Carotid Plaque Composition and Cerebral Infarction: MR Imaging Study
Mohamed Ouhlousa,
H. Zwenneke Flacha,
Thomas T. de Weerta,
Johanna M. Hendriksb,
Marc R. H. M. van Sambeekb,
Diederik W. J. Dippelc,
Peter M. T. Pattynamaa and
Aad van der Lugta
a Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
b Department of Vascular Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
c Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
View larger version (92K):
[in a new window]
|
FIG 1. Axial lack-blood fast spin-echo images of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and external carotid artery (ECA). Comparison of images reveals no changes in relative signal intensity of the plaque. Hyperintense region is fibrous tissue, and hypointense spots are calcifications.
A, Proton density-weighted image. L = lumen.
B, Corresponding T2-weighted image. Plaque in the ICA is mainly hyperintense, with hypointense spots.
| |
View larger version (200K):
[in a new window]
|
FIG 2. Axial lack-blood fast spin-echo images of the ICA (arrow). Plaque in the ICA is hyperintense. L = lumen.
A and B, Proton density-weighted (A) and corresponding T2-weighted (B) images. Large region of the plaque has intermediate signal intensity, with hyperintense edges.
C and D, Another patient. Proton density-weighted (C) and corresponding T2-weighted (D) images. Plaque in the ICA has a large region of intermediate signal intensity, which is relatively decreased in D, while the rest of the plaque remains hyperintense.
| |
View larger version (47K):
[in a new window]
|
FIG 3. t-FLAIR images of the brain.
A, Cortical infarct in the territory of the left middle cerebral artery.
B, Centrum semiovale infarct (arrow) in the left hemisphere.
C, White matter lesion (arrow) in the right hemisphere.
| |
