Carotid plaque magnetic resonance imaging and recurrent stroke risk: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background & Aims: Carotid atherosclerotic plaque is an important cause of carotid artery stenosis. The features of carotid atherosclerotic plaque detected by relevant magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), such as lipid core, plaque hemorrhage, and fibrous cap rupture, have been confirmed to be associated with the occurrence of the first cerebral ischemic event. Meanwhile, the features of carotid atherosclerotic plaque can be used as biomarkers to predict the occurrence of cerebral ischemic event. However, the mechanism of recurrent stroke is still unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis will be performed to summarize the association between features of carotid artery plaque detected by MRI and recurrent stroke, so as to find biomarkers that can predict recurrent stroke.