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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | E250-E253 |
Journal | Stroke |
Volume | 51 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Sep 2020 |
Keywords
- calcification, physiologic
- calcinosis
- endarterectomy, carotid
- humans
- plaque, atherosclerotic