Luca Saba MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Max Wintermark MD, Abstract Co-Author: Research Grant, General Electric Company Research Grant, Koninklijke Philips NV

Bruce A. Wasserman MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michele Anzidei MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Roberto Montisci MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Carotid plaque morphology and composition play an important role in the embolic risk and should be considered as key parameters for the choice of the therapeutical approach. Nowadays, imaging techniques can identify and characterize a carotid vulnerable plaque and in particular the use molecular imaging and multi-spectral CT imaging allows to precisely distinguishing plaque components and characteristics. A “vulnerable plaque” is considered an atherosclerotic plaquewith a tendency to rupture, resulting in embolization or thrombosis. In this exhibit our purpose was to understand the physiopathology of vulnerable plaque and to review CT, MR, US and Nuclear Medicine (NM) imaging findings of carotid vulnerable plaque with histological correlation.

1) Classification of plaque type 2) Elements associated to the plaque instability: type of plaque, thrombus, intra-plaque haemorrhages, ulcerations, fissured fibrous caps. 3) MR, CT, US and NM imaging findings with histological comparison of carotid vulnerable plaque. 4) Limits and potentialities of MR, CT, US and NM. 5) Algorithm for the automated plaque analysis 6) Presentation of advanced techniques like molecular imaging and multi-spectral CT imaging. 7) Diagnostic flow chart in the assessment of carotid vulnerable plaque

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14016993/14016993_lvsf.pdf

Saba, L, Wintermark, M, Wasserman, B, Anzidei, M, Montisci, R, Imaging of Carotid Artery Vulnerable Plaque.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14016993.html