A comparison study of MPRAGE and histopathology of carotid plaques

Abstract

Taking the close association between MRI assessment of carotid plaques using MPRAGE sequence with symptomatology, we sought to evaluate the correlation between MPRAGE signal intensity and histopathology. MPRAGE signal intensity was significantly correlated with the area of necrotic core (NC) and the degree of intraplaque hemorrahage (IPH). The plaques with MPRAGE high signal, which was defined as more than 200% of that of adjacent muscle, revealed significantly larger NC and more severe IPH than those with low signal. MPRAGE is useful in detecting pathological vulnerable plaques and the intervention of MPRAGE in the management of carotid artery stenosis is feasible.