Diagnostic Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluating Carotid Artery Atherosclerotic Plaque Morphology

Magnetic Resonance Imaging has the ability to describe vessel wall thickness, plaque structure, distinguish fibrotic, fatty, calcific or hemorrhagic contents with excellent soft tissue contrast. Our aim in this study is determine symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid morphology imaging properties. We tried understand whether components images match histopathological sections. MRI was performed 37 patients known have stenosis endarterectomy decision been taken. 24 were 13 for disease. A surface coil used MRI; 5 cm of segment imaged bifurcation middle. Necrotic core, fibrous cap, hemorrhage, calcification intraluminal thrombus determined MR images. After surgery, specimens evaluated by a pathologist who blind radiological findings. All (necrotic cap) can be separated from each-other MRI. core detected 87.9% on No significant difference found between cases terms rate dimensions necrotic The presence did not show cases. sensitivity detecting in-plaque hemorrhage calculated as 82.3% specificity 68.75%. rates interpreted distinguishing without bleeding. Fibrous cap more preserved patients. structure atheroma distinguished each other statistical results expected performance mainly due small number cases, which main limitation study.