Correlating Ex Vivo Carotid Calcification Measurements With Cerebrovascular Symptoms: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Rachel M. Cahalane, Julie M. O'Brien, Eamon G. Kavanagh, Michael A. Moloney, Fiona C. Leahy, Michael T. Walsh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the ability of ex vivo derived Agatston, Volume, and Density-Volume calcium scores or calcium density measurements to differentiate between carotid plaques based on preoperative cerebrovascular symptomatology. Methods: Thirty-eight carotid plaques were acquired from standard endarterectomy. Micro-computed tomography was performed on the ex vivo samples. Image series were downsampled to represent the resolution of clinical multidetector computed tomography. Agatston, Volume, and Density-Volume carotid calcium scores were then calculated using coronary methodologies. The fractions of low- and high-density calcification were also determined. Results: The coronary calcium scores could not differentiate between carotid plaques from asymptomatic versus symptomatic patients. However, plaques from asymptomatic patients contained significantly lower fractions of low-density calcification and higher fractions of high-density calcification. Conclusions: Screening for carotid calcium density in noncontrast computed tomography could reflect plaque stability.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E250-E253
JournalStroke
Volume51
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sep 2020

Keywords

  • calcification, physiologic
  • calcinosis
  • endarterectomy, carotid
  • humans
  • plaque, atherosclerotic

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