Abstract 19699: Comparison Between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Carotid Plaques in Patients With Bilateral Intraplaque Hemorrhage

Introduction: Prospective studies have showed a strong association between intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) on carotid MRI and increased risk of cerebrovascular ischemic events. However, it is also seen in a substantial number of asymptomatic patients. Serial MRI studies indicate that IPH can persist for years before causing clinical symptoms. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that there are differences in the characteristics of IPH-positive (IPH+) plaques associated with recent symptoms, compared to IPH+ plaques not associated with recent symptoms. Methods: Patients with recent (≤2 weeks) cerebrovascular ischemic events were scanned with a standardized multicontrast protocol that included time-of-flight, black-blood fast spin echoes, and magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MPRAGE). Those showing IPH bilaterally on MPRAGE were included. Multicontrast images were reviewed to obtain information of bilateral IPH+ plaques on plaque morphology and coexisting plaque characteristics. Quantitative measu...