Multimodality imaging of carotid artery plaques: 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging

R.M. Kwee, G.J.J. Teule, R.J. van Oostenbrugge, W.H. Mess, M.H. Prins, R.J. van der Geest, J.W. Ter Berg, CL. Franke, A.G. Korten, B.J. Meems, P.A.M. Hofman, J.M. van Engelshoven, J.E. Wildberger, M.E. Kooi*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study's objective was to compare (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG PET), CT, and MRI of carotid plaque assessment. Materials and METHODS: Fifty patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis underwent (18)F-FDG PET/CT and MRI. Correlations and agreement between imaging findings were assessed by Spearman and Pearson rank correlation tests, t tests, and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Spearman rho between plaque (18)F-FDG standard uptake values and CT/MRI findings varied from -0.088 to 0.385. Maximum standard uptake value was significantly larger in plaques with intraplaque hemorrhage (1.56 vs 1.47; P=0.032). Standard uptake values did not significantly differ between plaques with an intact and thick fibrous cap and plaques with a thin or ruptured fibrous cap on MRI. (1.21 vs 1.23; P=0.323; and 1.45 vs 1.54; P=0.727). Pearson rho between CT and MRI measurements varied from 0.554 to 0.794 (P<0.001). For lipid-rich necrotic core volume, the CT-MRI correlation was stronger in mildly (<or=10%) than in severely (>10%) calcified plaques (Pearson rho 0.730 vs 0.475). Mean difference in measurement +/-95% limits of agreement between CT and MRI for minimum lumen area, volumes of vessel wall, lipid-rich necrotic core, calcifications, and fibrous tissue were 0.4+/-18.1 mm(2) (P=0.744), -41.9 +/-761.7 mm(3) (P=0.450), 78.4+/-305.0 mm(3) (P<0.001), 180.5+/-625.7 mm(3) (P=0.001), and -296.0+/-415.8 mm(3) (P<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, correlations between (18)F-FDG PET and CT/MRI findings are weak. Correlations between CT and MRI measurements are moderate to strong, but there is considerable variation in absolute differences.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3718-24
JournalStroke
Volume40
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2009

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