Carotid plaque magnetic resonance imaging and recurrent stroke risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Issue 13 (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deng, Fengbin; Mu, Changping; Yang, Ling; Li, Huaqinag; Xiang, Xuemei; Li, Kang; Yang, Qingjun
• Other Names: Wang. Yutang section editor.
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 99:Issue 13(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: carotid plaque -- magnetic resonance imaging -- recurrent stroke -- systematic review; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Geneeskunde; Medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000019377
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-7974

Abstract

Abstract: Background: MRI findings of carotid plaque components have been studied recently as a tool to predict recurrent ischemic events. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the association of MRI-determined intraplaque hemorrhage, lipid-rich necrotic core, and thinning/rupture of the fibrous cap with recurrent ischemic events. Methods: Electronic search was performed in PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL) from inception to Oct 30, 2018. We included cohort studies with an average follow-up time of more than 1 month in which intraplaque hemorrhage, lipid-rich necrotic core, or thinning/rupture of the fibrous cap were associated with recurrent ipsilateral stroke or ischemic events. We performed heterogeneity assessment before carrying out meta-analysis. According to the heterogeneity, we selected fixed-effect model for meta-analysis of the included cohort studies. Results: Using a prespecified search strategy, of the 2128 articles, 6 studies with a total number of 621 participants met eligibility for systematic review and meta-analysis. The hazard ratios of intra-plaque hemorrhage, thinning/rupture of the fibrous cap and lipid rich necrotic core as recurrent Stroke/Transient ischemic attack (TIA) were 7.14(95% confidence interval, 4.32 to 11.82), 5.68(95% confidence interval, 2.40 to 13.47), and 2.73(95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 7.16), respectively. No significant heterogeneity was found in the 3 meta-analyses. Conclusions: The presence of intraplaque hemorrhage, lipid-rich necrotic core, and thinning/rupture of the fibrous cap on MRI of carotid plaque are strong predictors of recurrent stroke events. However, due to the lack of original studies, larger cohort studies are warranted.