并能准确分析斑块特征。

基于临床数据和HR-MRI相关参数构建脑梗死发生的预测模型

目的基于临床数据和血管壁成像技术构建颅内动脉粥样硬化(ICAS)斑块形成所致脑梗死(ACI)的预测模型。方法选取2018-02—2022-06廊坊市人民医院的ICAS斑块形成患者204例,根据是否发生ACI分为观察组(80例)与对照组(124例),所有患者均行高分辨率磁共振血管壁成像(HR-MRI)检查,收集并比较2组患者的临床数据、HR-MRI影像表现及参数,采用LASSO-Logistic回归分析ACI发生的危险因素,绘制Nomogram预测模型。结果观察组合并高血压、糖尿病比例及D-D、UA、Hcy水平高于对照组(P<0.05)。观察组斑块内出血、斑块负荷、斑块体积、重塑指数、偏心指数、最狭窄层面斑块强化率、斑块整体强化率高于对照组(P<0.05)。LASSO初筛出9个因素:高血压、糖尿病、D-D、Hcy、斑块负荷、重塑指数、偏心指数、最狭窄层面斑块强化率、斑块整体强化率,Logistic回归分析显示以上9个因素均是ICAS斑块形成所致ACI的独立危险因素(P<0.05),据此构建ICAS斑块形成所致ACI的Nomogram预测模型,该模型C-index为0.944,ROC曲线显示该模型预测ICAS斑块形成所致ACI的AUC为0.913(0.857~0.972),校准图分析显示该模型校准度为0.888。结论基于临床数据和HR-MRI相关参数构建ICAS斑块形成所致ACI的预测模型具有可行性,且预测效能较为可靠,能为临床开展防治工作提供指导。

症状性颈动脉粥样硬化斑块与缺血性卒中后短期mRS评分的相关性

目的 使用高分辨磁共振血管壁成像(high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging,HR-VWI)检查分析症状性颈动脉粥样硬化斑块构成与首次发生缺血性卒中患者进行卒中二级预防3个月后mRS评分的相关性,为此类患者的预后评价提供理论依据。材料与方法 2022年11月至2023年6月,在石河子大学第一附属医院招募出现缺血性卒中症状并在症状侧存在颈动脉粥样硬化斑块的患者。将其中符合纳入及排除标准且完成了3个月卒中二级预防的患者连续入组本研究并进行改良Rankin量表(modified Rankin Scale,mRS)评分,根据mRS评分将入组患者分为不良预后组(mRS≥2)和良好预后组(mRS<2)。比较两组患者的临床数据、首次HR-VWI检查的斑块成分和卒中二级预防3个月后的斑块成分。分析斑块中不同成分与mRS评分的相关性。结果 共计入组66例(不良预后组39例,良好预后组27例),两组患者的临床资料差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。首次检查中,不良预后组含有斑块内出血的比例高于良好预后组(P<0.05),良好预后组斑块内存在钙化的比例以及钙化体积均大于不良预后组(P<0.05);卒中二级预防3个月后,不良预后组和良好预后组间含有斑块内出血的比例无明显差异(P>0.05),良好预后组中斑块内存在钙化的比例更大、钙化体积更大(P<0.05)。结论 症状性颈动脉粥样硬化斑块中的钙化及钙化体积与首次发生缺血性卒中患者进行卒中二级预防3个月后mRS评分具有相关性;症状初期行HR-VWI检查可对因颈动脉粥样硬化斑块发生缺血性卒中患者的预后评价提供理论依据。

颈动脉高分辨磁共振血管壁成像对缺血性脑卒中发生及复发诊断价值的Meta分析

目的 基于Meta分析颈动脉高分辨磁共振血管壁成像对缺血性脑卒中发生及复发的诊断价值。材料与方法 检索Web of Science、Embase、The Cochrane Library、Medline、PubMed、中国知网、万方、维普数据库中发表的高分辨磁共振血管壁成像(high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging, HR-VWI)评估缺血性脑卒中发生及复发的相关研究,检索时间为建库至2024年2月。根据纳入和排除标准筛选文献。使用固定效应模型计算和合并不同颈动脉易损斑块特征的比值比(odds ratio, OR)或风险比(hazard ratio, HR),以Stata 17.0和RevMan 5.6进行Meta分析。结果 17篇文章符合纳入标准。在8项回顾性研究中,斑块内出血(OR=1.92,95%CI:1.46~2.52)、斑块富含脂质的坏死核(OR=2.78,95%CI:1.84~4.18)、斑块钙化(OR=1.26,95%CI:0.99~1.61)、斑块纤维帽破裂(OR=1.64,95%CI:1.06~2.52)与缺血性脑卒中发生显著相关;在9项前瞻性研究中,斑块内出血(HR=6.88,95%CI:4.46~10.61)、斑块富含脂质的坏死核(HR=1.78,95%CI:0.87~3.65)、斑块纤维帽破裂(HR=3.01,95%CI:1.53~5.93)与缺血性脑卒中复发显著相关。结论 HR-VWI可以准确评估颈动脉斑块成分特征,这些特征与缺血性脑卒中发生及复发有显著相关性。由于缺乏原始研究,未来需要对颈动脉斑块进行大样本量的队列研究,通过对颈动脉粥样硬化斑块特征的评估,进一步提供缺血性脑卒中发生及复发的早期精准预测和临床治疗指导。

大脑中动脉粥样硬化斑块易损性与脑白质高信号的相关性研究

目的:通过对比分析基于Fazekas评分的不同严重程度脑白质高信号(WMHs)患者的大脑中动脉管壁改变和斑块特征,探讨斑块易损性参数与脑白质高信号严重程度的相关性。方法:将2021年5月-2023年5月本院收治的因怀疑大脑中动脉粥样硬化斑块而行常规序列颅脑MR扫描及大脑中动脉M1段高分辨管壁成像检查的99例住院患者纳入本研究。基于颅脑MRI平扫图像,根据改良Fazekas评分标准将患者分为2组:无和轻度WMHs组(Fazekas 0~2分)57例,中重度WMHs组(Fazekas 3~6分)42例。采用两独立样本t检验、非参数Mann-Whitney U检验和卡方分析比较两组之间血管狭窄程度、斑块分布、管壁重构模式、斑块内出血和斑块负荷等易损性参数的差异。采用Spearman相关分析和二元logistic回归分析确定易损斑块与WMHs之间的关系。结果:年龄及血脂异常和斑块内出血占比在两组间的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),中和重度WMHs组患者年龄更大,血脂异常更常见,斑块内出血比例更高。相关性分析显示,年龄,血脂异常和斑块内出血均与白质高信号等级呈正相关(r=0.276、0.215、0.321,P均<0.05)。二元logistics回归分析结果显示年龄和斑块内出血是WMHs严重程度的独立危险因素[OR=1.083(1.030,1.139),P=0.002;OR=4.991(1.459,17.072),P=0.010]。结论:年龄、血脂异常和斑块内出血与WMHs严重程度相关,年龄和斑块内出血是WMHs严重程度的独立影响因素,提示颅内大动脉粥样硬化易损性斑块与脑小血管病具有相关性,有助于指导临床制订个性化的治疗方案。

HR-MRI评估血浆同型半胱氨酸水平对脑缺血颅内动脉粥样硬化斑块特征的影响

目的利用高分辨率磁共振成像(HR-MRI)评估不同血浆同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)水平对脑缺血患者颅内动脉斑块易损特征的影响。方法选择因急性脑梗死或短暂性脑缺血发作而入院的患者216例,其中男性164例,女性52例;年龄18~80岁,平均年龄57.28岁;吸烟史98例,饮酒史55例;高血压153例,糖尿病67例,冠心病19例,高脂血症62例。根据血浆Hcy水平分为正常、轻度升高、中重度升高3组。用HR-MRI评估颅内斑块易损特征。二元逻辑回归或多重线性回归用以分析血浆Hcy水平与颅内斑块强强化、斑块内出血及管腔狭窄的相关性。结果216例症状性颅内动脉粥样硬化狭窄患者,其中血浆Hcy正常95例,血浆Hcy轻度升高86例,血浆Hcy中重度升高35例。3组间斑块强强化、斑块内出血的患病率和狭窄程度呈增加趋势[斑块强强化:42.1%(40/95)vs 67.4%(58/86)vs 71.4%(25/35);斑块内出血:6.3%(6/95)vs 7.0%(6/86)vs 20.0%(7/35);管腔狭窄率:62.88%vs 68.05%vs 76.10%。P<0.05]。调整临床变量(包括年龄、性别、饮酒、吸烟、冠心病、糖尿病、高血压、高脂血症)后,与血浆Hcy正常组相比,血浆Hcy中重度升高是颅内斑块强强化[比值比(OR)=3.647,95%可信区间(CI)1.491~8.926,P=0.005]及斑块内出血(OR=4.298,95%CI 1.155~15.994,P=0.030)的独立预测因子。血浆Hcy轻度升高也与斑块强强化(OR=3.188,95%CI 1.676~6.066,P<0.001)独立相关。多重线性回归模型显示血浆Hcy升高与管腔狭窄率(B=0.320,β=0.192,P=0.006)呈正相关。结论血浆Hcy不同程度升高可能作为颅内动脉粥样硬化斑块易损性的潜在诊断生物标志物。Hcy中重度升高可能导致斑块易损程度进一步恶化,应在临床管理中更积极的干预。

MRI技术评估颅内动脉粥样硬化疾病的研究进展

颅内动脉粥样硬化性疾病(intracranial atherosclerotic disease,ICAD)具有高发病率及高复发率。近年来随着磁共振成像技术的快速发展,新兴扫描方案及技术手段层出不穷,从管腔、管壁、脑组织灌注及血流动力学等多角度对ICAD的多模态方式也成为国内外脑卒中研究的热点。本文综合了目前临床常用的MRI技术,从形态到功能对ICAD研究进展进行综述,主要探讨各种技术在诊断管腔狭窄、易损斑块特征以及脑组织灌注等方面的能力及差异,为临床医师提供ICAD形态和功能方面的信息,可作为诊断、鉴别诊断、风险预测和治疗评估的参考。