Risk Factors for Co-existing Extracranial Carotid and Intracranial Artery High-Risk Atherosclerotic Plaques: A MR Imaging Study

Motivation: Atherosclerosis is a systematic disease that usually affects multiple vascular beds. High-risk atherosclerotic plaques (HRPs) more likely lead to ischemic events. Determination of risk factors for co-existing HRPs is important for clinical management. Goal(s): Our goal was to determine the risk factors for co-existing extracranial carotid and intracranial artery HRPs using MR vessel wall imaging (VWI). Approach: All patients underwent carotid and intracranial artery MR-VWI to identify HRPs. The associations between risk factors and co-existing extracranial carotid and intracranial artery HRPs were analyzed. Results: We found that diabetes and family history of cardiovascular disease are independent risk factors for co-existing HRPs. Impact: To identify the risk factors for co-existing extracranial carotid and intracranial artery HRPs is valuable for precision management and prevention of future adverse events.