Application of high resolution magnetic resonance imaging tube wall imaging technology in the diagnosis of intracranial atherosclerotic plaque

  Objective  To explore the value of high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tube wall imaging technology in the diagnosis of intracranial atherosclerotic plaque.

  Methods  The diagnosis and treatment of 213 patients with intracranial atherosclerotic plaque were analyzed retrospectively. According to the disease status, they were divided into acute cerebral infarction group and transient ischemic attack (TIA) group. The plaque distribution and vascular remodeling of the two groups were compared, and receiver operating curve (ROC) of each index was analyzed.

  Results  The ratio of patients with distribution of plaques in the abdominal wall and upper wall in acute cerebral infarction group was significantly higher than that in TIA group (P < 0.05). The ratio of patients with plaque distribution in the dorsal and inferior wall in acute cerebral infarction group was significantly lower than that in TIA group (P < 0.05). The positive rate of vascular remodeling in the acute cerebral infarction group was significantly higher than that in the TIA group (P < 0.05), and the negative and non-remodeling rates were significantly lower than those in the TIA group (P < 0.05). In the diagnosis of acute cerebral infarction, the percentage of plaque load, the rate of stenosis, the area of plaque (PA), the area of vessel at the narrowest lumen (WA_MLN) and the area of lumen at the narrowest lumen (LA_MLN) showed certain accuracy and sensitivity in diagnosis, and WA_MLN showed the best diagnosis ability, with the best cut-off value of 9.50 mm², and the specificity and sensitivity were 63.00% and 86.70% respectively.

  Conclusion  High resolution MRI tube wall imaging technology has a high value in the diagnosis of intracranial atherosclerotic plaque.