Correlation of carotid atheromatous plaque inflammation using USPIO-enhanced MR imaging with degree of luminal stenosis

Abstract

Background and purpose: Inflammation is a recognized risk factor for the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque. The study explores the relationship between the degree of Magnetic Resonance (MR)-defined inflammation using Ultra Small Super-Paramagnetic Iron Oxide (USPIO) particles and the severity of luminal stenosis in asymptomatic carotid plaques.

Methods: Seventy-one patients with an asymptomatic carotid stenosis of > or = 40% underwent multi-sequence USPIO-enhanced MR imaging. Stenosis severity was measured according to the NASCET and ECST methods.

Results: No demonstrable relationship between inflammation as measured by USPIO-enhanced signal change and the degree of luminal stenosis was found.

Conclusions: Inflammation and stenosis are likely to be independent risk factors, although this needs to be further validated.