Quantitative assessment of carotid plaques vulnerability based on neovascularization and macrophage inflammation by hybrid PET/MR

Motivation: Rupture of carotid plaque is the primary cause of cerebral infarction. Inflammation may cause the occurrence, development and rupture of atherosclerotic plaque, but its physiological mechanism and relationship with the outcome of plaque are poorly understood. Goal(s): To quantitatively evaluate the correlation between neovascularization and macrophage inflammation in carotid plaques, further to evaluate the vulnerability of carotid artery plaque. Approach: Patients with transient ischemic attack or minor stroke in the carotid territory and ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis underwent hybrid PET/MR scan and histological examination. Results: Hybrid PET/MR systems could quantitatively evaluate the correlation between neovascularization and macrophage inflammation in carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Impact: Reveal the vulnerable characteristics of neovascularization and inflammation within plaques, elucidate the correlation between the two and the pathophysiological mechanisms of plaque vulnerability, achieve early imaging warning, and effectively prevente the occurrence of ischemic stroke.