Department of Radiology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, 1-1-1 Miwa, Kurashiki, 710-8602, Japan.
Neuroradiology. 2010 Apr;52(4):253-74. doi: 10.1007/s00234-010-0663-z. Epub 2010 Feb 13.
Atherosclerotic carotid plaque represents a major cause of cerebral ischemia. The detection of vulnerable plaque is important for preventing future cardiovascular events. The key factors in advanced plaque that are most likely to lead to patient complications are the condition of the fibrous cap, the size of the necrotic core and hemorrhage, and the extent of inflammatory activity within the plaque. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has excellent soft tissue contrast and can allow for a more accurate and objective estimation of carotid wall morphology and plaque composition. Recent advances in MR imaging techniques have permitted serial monitoring of atherosclerotic disease evolution and the identification of intraplaque risk factors for accelerated progression. The purpose of this review article is to review the current state of techniques of carotid wall MR imaging and the characterization of plaque components and surface morphology with MR imaging, and to describe the clinical practice of carotid wall MR imaging for the determination of treatment plan.
动脉粥样硬化性颈动脉斑块是脑缺血的主要原因。易损斑块的检测对于预防未来的心血管事件非常重要。导致斑块患者并发症的高级斑块的关键因素是纤维帽的状况、坏死核心和出血的大小以及斑块内炎症活动的程度。磁共振（MR）成像具有出色的软组织对比度，可以更准确、客观地评估颈动脉壁形态和斑块成分。MR 成像技术的最新进展允许对动脉粥样硬化疾病的演变进行连续监测，并识别斑块内加速进展的风险因素。本文综述了颈动脉壁磁共振成像技术的现状，以及磁共振成像对斑块成分和表面形态的特征描述，并描述了颈动脉壁磁共振成像在确定治疗方案中的临床应用。
