PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - J. Yuan AU - A. Usman AU - T. Das AU - A.J. Patterson AU - J.H. Gillard AU - M.J. Graves TI - Imaging Carotid Atherosclerosis Plaque Ulceration: Comparison of Advanced Imaging Modalities and Recent Developments AID - 10.3174/ajnr.A5026 DP - 2016 Dec 22 TA - American Journal of Neuroradiology 4099 - http://www.ajnr.org/content/early/2016/12/22/ajnr.A5026.short 4100 - http://www.ajnr.org/content/early/2016/12/22/ajnr.A5026.full AB - SUMMARY: Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of long-term mortality and morbidity worldwide, despite remarkable advancement in its management. Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques are principally responsible for thromboembolic events in various arterial territories such as carotid, coronary, and lower limb vessels. Carotid plaque ulceration is one of the key features associated with plaque vulnerability and is considered a notable indicator of previous plaque rupture and possible future cerebrovascular events. Multiple imaging modalities have been used to assess the degree of carotid plaque ulceration for diagnostic and research purposes. Early diagnosis and management of carotid artery disease could prevent further cerebrovascular events. In this review, we highlight the merits and limitations of various imaging techniques for identifying plaque ulceration.AbbreviationsCE-MRAcontrast-enhanced MRACDUScolor Doppler ultrasoundCEUScontrast-enhanced ultrasoundUSultrasoundXRAx-ray contrast angiography