From the Department of Radiology (R.C., A.B., L.S.), Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), Cagliari, Italy.
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (N.A.), Milan, Italy.
AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2024 Nov 7;45(11):1635-1641. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A8300.
Vascular inflammation is widely recognized as an important factor in the atherosclerotic process, particularly in terms of plaque development and progression. Conventional tests, such as measuring circulating inflammatory biomarkers, lack the precision to identify specific areas of vascular inflammation. In this context, noninvasive imaging modalities can detect perivascular fat changes, serving as a marker of vascular inflammation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key concepts related to perivascular carotid fat and its pathophysiology. Additionally, we examine the existing literature on the association of pericarotid fat with features of plaque vulnerability and cerebrovascular events. Finally, we scrutinize the advantages and limitations of the noninvasive assessment of pericarotid fat.
血管炎症被广泛认为是动脉粥样硬化过程中的一个重要因素,特别是在斑块的形成和进展方面。传统的检测方法,如测量循环炎症生物标志物,缺乏识别血管炎症特定区域的精确性。在这种情况下,无创成像方式可以检测血管周围脂肪的变化,作为血管炎症的标志物。本综述旨在全面概述与血管周围颈动脉脂肪及其病理生理学相关的关键概念。此外,我们还研究了血管周围脂肪与斑块脆弱性和脑血管事件特征相关的现有文献。最后,我们仔细研究了评估血管周围脂肪的无创方法的优缺点。